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THE

NATUEALIST;

ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE

ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, AND MINERAL KINGDOMS.

WITH HIGHLY-FINISHED COLOURED ENGRAVINGS AND WOOD CUTS-

CONDUCTED BY

B. MAUND, F.L.S., and W. HOLL, FG.S.
>

VOL. I.

LONDON:
R. GROOMBRIDGE, PATERNOSTER ROW.

M.DCCC.XXXVII.

THE NATURALIST.

CURSORIUS ISABELLINUS.

ORDER. — ECHASSIERS. FAMILY. PRESSIROSTRES.

THE SWIFTFOOT.

By Shirley Palmer, M. D.

With the view rather of eliciting and collecting, than of communicating,
information on divers obscure parts of Zoology, I propose to give occasionally,
in The Naturalist, a sketch of one of the rarer or more curiously constructed
animals. My delineations will be taken from the best living or the most per-
fectly preserved specimens to which I can obtain access. I shall describe, as
•minutely and correctly as possible, the external characters of the subject of the
sketch ; and any peculiarities of internal structure, or of economy, which it may be
known to exhibit : and most especially shall I feel obliged by the communication
of any authentic facts respecting the anatomy, physiology, or habits of such
animal, which the experienced observer may be enabled, and have the kindness,
to supply. Facts, — not opinions or hypotheses, however novel or specious, — are
the only contributions which I crave, or covet, on these subjects.

The description of the specific characters and habits of the animal will be
followed up, if not preceded, by a sketch of the characters of that genus to which,
in my opinion, it has been most correctly referred ; by an enumeration of its
synonyms in the leading languages of Europe ; and a reference to the most accu-
rate delineations, iconographical or literary, of the animal in question, which I have
hitherto seen.

For the subject of my First Sketch, I have selected, the Cream-coloured
Swiftfoot, Cursorius Isabellinus, — a bird belonging to the Order, Echassiers,
Family, Pressirostres, of Cuvier ; and to the Grallatores, Charadriadce, of
modern British Ornithologists.

VOL. I. b

This elegant bird, — le Coure-vite Isabelle, of Temminck, — and Corrione
biondo, of Italian writers, was arranged, by Gmelin, in the Plover genus, under
the title of Charadrius Gallicus ; and is briefly noticed, but not figured, by
Bewick, in his last edition of the History of British Birds, as the Cream-
coloured Plover. It was first separated from that genus by Latham, and taken as
the type of a new genus, Cursorius ; of which the following are the distinguish-
ing characters : Bill shorter than the head ; depressed at the base ; slightly arched
and curved, and pointed, at the tip. Nostrils, oval, basal, lateral, and surmounted
by a slightly protuberant membrane. Legs long, slender, and naked to some dis-
tance above the tarso-tibial joint. Toes three, short; all directed forwards,
and united by membrane at their base : interior toe much shorter than the middle
toe. Nails small ; that of the middle toe broad, and pectinated on its inner
margin. Naked portion of the tibia, front of the tarsus, and upper surface of the
toes scutellated. Wings of mean length : first quill-feather almost as long as the
second, which is longest.

The following is a correct description of a finely-preserved specimen of the
adult Cream-coloured Swiftfoot, in the Birmingham Museum of Natural History :

Bill black, nearly four-fifths of an inch long. Forehead and crown of the
head, pale buff-orange ; changing, on the hind head, into ash- or smoke-grey.
(The irides, according to Selby, are pale yellowish-grey). A white streak extend-
ing from above the middle of the eye, pointed anteriorly and growing broader as
it runs backward, to unite with its fellow at the occiput. Beneath, and in contact
with this, a black streak of nearly uniform width, commencing at the posterior part
of the eye, and extending to meet its fellow, by an attenuated line on the posterior
margin of the white band on the occiput. The occipital angle of the white streak
filled up, and bordered to a short distance, by an irregularly- but somewhat cres-
cent-shaped patch of black. Nape of the neck bright buff-orange. Whole upper
parts of the body sienna-yellow, with an irregularly distributed tinge of ash-grey.
Chin, throat, neck, and inferior parts, pale yellowish-white. Quill-feathers deep-
brown, bordered at the extremity with buff, and reaching to the end of the tail. Tail
slightly rounded, buff-orange : tail-feathers exhibiting, near the tip, a dark-brown
patch much more distinctly visible on the inferior than the superior surface. Tail-
coverts, above and below, light-grey. Tibiae invested, half way down, with grey
feathers. Tarsi pale buff-orange. Toes more dusky. Claws brown.

Temminck describes " the young of the year," as exhibiting, on the superior
parts, a much clearer yellow colour (isabelle beaucoup plus clair) than the adult
bird ; varied, on the scapulars and wing-coverts, by numerous zigzag marks of a
deeper tint. The double black streak, — or rather, as I have more correctly de-
scribed it, the ordinarily black streak and crescent, — is but faintly marked in
bright-brown. Such, at least, are the characters of a young Swiftfoot preserved
in the cabinet of Natural History, at Darmstadt.

The Cream-coloured Swiftfoot is a native of Africa, especially Abyssinia ; and
an occasional visitant only of the southern provinces of Europe. Three instances
of its capture in our own island have only yet been recorded. The first specimen
was shot in Kent, and sent to Dr. Latham : the second, killed in Wales, found
its way into the collection of the late Professor Sibthorpe, of Oxford : the third
and last, discovered at Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire, is in the possession of
the Rev. Thomas Gisborne, of Yoxall Lodge ; a man equally distinguished by his
eloquence as a Christian minister, and by his talents as a naturalist and a poet.

Of the food, habits, or nidification of the Swiftfoot, little is, at present, known.
The individual, shot in Kent, was observed to run with incredible swiftness, and
occasionally pick up something from the earth. It suffered itself to be twice shot
at ; and could with difficulty be made to take wing. Its note was unlike that of
any known bird.

For figures and descriptions of the Cream-coloured Courser, see Temminck,
Manuel oV Ornithologie, vol. ii., p. 513 ; Weber, Atlas des Oiseaux <T Europe,
Liv. 26, pi. 4 ; Selby, Illustrations of British Ornithology, Part ii., pi. 33, and
vol. ii., p. 217 ; and Jenyns, Manual of British Vertebrate Animals, p. 176.

Two other species of Cursorius are, " to complete the monography of this
little genus," enumerated, and briefly described, by Temminck. The first, C.
Asiaticus, — Courte-vite de Coromandel, — inhabits Africa and India ; and is distin-
guished by the following specific characters : Vertex ruddy ; neck and breast chest-
nut-red ; nucha, wings, and tail, brown : higher parts of the abdomen black ; lower
parts, rump, wing-coverts, and extremities of the tail-feathers, white. Beak black ;
legs yellowish. Length eight inches. The last, C. bicinctus, — Courte-vite a
double collier, — found in the interior of Africa, by Le Vaillant, is characterized
by the existence, as the specific designation indicates, of a double black collar
around the neck. It is ten inches long ; inhabits sterile lands at a distance from
water ; and runs with amazing swiftness.

From the structure of the beak and foot, and the fleetness in running, exhibited
by the three known species of Swiftfoot, and probably also from the sandy and
sterile districts selected for their habitation, Temminck was led to regard them as
nearly allied to the smaller exotic species of the Bustard genus. In accordance
with these views, the Cursorius is made immediately to follow the Otis genus,
in Temminck's valuable work, and in the first edition of Selby's Illustrations.
On deliberate examination, however, the Swiftfoots have been found more closely
to resemble, in their external characters, the Plovers than the Bustards : and
Cursorius has consequently been arranged, by later ornithologists, and by Selby,
in his second edition, as a genus belonging to the Charadriadce, or Plover family.
In general form and character at least, the subject of my present sketch exhibits
a more striking resemblance to the Himantopus melanopterus, or Black-winged
Stilt, than to any other bird with which I am acquainted.

STUDY OF NATURE.
No. I.

Reciprocal influence of the Natural Sciences.
By Robert Mudie.

Though, in the professional part of Natural History, it is necessary, for the ad-
vancement of the science, that there should be a division of labour, something ana-
logous to that which exists among the professors of the arts, whether inventive
or handicraft; and though in the one, the other, and every department of each, this
division of labour, whether more of the head or of the hand, is the only means by
which truth in principle, and dexterity in practice, can be arrived at ; yet, in that
study and knowledge of the productions of Nature, which forms so essential and
so valuable a part of general education, the mode of procedure should be very dif-
ferent. In this, the great danger, and it is great in proportion to the talent and zeal of
the party, is, that some single department shall entice the mind away from that gene-
ral attention to the whole, which is requisite not only to the pleasure and profit of
a well-cultivated mind, in the business and enjoyment of life, and the furtherance
of the general weal of society, but also to the proper understanding and successful
pursuit of the one branch, although that branch is ultimately to be studied profes-
sionally. Thus, even he who is ultimately to be an artist in the investigation of
Nature, must at first be a general student, in the same manner as he who
wants to be successful in any pursuit of life must first be a general scholar, or re-
ceive a good education, in order to enable him to grapple with any difficulty that
may arise.

It is true that there stand upon the record, among those who have shone the
brightest in most departments of human knowledge, and in every branch of human
pursuit, many who appear to have stormed the citadel of knowledge and the tem-
ple of art, without apparent previous education, and with the strength of their own
minds alone. But granting — which not one of themselves would have granted —
that such individuals possessed this innate or instinctive method of arriving at the
high places of the intellectual world, others must not deceive themselves by such
examples. This original genius, even were it as real as it is imaginary, is but as
the one great prize in a lottery of ten thousand blanks ; and thus, though many
might expect it, only one could get it, and all the rest would be losers. But in truth
there is no such original genius. Every step that any human being can take in
knowledge, must be a step in reasoning ; and if the foot is but once let fall any-
where else than on the firm ground of well-sifted and thoroughly-established expe-
rience, down he goes in the quagmire of error and absurdity ; and the labour

which it costs him to regain his footing — if, indeed, he shall ever regain it at all —
would, with proper heed to his steps, have carried him far onward upon his jour-
ney.

Besides, those " stars" of genius follow the law of all other stars, by being con-
spicuous only in the dark, and more conspicuous the more profound the obscurity is,
and the more vacant the space athwart which they are seen. In the mighty dark-
ness of those ages, during which the combined mischief of reckless war, and sense-
less superstition, had well-nigh banished science from the earth, a single scintilla-
tion, and that too of some false light — of some ignis fatuus of the polluted air —
was sufficient to constitute a star of the first magnitude, after which the benighted
children of men wondered and worshipped ; and this they were prone to endow
with " airs from heaven" or " blasts from hell," upon as slender grounds as those
which called forth their wonder and their worship. But as the dawn of true
knowledge broke, and the sun of science neared the horizon, the stars in that part
waxed dim and disappeared ; and when this glorious morning to the human mind
had so far advanced as to shew, as it were, to the great body of the people upon
the earth the objects immediately around them, in their true colours, so that each
man might observe with his own senses, and judge with his own understanding,
those stars of the darkness of intellectual night vanished away, as is the case with
their namesakes of the natural sky.

We do not say that the full light of the sun of knowledge has yet broken upon
even the most lofty pinnacles of human nature ; but we do say that the morning
dawn is both broad and glorious ; so that any one who has eyes to see, and will
use them, may fully understand everything which comes within the range of his
observation, and within the legitimate pale of human philosophy. And it is pre-
cisely because such is the case — because the light of science is general, and sets
off the qualities and the nature of things by their coincidencies and their contrasts,
it has become so necessary thoroughly to understand the general nature of this
light, before we proceed to the details of those subjects which it reveals to us.

The illustrations which we may draw from this analogy of the light of Nature,
and of the light of Science, especially of the science of Nature, are very numerous,
and they are equally apt and striking. It is the light itself which reveals to us
the forms of things, and which paints them with all their varied colours. In the
blackness of darkness, the most lovely flower, or the richest parterre, is a mere
blank ; and if we examine objects by means of a decomposed light, or through a
tainted or coloured medium, the false colour of the light, or the taint of the me-
dium, disguises all that we see ; just as looking through a red glass makes the
whole landscape red ; or as the murky air, by turning aside all the more refrangi-
ble colours of the solar beam, makes the cloud, and even the sun itself, seem
murky. Those matters were not understood until men knew how to divide
the white light of the sun into its component shades. But when once this was

accomplished, the mine of knowledge therein contained was so far from being ex-
hausted, that it was merely opened ; and when chemical analysis came to be united
with this optical, or mechanical, resolution of the sun-beam into its colours, it was
soon found that there were principles there of which the colours, considered
merely as such, had given no indication. The heat, found most intense without
the red extremity of the spectrum, and fading away as the other extremity is ap-
proached, was one wonderful step in discovery ; because it shewed that, besides the
infinite variety of colouring influence in the solar beam, there is an infinite variety
of another influence, following a different law, and not cognizable by our organs of
sight. A further step was the power of oxidation at one extremity of the spec-
trum, and the power of deoxidation at the other, which are not discernible to the
eye like the colours, neither are they palpable to the feeling, or to the thermo-
meter, like the variations of heat.

This is not the ultimate boundary to which judicious analysis, proceeding cautious-
ly by steps of experience, has already arrived on this most beautiful and truly wonder-
ful subject ; for there is a sort of glimmering forecast or belief that all those singular
effects of the different extremities of the spectrum which are gradual from the one
extremity to the other, are modifications of two antagonist powers, as it were, upon
which every action of Nature depends, or rather in which every action of Nature
consists. That there is a close connection, and, indeed, an absolute identity, with
the action of heat, we need not say, for it is felt. On such subjects it requires great
labour, and still greater care and skill, to arrive at any thing like even mental de-
monstration ; but the probability is that there is a similar identity with those ac-
tions which we call electricity, and galvanism, and magnetism, which seem, in
truth, to be nothing else than modifications of one general species of action ; for
when brought to a certain degree of intensity, which has been determined by ex-
periment, their effects are the same ; and identity of effect is the only means that
we have of believing in identity of cause. Nor is this all ; forAwhat we call the
principle of growth in vegetables, and the principle of life in animals, both of
which are merely actions, not substances, and actions differently modified under
different circumstances, we can still trace a striking similarity. Nay, we may
almost venture upon one step farther, which would join the heavens and the earth
together in one mighty problem, and furnish us with an instrument of universal
knowledge, in so far as the material creation and its phenomena are concerned.
Between those more stubborn energies of the solar beam, which resist most power-
fully the refractive influence of the prism, and that gravitating influence which
retains the planets in their orbits, there is a most singular, though, in the present
state of knowledge, a most mysterious, resemblance, — they are both stubborn to
the line which joins body and body. On the other hand, there is a corresponding
resemblance between the more yielding or refractive energies, and that orbital
force which balances the central one, and sustains the planet in its orbit. It is

true that we must speak with great caution of matters so refined as these are, and
so little within the limits of our common observation ; but still so many of them
are clearly established, and they point so naturally to the establishment of the
others, that it is desirable to keep the spirit of inquiry awake, and ready to avail
itself of every means of additional knowledge.

Some may ask, what all this has to do with the study of the Natural Sciences ?
but such a question can be put only by those who have confined themselves to one
department, and are, by necessary consequence, ignorant of the general bearings
even of that department in its relations to, and its influence upon, the rest of nature-
Let any one cast a glance of knowledge over the globe which we inhabit, and mark
the various productions of its different hemispheres, its different latitudes, its
different elevations, its different surfaces and soils, and its different alternations of
land and of water ; and he will not fail to see that some principle which will meet
all those differences is absolutely necessary, if his contemplation is to do any-
thing else than to torment him with the sting of his own ignorance. Why grows
the pine in such countless millions in the higher latitudes of the northern hemis-
phere ; while in those of the south there are no corresponding trees, except a few
clusters of araucarias ? Why does the fern stand, in certain southern forests, as
a tall and perennial ornament, while our plants of the same natural family die
down to the earth every season ? Why does the palm rear its majestic stem and
expand its graceful crown of leaves in every tropical country round the earth's
girdle, and constitute there the most valuable tree, both for food and for shelter,
to man ; while so high as the middle latitudes of the quadrants, not a single speci-
men, planted by Nature, is to be found ?

Such are one or two, out of countless thousands of questions, which stand at
the very portal of the temple of Nature, loudly demanding each its answer before
the student can profitably enter. We might extend them to every department of
both kingdoms of active nature ; and as the members of these are composed of
the same matter as that which we call the inactive kingdom, it also must be in-
cluded. All this, too, is confined to the present moment ; but when once a man
is imbued with a love of Nature, he cannot resist looking back at the record. Nor
will he fail to ask himself such questions as the following : why are our tree fern,
our elephant, our hippopotamus, and countless others, to be found only buried
in the earth ; while other regions in the world have theirs still growing or alive
on its surface ? We shall return to the subject.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE
STUDY OF COMPARATIVE ANATOMY,

WITH A TRANSLATION OF BLUMENBACH's CHAPTER ON THE STRUCTURE OF

THE BONES.

Human Anatomy and Physiology constitute the great foundation of all medi-
cal science. A correct acquaintance with the structure and functions of the lower
animals is not less essential to the physiologist and the student of Zoology than to
the medical philosopher. No one can acquire a profound insight into the func-
tions of the human organs, unless he have borrowed from Comparative Anatomy
the clear and powerful light which that interesting science can alone supply.
Structure, again, is the broad and solid basis upon which all consistent and phi-
losophical arrangements of the animal kingdom must ultimately repose. Had the
late Dr. Haighton, of London, wisely condescended to examine, previously to the
promulgation of his views, the relative situation of the spleen in some of the infe-
rior animals, we should never have been favoured with his specious but ephemeral
theory of the physiology of that organ in the human body. If the great Linnaeus
had been as sound a comparative anatomist, as he has shewn himself an accurate
observer of the exterior forms of natural objects, the lobster could never have
preposterously figured, in his System, among apterous insects. Nor by any zoolo-
gist, even slightly cognizant of the anatomy and physiological peculiarities of the
Cetacea, or Whale tribe, could these singularly constructed animals have been
placed, or retained, as by the superficial Pennant, in the class of Fishes.

The study of the animal kingdom, although not so obviously and directly
useful, is almost as interesting to the man of business, and the student of the dif-
ferent sciences, as to the medical practitioner. To all, it offers an occupation for
the hour of leisure or retirement, not less salutary than delightful. The individual,
upon whose habits of order, precision of thought, and accuracy of discrimination,
success or failure in the paths of commerce or agriculture must mainly depend,
will be gratefully surprized at the increased facilities and power which he cannot
fail to acquire, in the performance of these intellectual operations, from the habit
of observing, and arranging in his mind, the varied facts and phenomena which
the field of animated nature is incessantly presenting to his view. And the agri-
culturist, by an acquaintance with the principles of Comparative Anatomy and
Physiology, will be best enabled to comprehend the nature and treatment of the
diseases of those domestic animals in the well-being of which he is so deeply
interested ; as, by an insight into the economy and transformations of the insect
tribes, he can alone be prepared to effectually remedy, or avert, their frequently
ruinous depredations on the produce of his fields.

To the man of loftier intellect or aspirations, who has fortunately learned to
gaze upon creation with the eye of the naturalist and philosopher, rather than of
the poet, an examination of the structure and economy of the animal kingdom will
disclose elevating and comprehensive views, and supply facts and illustrations ;
which, whatever be the path of science or literature he is destined to tread, may
incessantly be turned to admirable account in his peculiar calling : and, as Cuvier
has beautifully observed, the peaceful pursuits of Zoology will serve to tranquillize
and sustain the agitated and the weary spirit amidst all the anxieties and disap-
pointments, the petty jealousies and detractions, with which those paths are so
sadly and so painfully infested.

The application of the study of Zoology, as of Natural History in general, to
the science of Medicine, is not less evident in other respects, than in its more
immediate connections with the Anatomy and Physiology of the human body.
From the animal and vegetable, the mineral and gaseous kingdoms, the physician
and surgeon derive all the boasted resources of their beneficent art : and ought not
the workman to cultivate a familiarity the most intimate with the structure and
composition, the properties and arrangement, of those instruments which he is
incessantly called upon to employ ? In the character and tendency of studies like
these, as in the intellectual discipline which they necessarily impose, there are,
also, an especial fitness, and an influence, calculated most powerfully to re-
commend them to the notice of medical men. For he, whose organs of observa-
tion have been sedulously trained to the accurate discrimination of the minuter
differences whereby the various species of animal, plant, or mineral, are respec-
tively characterized, will, doubtless, in general, more readily and distinctly appre-
ciate, than the man of untutored eye, the slighter diversities, the more delicate
and evanescent forms and phenomena, exhibited by disease. It may even be
questioned whether science and humanity have not been principally indebted to
the habits of close and patient observation acquired by Dr. Jenner, in his pur-
suits as a naturalist, for the splendid discovery which has immortalized his own
name, and thrown an additional and enduring lustre around the scientific reputa-
tion of his country.

The mind of the medical practitioner, moreover, if, in the hour of retirement
from the active duties of his profession, it be not occupied by these elevating and
congenial subjects, will too frequently contract habits, or fly for recreation to
amusements deeply injurious or destructive to that calm, contemplative, and philo-
sophic spirit, which he will best consult his interests and reputation by cultivating
or acquiring ; and utterly inconsistent with the comprehensive attainments and
intelligence, the purity and decorum, the lofty elevation of character and of feeling,
by which the votary of medical science should invariably be distinguished.

Deeply impressed with a conviction of the utility of these studies, and the be-
neficent influence which they are calculated to exert upon the public mind, we have
vol. i. c

lost no opportunity which presented itself, of inciting those around us, and more
especially the younger members of the medical profession, to the prosecution of a
path of inquiry from which we have, ourselves, derived such pure and delightful
recreation, — so many and such solid advantages. In this spirit, we, nine years ago,
contemplated a translation, from the German, of the last edition of Blumenbach's
celebrated Manual of Comparative Anatomy. Subsequently to 1807, when Mr.
Lawrence's masterly translation of that work was first published, Zootomy had
made a rapid stride in this country, and, more particularly, on the continent ; and
one or two other editions of Blumenbach's Manual had seen the light. On re-
ceiving information, however, from Mr. Coulson, that he was actually engaged
upon the work, we, without hesitation, abandoned the project. His translation,
or rather revised edition of Mr. Lawrence's translation, soon afterwards appeared ;
but we candidly avow that the work, in its style of execution, falls very far short
of the expectations which, from our knowledge of the talents, industry, and attain-
ments of Mr. Coulson, we had been led to indulge. Several inaccuracies which
had escaped the vigilant eye of Mr. Lawrence, have been suffered to pass without
correction. Various errors, of which that distinguished writer never could have
been guilty, disfigure the interpolations of Mr. Coulson ; and divers passages, in-
troduced by the German Professor into the last edition, have been doomed to inex-
plicable neglect. Still worse, the notes of Blumenbach and Lawrence have been
frequently incorporated, by the sub-translator, with the original text : and the bulk
of the volume has been needlessly swelled by the introduction of matter frequently
uninteresting, and sometimes destitute of any very obvious connection with the
subject. Under these circumstances, we may, perchance, render an acceptable
service to the readers of The Naturalist, by presenting a close and nearly literal
translation, without regard to elegancies of style, of certain portions of the pure
text of the last edition of Blumenbach's Manual; and concisely adding, in notes,
such new facts and illustrations as our own reading and observation may enable
us to supply. For the benefit of the student of German, we shall add, in paren-
theses, the German synonyms of such of the various scientific and especially
anatomical terms, as cannot be found in the ordinal y dictionaries of the language.
The French and Latin synonyms, when new or peculiar, will also be introduced.

The Manual of Blumenbach, it will be seen, is destined merely to communicate
elementary knowledge : and, on this account, we have selected it as far better
adapted for the purpose of conveying popular instruction, than the more elaborate,
profound, and comprehensive productions of the later German and the French
zootomists. A very correct general acquaintance with the anatomy of animals
may, however, be acquired from an attentive and re-iterated perusal of Blumen-
bach's work ; especially if the student be careful to impress upon his memory the
leading facts of the German writer, and to verify his descriptions by frequent
examination of, and their comparison with, such specimens of the animal structure

as may fall within his reach. They, who thirst for knowledge from a deeper source
of zootomical science than the Manual of Blumenbach supplies, will find, in the
writings of Cuvier, Blainville, and Geoflroy-St.-Hilaire, among the French — , of
Meckel and Carus, among the German — , and Macartney, Lawrence, Grant, and
Todd,* among British zoologists, ample stores wherewith to gratify their longing.
In this number, we shall merely present, as a specimen of our proposed labour,
a transcript of the first short chapter of Blumenbach's work. The continuation,
or abandonment, of the project will entirely depend upon its reception by the
public. If deemed useful and instructive, it will be steadily prosecuted to the end.
Yet an adverse opinion, however it may cause a slight deviation, will not ultimately
deter us from our fixed purpose ; which is that of exhibiting, in a series of contri-
butions to The Naturalist, an outline, traced with all the clearness and precision
which we can employ, of the anatomy, physiology, and principles of arrangement,
of the Animal Kingdom.

MANUAL OF COMPARATIVE ANATOMY.

First Chapter.

Of the Structure of the Bones of Animals, in General.

§ 1. None but red-blooded animals (die rothbliitigen Thiere) possess a true
skeleton ;f in which their bones are, with few exceptions,^: united ; and on which
the general figure, and the degree of flexibility, of their body principally depend.

§ 2. The ordinary white colour^ of the bones exhibits several shades or gra-

* We particularly recommend to the notice of the student the excellent Cyclopedia of
Anatomy and Physiology, now in progress of publication, by Mr. Todd.

-f- Only in a few insects and worms (Crustacea and Zoophytes), are parts of a really os-
seous structure developed : as the bones in the stomach of the lobster, and other species of
the Cancer (or AstacusJ genus ; and the bony apparatus in the mouth of the Sea-urchin,
Echinus (See-Igel). These parts, at least, more closely resemble, in structure, true bone
than the peculiar substance, Os Sepia, obtained from the Cuttle-fish, Sepia officinalis.

X These exceptions principally are the os hyoides, or bone of the tongue (zungenbein),
the patella, and sesamoid bones, in many of the Mammifera, as in man ; the bone of the
membrum virile, in divers other of the same class, as the dog; the clavicular bones (ossa cla-
vicularia) of certain Mammalia, as many of the Ferae, and some GHres, in which these bones
exist, merely connected with the muscles ; and the whole thoracic extremity in those ani-
mals which, as the Solidungula, possess no clavicle ; the bony ring in the sclerotica of the
bird's eye ; and the intermuscular bones (Fleischgraten, — ossicula musculorum) of fishes ;
and their ventral fins, which correspond to the pelvic extremities of the higher animals.

% It is remarkable that the well-known experiment of imparting a red colour to the
bones of an animal, by the admixture of madder with its food, succeeds very imperfectly in
cold-blooded animals (kaltbliitige Thiere).

dations, sometimes even in the same piece ; as, for instance, in the grinding-teeth
(backenzahnen) of the Elephant : and in some few genera, or races, of animals,
they are invariably of another colour. Thus, the bones of the Gar-pike (der
Hornfisch, — Esox belone, — Belone vulgaris, of modern ichthyologists, — la Be-
lone, Fr.) are green ; and the bones of many varieties of the common fowl are
of a blackish colour.

§ 3. Still more variable is their texture and grain, as well in different bones
of the same skeleton, as in those of particular classes and orders of animals.
Thus, the fragile constitution of the air-bones (Luftknochen) of birds ; their
fibrous structure in many of the larger Amphibia (Amphibien) and fishes ; and
their peculiar toughness and density in some parts of many cartilaginous fishes,
(Knorpelfische) conspicuously distinguish them from other bones.

§ 4. The crown, or exposed portion, of the teeth excepted, the bones are uni-
versally invested, on the exterior, with periosteum (Beinhaut) ; and, for the most
part, are provided internally with marrow ;* which, differing greatly in consistence,
is, in the Cetacea (Cetaceen), a fluid oil (ein flussiger thran).

§ 5. The teeth again, for the most part, excepted, the bones are formed by
the ossification of original cartilages. This process of ossification appears, ceteris
paribus, to commence earlier, and go on more rapidly, in viviparous (lebendig
gebahrende) than in oviparous animals (Eyerlegende Thiere). This fact, at
least, results from comparison of the incubated chick with the foetus of Mammi-
fera (ungebohrne Saugethiere). Among the latter, again, many points of ossifi-
cation are sooner completed in quadrupeds than in man. P.

NOTES ON BRITISH INSECTS.
By James Charles Dale, M.A., F.L.S., &c, &c.

Coleoptera. — Cicindela sylvatica is found in great plenty on Parley Heath,
in the New Forest, &c, in hot, dry, sandy paths or heaths, as early as May 9th,
and appears in constant succession till October 9th, according to my journal.
Cicindela maritima I have never taken, but have seen alive at Bourne Mouth,
Hants, on hot, sandy places, near the sea, from the middle (?) of May ; and ac-
cording to the MSS. of the late Captain Blomer, he found it in profusion near the
mouth of the river Ogmore, in South Wales, in June, 1832, and sent me several,

• Principal exceptions : The horns of the Stag, the long bones of the Seal, the Cetacea,
attd the Turtle, which exhibit no medullary cavity ; and the air-hones of birds.

amongst which one appeared very nearly allied to, if not identical with, C. hybri-
da. Cicindela Germanica I have found at Black-Gang-Chine, in the Isle of
Wight, and in great profusion near Charmouth, and Seaton, where I also found
the larva. It appears from the middle of June to the middle of September, and
differs from the other Cicindelce in seldom taking wing, and delighting in wet
places, among reeds, amidst which it runs very fast. It appears to be mostly con-
fined to the coast, but has been found sparingly near Reading and Dartford. Ca-
rabus purpurascens has been discovered near Weymouth, by Mr. Saunders, about
1833. Carabus intricatus: one of these fine insects was caught in Mamhead
Park, near Dawlish, a few years ago, and two specimens were taken amongst
alders, at Shobroke, near Exeter, and are in the cabinet of a person at Taunton.
Cistela curvipes was found on Lodmoor, near Weymouth, by Mr. Saunders.
Platypus cylindricus, I took a few of, in the New Forest, on the 3rd of August
last. Cryptocephalus bilineatus, in plenty near Langport and Carisbroke Castle.
Anisoplia ruricola has been found abundant in the Devil's Ditch, and Triplow
Heath ? and Gog Magog Hills, where I took one, June 26, 1833. It seems
nearly confined to that part of the kingdom, one only having been found near
Reading till, I believe, last July 6th, when I was surprized by taking one near Lul-
worth, when I was in company with Frederick F. Morris, Esq.

Lepidoptera. — In the British Museum is a curious larva, black, with white
belts, and a spine on the tail, found on the pine, in Scotland, by Dr. Leach. The
year 1834 seems to have been very favourable for the appearance of the sphin-
gidce. Three specimens of Deilephila Livornica were taken near Peterborough,
July 5, 1834, one of which (all p 's) laid eggs which were hatched and nearly full
fed ; besides a larva taken by a boy near that place and killed, another was taken,
about tb^e same time, near Worcester. One was found, April the 19th, 1829,
at Wakering, Essex ; and other captures, within a few years, refute the idea of its
not being British. A very perfect specimen (though faded, from having been
hung up many years in a glass case, on a wall) is in the cabinet of the Rev. F. O.
Morris. — Celerio : I have a very fine one, found at Brighton ; others have been
found at Newcastle, Ramsgate, Worcester, Peterborough, near London, &c. —
Achemon, of Drury : Mr. Stothard had one which, he said, he took in his garden,
in Newman-street, Oxford-street, many years ago. — Euphorbia : there are two
unset in the Linnean Cabinet, with a ticket — " Devon, Dr. Wavell, 1818." —
Galii has been found at Bridgewater, Langport, Charmouth, Yarmouth, &c, all
within these last two or three years : August and September seem to be the sea-
son for it. — Atropos : August 15, 1825, Captain Blomer found a larva, very
dark, and similar (?) to Fuesly's figure, near Bideford ; but the moth did not vary
when bred. — Populi : I took a large pale variety of, July 30, 1808, and Captain
Blomer bred another similar one, July 30, 1825. Those found in June are
smaller, and darker in colour.

Noctua. — Haworthi, Curtis. There is a specimen in the Linnean Cabinet,
marked " Angl., D. Jones, unknown." — Prcecox, in Linnean Cabinet, marked
"Portland Island, Allen." — Citrina ? in Linnean Cabinet, marked "Noctua
mucronea, B. Clark: Suff., Kirby, 1797; rariss." — Siona dealbata, near
Lang-port, June, 1835 ; Mr. Quekett. — Arcturus : Mr. Westwood says that
Mr. Curtis's genus Arcturus must be rejected, having been previously used by
Latreille, to distinguish a genus of Crustacea. (Perhaps Latreille's genus Arc-
turus may fall also, being used in Astronomy ; and Stephens's Janus has been
used by Kirby and Spence). But what will be gained by its being changed ?
Can a Moth ever be confounded with a Crab f The name Colias, a genus of
Butter/lies, was previously used for a genus of Fishes, I believe, and yet it is con-
tinued by all ; and perhaps neither may stand eventually, by the perpetual chang-
ing of systems. Agabus is used for a genus of Water Beetles, but its proper sig-
nification is a Locust ! !

Again ; Mr. Curtis is said to have placed Acentria at col. 137 of his Guide,
at the end of Trichoptera. Mr. Curtis not being sure that Acentropus was iden-
tical, of course gave another name, similar however, and, in the Guide, places it
just before Lepidoptera, one of which Mr. Westwood considers it. Mr. Curtis's
arguments have more weight with me that it is Trichopterous ; and they both
agree that Stephens is wrong in putting it in the Neuroptera.

Moses Harris, in his Vade Mecum, mentions his having seen an JEgeria on
a flower, in Norwood. JEgeria ichneumoniformis I found an hermaphrodite
specimen of, near Lulworth, on the 6th of July last ; August 5th and 1 1th, I
found several at Carisbroke Castle, varying much in size. The small variety is
figured by Mr. Wood as a new species, and named Muscceformis. Mr. Rudd took
a very large and magnificent specimen on the 1 1th, which shews it was not too late,
although several were much faded ; I also took one near Niton, on the 8th. The
late Captain Blomer observed that they vary in size, and he found them in plenty
near Teignmouth, settled on rocks from June 29 to the end of July. Some I
observed were fond of the Ononis : they seemed partial to the neighbourhood of
the sea. JEgeria vespiformis, (Curtis), I took in plenty, the end of May and
beginning of June, in Clapham Park Woods, Bedfordshire : the first I saw was
on a leaf of burdock ; but I afterwards found the larvae and pupae under the bark
of the stumps of oaks, and found them in every stage at the same time. Mr.
Rudd took one in the New Forest the end of May, 1834 ; and I saw one the
beginning of August, 1835, hovering over an oak stump there, but lost it ; a cloud
passing over the sun at the same time. Hypogymna dispar, found on the Turf
Moor, near Shapwick, Somerset. In the Linnean Cabinet I observed a Moth
allied to the genus Spilosoma, or Arctia. Whitish, or speckled slightly with
black, and rather transparent, from Mr. Hudson ; but it is not noticed as British
in any book I have seen : the antennae are too much pectinated for it to belong to

Spilosoma. Mr. Bentley bought the specimen of denudatus* of The Entomologi-
cal Transactions, at the sale of the late Mr. Haworth. Penthrophera nigricans,
I had found previously two larva? enclosed in cases, which I suspected to belong to
this species, and I found one, August, 1835, on Parley Heath, which, not having
bred the spring following, I cut open, and found it had changed to a pupa, but had
died ; which I attribute to the shaking it got on my returning home, on horseback,
a distance of nearly thirty miles. I hope to ascertain more, against another time,
about this curious insect. Lobophera polycommata, one taken near Sparkford Inn,
Somerset, end of February, 1832. In the Linnean Cabinet there is a very large
specimen of Papilio Podalirius,\ I believe, from North America. Dr. Abbot
mentions, in his MSS., having taken Pontia Raphani near Bedford, August 6,
1799. I bought his collection, but I cannot make out which specimen he means
by it, as there is a variety of Napi and one of Callidice with the name of glacialis
on it. In the Linnean Cabinet I observed a Hipparchia, with a ticket, on which
is " Angl., Hudson, rariss :" mixed with three or four more under the name Arca-
nius ; but the one with the ticket has certainly nothing to do with Arcanius, and
is either a variety of Davus or Polydama, and probably from the neighbourhood
of Bala Lake, or Pemble Meer. The ? of Lyccena argiolus taken in the
spring, have a narrow black tip to the superior wings ; that in the autumn, very
broad. Hesperia comma, taken as early as July 22nd, 1835, on the Blandford
race course.

Diptera. — Cecidomya pictipennis I have found as early as February 10th,
in 1832, on moss, and roots, &c, of Whitethorn. Anisomera ? nigra, a spe-
cies with very long antennae (especially the $ ) found at Kenfig Pool, South
Wales, by the late Captain Blomer, 1832. Leptomorphus Walheri, found dead
in a window, at Blandford. Messala Saundersii I took at Glanville Wootton,
this spring. Oxycera Leonina : the Rev. F. O. Morris gave me a J , and July
9th last I took a <? at Charmouth. Oxycera Morrisii, I took one of, at Backs-
bite, near Cambridge, June, 1833 ; which is the only locality I know of, besides
the neighbourhood of Charmouth. Medeterus conspersus, on a boggy part of
Lewel Heath, near Dorchester, 1835. CEstrus pictus : on the 31st of last July, in
passing through some high fern near Rufus's stone, in the New Forest, two insects
settled before me on the fern, which I missed taking, owing to the stems of the
fern meeting the net. I thought, at the time, they were the CEstrus pictus. The
next day, however, one came and settled before me on some dry leaves, near Lynd-
hurst, which I captured. It varies a little from Mr. Curtis's figure, having the
centre of the thorax tawny. Mr. Samouelle's specimen (figured by Curtis) was
taken in June.

* Mr. Raddon has a foreign specimen of denudatus.

f Mr. Curtis has figured Podalirius on plate 578 of his British Entomology.

Hymenoptera. — Cephus satyrus, pusillus, and tabidus, abundant at Glan-
ville Wootton, in 1835. Evania rninuta in plenty at Black-Gang-Chine, Isle of
Wight ; also, Parley Heath, and near Mount Misery, 1835. E. fulvipes,
one near Christchurch Head, August, 1835. Eumenes atricornis, I have
seen small round earthen pods on the heath, but never knew what they were
till this year, when I bred this species, on July 6th. I have taken it as early as
May 26th, and as late as the end of August, on Parley Heath, New Forest, and
Ramsdown ; and Captain Blomer found one or two in Wales. Nomada : I see
by Captain Blomer's journal that he bred one I Sparazion frontale was found
rather plentifully by Mr. Rudd and myself at Black-Gang-Chine and Parley Heath,
last August, but not in the New Forest, I believe. Scelio rugolosus is in profu-
sion at Lulworth. I have taken it at Glanville's Wootton, and other places, not
uncommonly.

Hemiptera. — Pentatoma pusilla : I took four specimens in an inclosure in
the New Forest, June 27, 1832. Cydnus dubius taken on the Gog Magog Hills,
in April, at Portland ferry, by Mr. Streatfield ; and I took a pair on Hodd Hill,
August 19th, 1835.

There has been some difference of opinion as to whether Lyccena Agestis,
Salmacis, and Artaxerxes, form three, two, or only one species ; I am in fa-
vour of the last, and consider the difference to arise merely from the influence
of locality, or geographical distribution. The Artaxerxes, I believe, is not found
south of the Tweed, excepting only one found in Devon, according to Dr. Leach's
MSS. But I have observed a few having a slight black pupil to the ocelli, on the
reverse side ; and one I took at Duddingston Loch has it more distinct than some
of those taken at Newcastle, where it assumes the name of Salmacis ; some
resembling the former, and some differing but little from our southern species
(Agestis) or variety, and which has been supposed by some persons to be
hybrids. From those who contend for three species, I would request opinions as
to a specimen lately taken, near Langport, by Edward Paul, Esq., being evidently
Agestis (a remarkably fine p ) with a more complete white spot, with a black
pupil, than any I have seen from Newcastle ; and I have a specimen or two shew-
ing a little white cincture to the black spot. Surely it would be going too far to
make a. fourth species ; and yet it is better than Salmacis. I think this proves,
beyond doubt, that they are but one species ; and I think this Langport variety an
interesting capture. Mr. Bentley has a beautiful variety of Agestis, totally desti-
tute of black ocelli on reverse. The larvae of Butterflies are not very often met
with, and I should have thought the time to seek for them would be in the sun-
shine ; but by the MSS. of the late Captain Blomer, I find he collected several
by the use of a lanthorn, such as Hipparchia Galathea, Janira, &c. : and I find,
also, he bred from larva a specimen of Lycozna Alsus, our smallest British But-
terfly ; and from his journal I should imagine him to have been a most indefati-
gable collector.

NOTES OF A BOTANIST.

To the Editors of " The Naturalist."

The perusal of your prospectus has imparted to me, and I doubt not to
many, a pleasurable satisfaction. That individual must, surely, be wilfully blind
to what passes around him, who cannot recognize in very much of the boasted
science of our times, an unhappy admixture of the leaven of scepticism ; and senti-
ments are unblushingly promulgated, which, if extended to their extreme limits,
would plunge us headlong into the vortex of unredeeming atheism. With some,
indeed, it seems a matter of course to introduce into their communications, how-
ever irrelevant, a sneer at revelation, by way of episode. Such cowardly and un-
courteous conduct, so far from recommending science and increasing the number of
her votaries, makes her features repulsive, and her lineaments unamiable. It is a
flagrant breach of the rights and privileges of the commonweal, to convert science
into a subtile medium for sapping the foundation of all religion, whether natural
or revealed ; because the opinions thus infused happen to be the private senti-
ments of the individual whose name they bear, but who may be a stranger to the
multifarious arguments by which opposite conclusions may be supported and con-
firmed. Far be it from me to fetter or to curb the reins of thought : nay, rather
let thought expatiate boundlessly and range fearlessly among her magic creations.
I would only stay her flight to forbidden regions, and confine her excursions to
their legitimate province.

The spontaneous origination of matter, innate vitality of atoms, convertibility
of plants into animals, and its reverse, with all their numerous offsets and ramifi-
cations, are among the hideous scars which mar the beauty of Natural History, in
many of the writings of modern times. Vague and unmeaning hypotheses,
remarkable only for their reckless folly, cradled among the atheistical notions of
continental philosophy, form a chaos of absurdity in which not a few, I fear, of
our pseudo-philosophers are now floundering purblind ; and unmitigated by a soli-
tary ray of genuine truth, inculcate sentiments and opinions as hostile to induc-
tive science, as they are to common sense and sober reason.

The only maxims that will guide us surely and lead us safely, are those that
own a Bacon for their counsellor, and a Newton for their engineer. Under
their guidance and direction, the progress of knowledge will be solid and sterling,
and her triumphs lasting and brilliant. The path of wisdom will then, indeed, be
illuminated by a light from heaven. These are the tests and touchstone of
genuine truth, and the only standard of legitimate appeal ; and, while one says,
" I am of Lamarck," and another, " I of Latreille or St. Hillaire," be it mine,

with Bacon, to admit nothing that bears not the stamp of trial and the signet of
inductive scrutiny ; be it mine to accept no theory as valid, that is not the off-
spring of accumulated facts, collected from the roll and register of multiplied and
diversified experiments ; be it mine never to torture or to twist, lengthen or
shorten, with the inquisition of a Procrustes, however ingenious may be the
device and cunning, facts and experiments to suit preconceived whims and
fancies ; be it mine, also, with Newton, to trace the phenomena of the universe of
being, up to their divine origin and sublime and awful source.

I cannot, therefore, but rejoice, that, in your prospectus, you have avowed
yourselves as determined never to forget the dependence of the whole on the one
Divine Originator. I am sure numbers will join with me, in wishing every suc-
cess to a periodical that comes to us so highly recommended ; and I am quite cer-
tain there can be no sound philosophy that does not recognize an intelligent first
cause, and a prospective and legislative Providence.

By way of apology for these preliminaries, I beg to communicate, ad inte-
rim, a few miscellanea, as an earnest of something more elaborate for an early
number.

I. — Natural Ventilation of Seeds.

This occurs to me as one among many questions of curious interest in the
physiology of plants ; though I believe it has been entirely overlooked. The
seed-vessel of the Heart's-ease is pendent and reversed ; the seeds are ultimately
naked and exposed till the period for their dispersion arrives, when the seed-vessel
becomes erect, and adjusts its open valves to imbibe the direct rays of the sun-
beam. In the former case, it is evident that rain could not injure the immature
seeds, nor moisture lodge within the cavities. In some plants we find the reverse
of all this, the exception being provided for their peculiar contingencies. The
Butter-nut, is supplied with an open slit, or natural vent, for the specific
purpose of ventilation ; and there is, also, for the same reason, a circular
orifice at the apex of the shell that encloses the triangular Brazilian Nuts — a shell
possessed of adamantine hardness. By this opening atmospheric air, as in the
former case, gains admission. In the capsules of the Poppy, the ventilating
orifices are beneath the canopy which crowns them. On both sides of the Hura
crepitans, or Monkey's Dinner-bell, there are narrow meshes, or windows, by
which the air circulates, matures the seeds, and promptly dries up whatever mois-
ture may find an occasional lodgement within the shell ; it would, otherwise,
explode long before the period of maturity supervenes. In the Hernandia
sonora, or Whistling Jack-in-a-Box, the air winds among the avenues of the
seeds, there being a round aperture on the summit of the capsule, and the seeds
occupying only a limited portion of the inner chamber : the tree thus becomes

vocal ; and the tropical traveller, often surprized by these unearthly sounds of the
forest, starts affrighted. The Wild Carrot contracts and inflects its umbels
during rain, and unfurls them in dry weather : the air then sifts and filters
through the interstices, thus ventilating the seeds that might otherwise decay
from excess of moisture. The spiral valves of the Didyrnacarpus rexii are sensi-
ble hygroscopes ; they untwist in dry weather, and expose the seeds attached to
the axis, to the genial and ripening influence of the atmosphere. In moist wea-
ther, the valves will be found screwed closely together, completely impervious to
air and moisture. Similar phenomena are very numerous, and examples might
be indefinitely multiplied ; but these are sufficient to illustrate my position.

II. — Dietetics and Therapeutics, as applied to Vegetation.

That roots are selecting, discriminating, and appropriating organs, there can
be no reasonable doubt ; nor can it be expected that all plants should subsist on
the same kind of food. As plants are infinitely diversified in their appearance,
condition, and the local circumstances under which they are found, with the phe-
nomena presented in their secretions and excretions, it follows that a diversity of
diet is necessary. Various earths, and diversified materials from animal and
vegetable sources, afford the nutriment we commonly apply ; but oftentimes no
rule of discrimination is adopted, for the same unvarying routine is incessantly
repeated. Some peculiar kinds of plants are so much out of the ordinary way, in
their port and manner, that they must, prima facie, enforce the importance of
discrimination being necessary. The Drosera rotundifolia, and even the Pin-
guicula — the Dioncea muscipula and Sarracenias — are all clearly more indebted
to animal matter for their supplies than other sources, and hence are duly sup-
plied with bristles, pouches, and traps, to entangle and to catch insects ; the
decomposed animal matter being necessary to their well-being.

In the year 1818, I discovered that the bulbs of Hyacinths, the Narcissus,
Persian Iris, &c, grown in root-glasses, excreted carbonic acid gas, &c, by their
fibres. Macaire has since verified the fact ; though I remember that, when I
communicated the circumstance to Mr. Edward Rudge, he expressed much scep-
ticism regarding the fact. This has, however, lately attracted considerable notice,
and is likely to command still greater attention. Gum anime is found in cakes,
among the roots of the Hymencea courbaril ; and it is notorious that the Sal-
sola kali impregnates the soil, where it grows, with alkaline matter. The
roots of many plants are very tenacious of life, and intense temperatures do not
destroy their vitality ; the roots of the Vitex Agnus castus will not be affected,
though immersed in boiling water ; and boiling water may, in many instances, be
applied to the roots of plants, without injury. Again, if a mass of roots be
divided into two parcels, acetate of lead, in solution, being absorbed on one side,

20-

may be evolved again, by tbe second parcel, on the other side. Certain plants
may absorb some * poisons' by their roots, with impunity, which would be destruc-
tive to others. Other phenomena illustrate and confirm these truths, and it
would be altogether superfluous to detail them.

But irrespective of the facts connected with the excretions of the roots which
have been assumed as explanatory of the necessity of the rotation of crops, there
is another interesting question involved in the curious inquiry, to which I am
desirous to call attention, and which, as far as I know, has never been once sus-
pected. It is this : how far particular plants may, or may not, prove injurious by
their proximity to others, from exudations and exhalations of a more or less vola-
tile kind, as well as gaseous products arising from stems, foliage, and flowers ; and
therefore to what extent plants reciprocally affect each other. Certain plants grow
freely side by side, or in juxta-position ; whilst the very reverse is the fact with
others. Certain shrubs luxuriate beneath the shade of trees, and the copious
showers that trickle from their branches ; while myriads would be destroyed
under similar circumstances. Many plants perish near others, or disappear
without any visible cause. Though the corrosive liquid that distils from the
branches of the Manchineel is of too palpable a character to be questioned, there
are others that seem more dubious. The blighting influence of the Barberry on
certain crops, however, appears not to be apocryphal. The hardiest weed will not
dare to shew itself beside that gigantic reed, the Bamboo ; and bees fall down
dead suddenly, should they perchance alight on the branches of the Rhus vernix.

J. MURRAY, F.L. & G.S.

(To be continued.)

AN ACCOUNT OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE HEART IN THE
TESTUDO MYDAS, OR GREEN TURTLE.

The heart, in the several families of the Tortoises and Turtles, presents
curious peculiarities adapted to the mode of life of the animals in whom these ano-
malies of anatomical disposition are met with. Each species varies a little in the
anatomical structure of the central organ of the circulation ; but I shall, in this
paper, take the Testudo mydas as the type of all animals of this order. The
Testudo mydas, or Green Turtle, — the Tortue franche, of Cuvier, called by the
Germans, die Griine Schildkrote, — is found on all, or most of, the coasts of the
torrid zone, feeding upon the weed at the bottom of the ocean, approaching the

Srt

mouths of great rivers for the purposes of respiration, and landing on the sand,'
daring the night, to deposit its ova. The individual from which the pre-
sent description is taken, weighed about 1751bs., the heart, when removed from
the body, and emptied of its blood, was about the size of a large lamb's heart, and
pulsated for six hours after death ; the contractions of the heart, after they had
apparently ceased, might easily be excited again by pricking it with the point
of a needle. This excitability continued during three or four hours more.

The heart of this order of reptiles is composed of four cavities, like those of
the mammalia and birds ; two of the cavities receiving the blood from the body
and lungs, the other two propelling it forward into the lungs, and to the system
generally. Man and the higher orders of animals, as mammals and birds, have a
perfect double circulation, the heart consisting of four distinct and separate cavi-
ties ; two, the receiving parts, termed auricles, the propelling ones, called ventri-
cles. The reptilia (of which the Turtles and Tortoises form the first order) have
a circulation performed by an organ of a different anatomical construction : in
these animals the cavities are still four-fold, but the cavities of the ventri-
cles are not distinct from each other ; they have communications through which
the blood returning from the body generally, and that received from the lungs, are
intermixed, and consequently an imperfectly decarbonized fluid is sent to the eco-
nomy at large. The heart of the Testudo mydas, of which a general view is
given in Fig. 1, is composed of two auricles and two ventricles, a b and c d, like

Fig. 1.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 1 — A front view of the heart, with the cavities of the right and left ventricles laid
open. a. The right auricle, b. The left auricle, c. The right ventricle. <L The
left ventricle, e. The pulmonary arteries. /. The aortse, three in number ; one
destined to supply the head, neck, and fore limbs, the remaining two uniting to sup-
ply the posterior half of the body.

Fig. 2 — A back view of the heart, with the fissures, which mark the opening of the
veins, returning the blood from the body and the lungs, a. The opening of the veins
of the lungs into the left auricle. 6. The opening of the venae cavse returning the
blood from the body to the right auricle.

that of the mammalia and birds ; the blood returning from the body, having cir-
culated through it, i9 received first by the right auricle (a), and propelled from it
into the right ventricle (c) ; but instead of being thrown from this cavity into
the lungs completely, as it is in the circulation of all warm-blooded animals, we
find that a portion only is distributed to these organs. The chief peculiarity in
the heart is met with in this cavity, for from it all the blood-vessels of both lungs
and body arise. From the extreme right of the cavity is sent off the aorta, or
rather the aortae, for the vessel immediately divides into three, the centre one of
which is distributed to the upper or fore limbs, head, and neck, whilst the two
outer ones unite into one to supply the lower, or posterior, half of the body with
blood. The blood sent to the lungs is received back into the left ventricle (d),
and thence passed, through an opening between these two cavities, into the right
ventricle. The course of the circulation is explained by the diagram, Fig. 4.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 3 A diagram, representing the course of the blood when the animal is under

water. The blood entering through the veins into the right auricle at b, passes di-
rectly into the corresponding ventricle, and is propelled through the aorta ( d) ; thus
following a single course, returning from the body, and immediately re-sent to it
without passing through the lungs.

Fig. 4. — A diagram, representing the double or mixed circulation, when the animal re-
spires atmospheric air. The blood returning from the lungs, through the pulmonary
veins (a), into the left auricle, passes through its corresponding ventricle, and thence
into the right ventricle, through the opening in the septum, which divides them (e).
The two currents of blood are here mixed, and re-propelled in this form , part to the
lungs, through the pulmonary artery (cj, and the remainder through the aortae (d.)

The blood returned to the left ventricle, from the lungs, is passed through, or
thrown from, the left ventricle into the right, and hence, at once, by a dou-
ble passage through the pulmonary artery (e) and the aortae (f), to the lungs
and system generally. In the Crocodiles, and some species of Lizards, there is
but one ventricle ; and here the blood returning from the body and lungs is mixed
in the same way. In the various species of Frogs and Serpents, the heart is re-
duced to two cavities, a single auricle and ventricle ; and hence the blood which
has been fitted for circulation by the action of the air upon it in its passage

through the lungs, is still more completely mingled with that which has not been
submitted to this action, and which is just returned from the body to the heart.

The mode of life of the reptilia, most of whom are amphibious, renders this
peculiarity in the structure of the heart necessary. The corporeal, or greater,
circulation is, in these animals, in some measure independent of the lesser or pul-
monary one ; for, in warm-blooded animals, no blood can pass into the left
ventricle, and thence to the body, which has not previously passed through the
lungs ; the aorta, a vessel which propels the blood to the body, arising, in all
warm-blooded animals, from the left ventricle, and not from the right as in the
reptilia. The blood cannot pass through the lungs except the animal breathes ;
consequently, no circulation could go on as long as the animal was under water :
but from the peculiarity of the structure of the heart, we find that the blood
passes directly from the right auricle to the right ventricle, whence the aorta
arises, and the blood is sent straight on to the body again, without passing through
the lungs, as in warm-blooded animals. This circulation, however, cannot go on
ad infinitum, with this decarbonized blood, and the reptile is obliged to seek the
atmosphere at certain intervals, to take in supplies of air. I do not agree with
Blumenbach entirely, when he supposes that the general or corporeal circulation
alone goes on when the reptile is under water ; since the peculiarity of the lungs
of the amphibia enables them to take in a supply of air which will last for a con-
siderable time, and hence some degree, if not a perfect one, of arterialization of
blood goes on when the animal is under water, as well as when he breathes atmos-
pheric air. We may suppose, however, that a less quantity of blood passes
through the lungs during the time the animal is under water, than when breathing
air, and consequently the blood must be more imperfectly decarbonised at this
time than at others, though under all circumstances the blood of the reptilia is of
a lower temperature and of less stimulating character than in the animals of the
classes of the aves and mammalia.

L. P.

ANIMAL PROGNOSTICS.

Every observer of Nature must have often remarked with what certainty
many animals give signs of a change in the weather. Those signs are, with us,
most conspicuous in the summer ; and it is of rain, and not of fair weather, that
they are given. Swifts and Swallows, though not one has been seen on the wing
during weeks of drought, fly with ceaseless rapidity; and the former shrink
from the top of the sky whenever the clouds above them are elaborating rain, and
especially if that rain is accompanied with thunder. It is true that these birds do

not fly with so much assiduity, and indeed do not make their appearance during
the day, until the cloud is formed, and the sky overcast. But then, it is not the
darkness alone which brings them abroad ; for the mere cloud of day may
darken the sky fully more than the incipient rain-cloud, and yet not a Swift shall
be tempted to take wing. There is no doubt that these birds come forth to feed ;
and consequently their insect prey must have the same feeling of the coming rain
as they themselves have : but why insects should rise so high into the air, at these
times, as the elevation at which the Swifts are found hawking, is a matter which
we cannot easily determine.

Almost all birds which have been silenced by the drought renew their songs
upon the approach of rain. Domestic poultry, also, make more noise than on
other occasions ; and the cackling of Geese, the gabbling of Turkies, the wailing
of Guinea Fowl, and the screaming of Peacocks, are blended together in full
chorus. It is somewhat remarkable that Chanticleer does not sound his silver
bugle upon these occasions, but reserves it to welcome the day-spring from the
east. Indeed, when the others are all in bustle and activity, as if rejoicing at the
coming rain, he and his companions betake themselves to the roost, or at all
events look out for shelter. There is something worthy of notice in this. Geese
and Turkies are the most joyous inhabitants of the farm-yard upon these occa-
sions. Geese are everywhere natives of humid places ; for though they are, per-
haps, the least aquatic of all web-footed birds, they do not thrive if they have not
access to water. Turkies, too, are natives of the forests , of North America, in
which humidity is the prevailing character of the atmosphere ; and it is by no
means improbable that the rapid decrease of wild Turkies in the settled parts of
the United States, is as much owing to the dry air which has been produced by
destroying the woods, as to the vigilance of Jonathan with his rifle. The com-
mon domestic Fowl, on the other hand, is a, native of the jungles of India, where
drought is the prevailing character of the climate ; and their plumage suffers more
from rain than that of any other bird with which we are acquainted. The Guinea
Fowl comes from a country of a somewhat intermediate character ; its native zone
being that between the northern and southern trade-winds, where the atmosphere
is not under the control of either of the general currents ; and thus it is easily
disturbed by the production of heavy showers, by local causes.

Many other instances of prediction of the summer rain-storm, in animals
freely exposed to the atmosphere, will occur to the reader ; and it will always be
found that animals which are pleasurably excited on such occasions, are originally
natives of moist climates, or of humid places; while those which are painfully
excited inhabit the dry country, and suffer from exposure to rain. We have a re-
markable instance of this in the domestic Cat, whose face-washing and general
trimming of her fur, has been the cottage barometer time out of mind ; and the
observation has been too repeatedly made to be doubtful. This operation of the

Cat is performed equally whether the animal is snugly housed beside the cottage
fire, or out of doors, exposed to the air. It happens, too, sooner before the actual
fall of rain, than the prognostics of most other animals. In this last circumstance
there is a philosophical truth, which it is desirable that some intelligent reader of
The Naturalist would work out and give to the world, through its pages. The
domestic Cat is, of all animals with which we are very familiar, by far the most
electric ; that is, the most susceptible to electric action. Clear and dry air is
well known to be a non-conductor of electric action ; and the more dry and clear
the air is, the more agreeable to Pussey. It is, indeed, highly probable that
the love of dry air, as much as the love of heat, brings the Cat to bask by the
fire when the air is damp and raw : but the subject has not been studied with the
attention which it deserves, for, strange though it may seem to some, the Cat
may be of more real service to the philosopher, in the study of meteorology, than
it was to Whittington in acquiring that wealth which enabled him to purchase the
triple mayoralty, or to Katerfelto in assisting him to impose upon the credulity
of the multitude, as a conjurer,

"At his own wonders, wond'ring for his bread."

For the investigation of so delicate a fluid as the atmosphere, in the variations
of its electric state, as resulting from the quantity of humidity in it, and from its
motions, we want instruments of the most delicate kind ; and no one will deny
that the body of an animal must, under any circumstances, be a far more delicate
instrument than any which can be made with hands. The finest of these must'
still be made of matter ; and, consequently, the atmospheric change must be great
enough for acting upon matter, before such an instrument can possibly point it
out. The feeling of the animal, on the other hand, is not matter, but a result of
the organization of matter ; and, therefore, it must be sensible down to almost the
extreme of smallness in atmospheric change, or in any other agent by which it is
affected. Those effects of minute or incipient changes upon delicate animals,
require a great deal of caution on the part of the observer ; hasty conclusions,
ought not, therefore, to be attempted to be drawn from them. They always
precede our own observation ; and though they are, in themselves, unerring, we
must use the same precaution with regard to them as we would do in all other
matters of reasoning : and it is this which brings us to one of the essential points
of the case — why should the lower animals be more weather-wise than we are ?

This is a very important question, not only as it concerns those animals, but
as it bears on the highest — the immortal — interests of man. Simple as it, at first
sight, appears, it really involves the whole distinction between animals, which have
no powers beyond those that result from the organization of material substance,
and man, whose noblest powers are those which are exercised by an immaterial

VOL. I. E

and indivisible, and therefore immortal, spirit. There is no question that, in as
far as man is animal, his organization is more perfect, in all its parts, than that of
any of the irrational animals ; some of these exceed him in one particular appli-
cation of their powers, and some in another. He has not, for instance, the scent
of the Blood-hound, the swiftness of the Antelope, or the wing of the Eagle. But
when we take it into consideration that the human body is only the instrument
fitted for the use of a superior principle, while the body of the animal is both the
principle and the instrument, we cannot fail to perceive that the universality of
adaptation of which the human body is capable, is far better fitted for being obe-
dient to all the purposes of an intellectual principle, than if the principal exertion
of which it is capable had been concentrated upon some one particular kind of
action, as is the case with those animals to which we have alluded, and, indeed,
with every animal, except man.

From this general perfection of organization in the human body, we must
conclude that if man had been entirely dependent upon animal instincts, as the
rest of the living creation are — that is, if there had been nothing intervening be-
tween the impression on the bodily sense, general or local — man would have re-
quired, and would, according to the universal law which runs through the whole
creation, have possessed more perfect instincts, and instincts more sentient to
every change of external circumstances, than any other animal whatsoever. But
in man there comes in a middle operation between the impression, or the sensal
body, and the action ; and it depends upon this middle part whether there
shall be an action, or even a feeling, of the system, consequent of the impression
upon the sense. This is a beautiful part of the physiology of man, and a part
which gives him great advantages in a mental point of view. If man had been
compelled by instinct to obey, or even to feel, every little variation or casualty
from without, he could never by possibility have had repose and quietude enough
for carrying on any elaborate process of thought. The temperature, the pressure,
the motion, the humidity, and the electric state of the atmosphere by which our
bodies are surrounded, at all times and at every point, are in a state of perpetual
change ; and if man had been sensitive to every slight shade of those changes, his
life would have been both unprofitable and miserable. The gentle breeze would
have shaken him as with an ague ; the summer sun would have scorched him into
agony ; and the winter frost would have chilled him to an icicle.

We have approximate proofs of this in those whose bodies have an extreme
degree of sensibility, or who are, as it is popularly denominated, of a nervous
temperament ; and all of us — except such as have the general structure of their
bodies knit and sinewed by habitual exposure to the variable atmosphere, or are
placed in an atmosphere so artificial as that the natural changes which are going
on without have no effect upon them — at times feel, in our own systems, the pain
of this kind of sensibility. This pain, though we often cannot give it a name, or
assign it a local seat in any one part of the system, is torment to us beyond the

suffering of ordinary physical disease. We are ill we know not of what ; and yet
the sensibility of the system is so unimpaired by our indescribable illness, that
acute bodily pain would be deliverance from such suffering.

A future opportunity may occur for inquiring into the peculiar tone of the
sentient system in man which is most accordant with efficient mental operation ;
but we may, in the mean time, remark that this is a medium state, and that the
bodily sensibility may be either too dull or too acute for the exercise of vigorous
thought, or the performance of useful action. If it is too obtuse, the mind does not
receive the impression, and, of course, neither thought nor action can follow ; and
if, on the other hand, it is too acute, the anguish of the bodily feeling makes so
strong an impression, that the mind is incapable of applying its common mode of
judgment, by analogy, to the cause of the impression, and its effect external of
the body. It is the mental operation which is injured both by too much obtuse-
ness and too much acuteness of the sense : and in each case the conduct of the
human being approximates that of a mindless animal ; and in the extreme cases
the approximation may be so close that no observation can draw the line of dis-
tinction between them.

It is these extreme cases of insensibility and sensibility of the body, to which
the names of idiocy and mania are given. In common language, we call both of
them mental derangements ; but no word can be worse applied. The mind, in
order to be immortal, must be perfectly simple, and incapable of any division of
parts, even in imagination ; because, if the existence of separate parts were ima-
ginable, the separation of those parts would also be imaginable ; and this separa-
tion would be the death of the mind, and man would be brought down to the level
of the beasts that perish. But, if composition be inconsistent with our original
idea of mind, mental derangement must be equally so ; for it is not possible to
derange one single existence, be that existence what it may. To return from this
digression, which, however, is far from being an useless one : we can see how
wise and how good it is that the sentient part of the human frame is so tempered
that it does not habitually break in upon the operations of mind ; and, because
we are worse barometers than the animals which we have mentioned, and, indeed,
than all mindless animals, we are thinkers and philosophers, and they are not.

The animal which has the action instantly consequent upon the sensation,
without any intermediate mental judgment by comparison with former experience,
is, of course, wholly at the mercy of external circumstances, and compelled as
necessarily and as instantly to obey every change of these to the full amount of
its influence, as a fragment which the lightning shivers from the precipice is ne-
cessitated to descend by the force of gravitation. It is this perfect obedience of
the system of mindless animals to the circumstances of Nature external of them,
which renders the study of them so very valuable for meteorological purposes ;
and this study deserves far more attention than it has hitherto received.

e 2 R. M.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE ARGULUS FOLIACEUS, (Jurine),

AS INJURIOUS TO GOLD AND SILVER FISHES.

By Miss Dobson. — (Communicated by Mr. George Samouelle).

Genus 85. Argulus, Miill., Jurine, Leach, Desmarest, Samouelle ;
Binoculus, Geoffroy, Latreille.

Shell oval, somewhat membranaceous, semi-transparent, anteriorly rounded,
deeply notched behind : two hemispheric eyes inserted at the anterior and lateral
parts of the clypeus : antenna; very small, inserted above the eyes : rostellum
sterniform : twelve legs, unequal in size and form ; first pair shorter, very mem-
branaceous, capable of changing their form, broader at their tips, and constructed
for adhering to objects ; second pair prehensile, curved, much thicker towards
their base, the thighs furnished with three spinules beneath ; tarsi of the second
pair three-jointed, the last joint with two claws and a pulvillus ; four hinder pairs
inserted at the sides of the abdomen, somewhat cylindric, formed for swimming,
with their points bifid : abdomen cylindric ; tail bilobate.

Sp. 1. Arg. foliaceus, Jurine.

Argulus delphinus, Miill., Enton., 123. Monoculus Argulus, Fabr., Ent.
Syst., 489. Argulus foliaceus, Leach, Suppl. to Encycl. Brit., p. 405. ;
Desmarest, Considerations des Crust., p. 329, pi. 50, fig. 1, a. e.

This species, which is the only one of the genus that has hitherto been
noticed, inhabits ponds and rivulets, adhering to the larvae of frogs and to fishes,
particularly the pike. The larva has been described, by Miiller, as a distinct
species, under the name of Argulus charon : in this state, it differs from the
full-grown animal in size, and in having four cylindric, equal, biarticulated, pen-
ciliated oars, two of which are attached to the animal above the eyes, and are fur-
nished at their tips with four setae ; the other two, below the eyes, being termi-
nated with three setae : the two anterior legs are incrassated, elongated, and ter-
minated by a strong bent claw.

The full-grown animal lays from one to four hundred eggs, which are yellow,
ovate, and smooth, being generally deposited on stones, in two contiguous, longi-
tudinal series. These eggs are hatched in about thirty days. The perfect animal
is a most beautiful and highly interesting transparent object for the microscope.*

The following are the observations of Miss Dobson, on this singular parasite.
" I took a gold fish out of a pond, that had been in a very sickly state for two or
three months. Thinking it nearly dead, as it was lying on its side on the surface
of the pond, I put it into a pan of water ; and in an instant I saw a diminutive
insect swimming about very actively. I immediately examined a portion of the
same water, supposing the insect might have bred in it, and that I should find
more of them : I was, however, mistaken, the water being perfectly clear. I re-
turned to the gold fish, and found the number of insects increased ; which led me
to imagine they must have come from the fish. I therefore examined it, and per-
ceived that the fins were perfectly covered with them, and several on different
parts of the body. Finding I could not brush them off, I took the animal in my
hand, and was obliged to scrape them off with my nail, they adhered so tightly.
The fins were very much injured, being divided into threads ; and one quarter of
the tail was quite eaten away. The fish was greatly swollen ; the scales stood
erect ; and the flesh between the scales had the appearance of jelly. It breathed
with such difficulty, that I expected, in a short time, to find it dead : I was, there-
fore, much surprized on the following morning, to perceive the fish still alive, and
a little improved ; but the water smelt quite putrid, from the diseased state of the
fish. By changing the water every day, the fish improved so wonderfully that
the scales began to assume their proper condition, the swelling gradually de-
creased, and it became very lively ; catching at some worms thrown into the
water, and shaking them as a cat does a mouse. Having heard that fishes
were very fond of graves in clay, I put a small ball into the dish. On the fol-
lowing morning, to my great regret and disappointment, I found the fish dead.
Had it not been for this injudicious treatment, I feel persuaded it would have
recovered.

• Samouelle's Entomologist'' & Compendium, second edit., p. 126.

" Immediately after I had relieved the fish from the insects, I placed one under
my microscope ; and no longer wondered at the difficulty I experienced in remov-
ing them from the fish. On each side of the throat is fixed a large hollow tube,
capable of expansion and contraction to a considerable degree, imparting a won-
derful power of adhesion, which enables the insect, notwithstanding its diminu-
tive size and delicate formation, to hold so firmly to any substance as to require
some force to remove it. The mouths of these tubes are very beautifully formed,
being fringed all round with hair, folding over the edge or lip. Independent of
these extraordinary tubes, they are provided with eighteen strongly-formed hooks,
no doubt wonderfully provided to resist the violent agitation of the water. On the
top of what I consider to be the antennae, is placed a very long, sharp,
pointed hook, apparently of a horny substance, very suddenly bent
downwards. The horn seems to be placed in a socket or band, which
the insect has the power of turning round at pleasure. In the middle
of the horn, and on the band or socket, are likewise placed two more short, strong
hooks ; two between the horns, two much lower on the breast, below which are
two more. Extending from each side the body (independent of four forked legs,
or paddles, which are thickly fringed with strong hairs) is an arm, or fore-leg,
with three socket joints, very thick set towards the body ; on the elbow of which
are placed three of the same powerful hooks as above
stated. The legs, or paddles, are kept in constant
movement ; the body terminates in an elegantly form-
^v^s' ed tail, partially divided. The eyes are large, promi-
nent, and very beautiful, situated on each side the horns, arranged in rows, with
a distinct division between each row, apparently as though they were a
number of brilliant globes, or precious stones, floating in jelly, and en- [<? oo°J
closed in a transparent skin : they have likewise two pairs of palpi, or \o 0o1°oJ
feelers, one behind, the other below, the horns, which I should not
have discovered, from their being so extremely delicate and transparent, had I not
had such frequent opportunities of observing the insect in a living state, under va-
rious different powers. The mouth is a long tube, extending from the centre of
the forehead almost down to the breast, capable of expanding and contracting to a
considerable length, in the form of a proboscis. The back of the insect has the
appearance, in form, of the Cassida, or Tortoise Beetle, only of a soft flexible tex-
ture, without any division, or wings : on the under side of which it is wonderfully
provided with numerous clusters (particularly round the head, tubes, &c.) of
strong, but small, hooks, perfectly formed, which might, at first, be mistaken for
hairs, until submitted to a strong magnifying power.

" After taking the insects from the fish, I left them in the same water till the
following morning, by which time it had become quite offensive ; before changing
it I attentively, and for some length of time, observed their different actions ; and

perceiving one of them more agitated than the rest, I watched it particularly, and
fancied, what proved in reality to be the case, that it was casting its skin. Had
I not witnessed this operation, I should have been deprived of much information
and gratification. Notwithstanding the skin is so delicate, and when in the
water so purely the same colour, a close observation afforded me the opportunity
of collecting as many skins, during the time I was able to retain the insects alive,
as, I think, were thrown off. The next object that struck my attention, was the
appearance of a cluster of minute eggs, floating on the surface of the water, encir-
cled by something that had the appearance of oil ; specimens of which I placed on
two glasses.

" On placing the cast skin under the microscope, I observed that each hair with
which the legs or paddles are provided, was thickly set on each side with a row
of fine hairs. I could not discover in the cast skins any portion of skin that
could cover the eyes ; the thin transparent membrane, therefore, that covers them
in the perfect insect, has no appearance of net- work, as in most other insects.

" The insects became gradually weaker, and in four or five days they all died.
I took a sketch of one before it was quite dead, which I think will convey a tolera-
ble idea of the animal in its living state ; as those prepared as specimens on glass,
although very beautiful, do not, in consequence of their dried state, convey to the
observer a correct idea of the insect without such aid ; the cast skin assists, like-
wise, in its developement.

" The circulation of the blood, with a high magnifying power, was particularly
interesting."

Mr. Samouelle has subjoined the following additional observations : — " On Sun-
day, May 20, 1836, I caught two insects, male and female, the latter full of ova,
which, in the course of the same night, were deposited on the sides of the glass,
in a cluster, to the number of seventy-nine. In order to give the insects food, I
tried the experiment of their feeding for a time on the dead gold-fish, which they
did for two days ; when, on their appearing rather weakly, I removed them from
the fish, and the water becoming impure, I restored them to the glass where the
eggs were deposited ; they became evidently refreshed, and the female hovered
over and about the spot where the previous eggs were laid, and in the course of
the same night she laid twenty-four more, and, after a short time died. By way
of experiment, and as a resource for food, I had some minnows caught for the
other, to see if it would feed upon them. It remained in the vessel for two days,
when it disappeared, and I suppose it was eaten by the minnows. The eggs still
remain unhatched, June 13th."

The engraving at the commencement of the article represents the Argulus fo-
liaceus magnified, and of the natural size.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE SCARCE SWALLOW TAIL,

(PAPILIO PODALIRIUS.)

By J. E.

As the Lepidoptera are more attractive than the generality of our native
insects, and as the butterfly has " found favour even in ladies' eyes," the announce-
ment of the capture of one of the rarest and most elegant, the scarce Swallow
Tail, Papilio podalirius, will be hailed, we doubt not, with joy, and still more
happy will he be who can obtain a specimen of it. In a late number of Mr.
Curtis's .British Entomology, a specimen of this Papilio has been figured, which
was taken near Windsor, by W. H. Rudston Read, Esq. and others have lately
been purchased, as British, by G. Robertson, of Limehouse, and Dr. Bromfield,
of Hastings. The principal object of calling attention to this subject is the hope
that when this butterfly is generally known, others will come forward and furnish
additional proof of British specimens having been taken ; for although, like many
others, it only apppears occasionally, yet when seasons are congenial to its habits,
it will appear probably for many successive years. It is now known to be found at
Hamburgh, which is as far to the north as York ; therefore, the erroneous idea that
its northern range renders its appearance here impossible, is no longer tenable.
There is one thing, however, that collectors ought to be warned of, P. podalirius,
and many other insects rare in Britain, are common enough on the Continent, and
are easily obtained from thence, even in the larva state, and we are sorry to
have reason to believe there are individuals who see no objection to selling such as
British, in order to enhance their value.

THE ALYSSUM CALYCINUM.

The Alyssum calycinum has been lately discovered in Charnwood Forest,
about half way between Gracedieu and Whitwick, in a botanizing excursion, by
the Messrs. Churchill and Arthur Babingtons, and the Rev. Andrew Bloxam.
It was found growing sparingly in a small field adjoining some rocks, amongst
Medicago lupulina. Specimens have been sent to Mr. Watson, Professor Hen-
slow, and other eminent botanists. This is the first time that the plant has been
noted as growing in England. It was, however, discovered in two places in Scot-
land last year, at Dirleton Common, Haddingtonshire, and on the coast of Forfar,
and a notice of it communicated to the Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal,
by Professor Graham ; it is also introduced into Mr. Watson's remarks on the
distribution of British plants.

ON THE FEN REEDLING,

(Salicaria Arundinacea, Selby), Reed-Wren, or Reed-Warbler,
of other Ornithologists.

By Edward Blyth.

Having some reason to suspect that this lively little songster is more gene-
rally diffused over the country than is commonly supposed, and apprehending that
few distinguish its chant from that of the Sedge Reedling ( S. phragmitis), lam
induced to offer a few observations to the attention of naturalists residing in dis-
tricts where it has been hitherto undiscovered, in the expectation that they will lead
to its detection in many localities where its presence has, as yet, been quite un-
suspected.

Of course it is unnecessary here to describe the plumage and technical cha-
racter of the species, as these will be found in most works on British ornithology.
Bewick, however, omits to figure the bird, but annexes its name to a represen-
tation pf the Sedge Reedling, obviously confounding the two together. The
Sedge Reedling abounds in watery situations all over the country, even to the
northernmost districts of Scotland ; and no person of the least observation can
be otherwise than familiar with its abrupt and chattering, but certainly not un-
pleasing, song, with which it incessantly enlivens every ditch, continuing to do so
until about the middle or latter end of June ; after that time it is seldom heard.
It is a strange medley of a song, though, at the same time, it is altogether original ;
combining a characteristic chiddy, chiddy, chit, chit, chit, with a very sparrow-
like chou, chou, and an occasional and emphatic peet-weet, reminding one forcibly
of the Chimney Swallow. Then comes, perchance, a series of harsh, jarring
tones, followed, perhaps, by a seeming imitation of something else ; and not unfre-
quently the bird mounts, singing, a little way into the air, or chirrups as it flits
from bush to bush, or from willow to willow. I am sure that there are very few
who will not immediately recognize it from this description ; more particularly if
they have been accustomed to perambulate marshy and sedge-tufted places, during
the spring and summer.

The extremely passerine character of many of this little bird's chirpings, have
gained for it, in various places, the vulgar appellation, " Reed Sparrow ;" just as
the homely garb and familiar manners of the common Hedge Dunnock, another
bird of slender bill, have occasioned the equally erroneous but popular name,
" Hedge Sparrow," to be its ordinary cognomen.

Now, I certainly am not one of those who are willing to accept any kind of
name, merely because it chance to be popularly applied. Undoubtedly there
should be some rules for nomenclature, some system to regulate caprice. If any

VOL. I. f

meaning is to attach to the word " sparrow," if it is to signify a particular form
among the feathered race, surely those species ought alone to be called sparroiv
which exhibit the characters briefly denoted under that name. To apply it to
birds of other form occasions only unnecessary confusion. If a new species were

to be denominated sparrow, we should, of course, expect it to pertain to

the genus Passer ; and why, therefore, do some naturalists persist in using erro-
neous appellations, merely because, in some districts, they happen to be popular ?
I say some districts only, because there are really very few names which are in
general use throughout the country ; consequently a classical and systematic nomen-
clature is doubly needed. In the south of England, for instance, what terms appear
to be more universally accepted than Goldfinch, Tomtit, and Kingfisher ? Yet
the first applies, in Yorkshire, to the Yellow Bunting, the second, in the same
county, to the common Wren, and the third, in Sutherlandshire, invariably
denotes the Dipper. Not long ago, I heard a ludicrous dispute between a
Yorkshireman and a native of Surrey, respecting which bird was the " Tomtit,"
the former insisting that the southron's Tomtit meant the Blue-cap ! What
we in Surrey term the Goldfinch, is, in Yorkshire, better known as the Thistle-
finch ; in Suffolk and Norfolk it is as popularly designated King Harry, and in
Scotland it is the Gooldie, or Gould-speuk, of our northern neighbours. But
while I advocate a well-digested and temperate reformation of the vernacular names
to objects of Natural History, let me by no means be understood to adopt every
ill-sounding name which some nomenclators, in their great enthusiasm, have
proposed. At some future time I shall probably take the subject in hand myself,
and hope that whatever new names I shall then have to offer, will not only possess
the merit of propriety and exclusiveness of application, but will, also, not offend
the more fastidious, by their want of euphony. It will, also, be my object to
introduce as few new terms as possible, as I see no occasion for substituting
" Goldwing" for Siskin, as the vernacular for Carduelis, " Treeling" for Petty-
chaps, &c, as some have done.

But to return to what in Surrey is called the Reed-^arrow. Our naturalists
are mistaken in supposing that people in general (that is to say, unscientific ob-
servers of discrimination) ordinarily confuse, as professed naturalists have done,*
the Sedge Reedling with the Reed Bunting. I have generally found that both
birds were well known, and their respective notes also. I believe they will be
found everywhere to be distinguished by separate names, and in Surrey the Reed
Bunting is called " Blackheaded Bunting ;" as good a name, without reference to
its foreign congeners, as the more exclusive one now judiciously employed by all
our naturalists.

The Fen Reedling, however, about which the present paper is professed to be

" Witness the various accounts of the Reed Bunting's song.

written, is very commonly confounded with its congener, by observers of all de-
scriptions, when in its native haunts. In the hand, the two species are sufficiently
dissimilar, and, for members of the same very natural genus, are by no means
closely allied ; but, in the bush, a little attention is necessary to discrimate be-
tween the two, and our naturalists are, I think, generally culpable, for not describ-
ing, with more precision, how they are then to be known apart. Thus, Montagu
simply informs us that " their notes are similar f forgetting that this very simili-
tude rendered it doubly incumbent on him to point out whatever difference there
may be between them, as most of his readers would, doubtless, be much better
pleased to be enabled to distinguish the two in their native wilds, than as mere
cabinet specimens, removed from their places in nature. It should be the con-
stant aim of the ornithologist to pourtray his various subjects as they appear in
their wild haunts, in order that his readers may at once recognize them in a state
of freedom. In this respect, many of Mr. Mudie's eloquent descriptions may be
cited as absolute models of perfection.

The Fen Reedling's notes are, most undoubtedly, very similar to those of its
congener ; but may be distinguished by a little attention to the following particu-
lars. The song is even more hurriedly delivered, and is, also, more continuous ;
there are no harsh discordant chirpings, no apparent imitations of the Sparrow or
Chimney Swallow ; at the same time, the chant is certainly less varied, and,
indeed, consists but of an incessant repetition of a number of detached chirrups,
some of which are, however, by no means unmusical. This, also, is kept up night
and day, though less habitually in the night season than that of the Sedge Reed-
ling ; and it is never uttered with more emphasis than when any one is very near
the nest, an incident which provokes many of what are commonly termed " the
Warblers" to sing loud, particularly the Blackcap and other Fauvets, as most
bird's-nesting persons must have often noticed. The Fen Reedling sometimes
chirrups on the wing, as it passes from one bush to another, but I believe it never
rises singing into the air, like its only ascertained British congener. It also con-
tinues to chatter much later in the season than the Sedge Reedling, and may be
heard till about the middle or third week of July ; wherefore those observers who
may have fancied that they have heard the Sedge Reedling until this period, will
do well to entertain at least a suspicion that it was S. arundinacea, that is to say,
if they were not previously well acquainted with the notes of the latter species.*

" I have since heard a Sedge Reedling pertinaciously chattering on the 20th of July,
but during a refreshing thunder-shower, succeeding a long period of drought ; a juncture
at which, of all others, the feathered race are particularly musical; (see Mudie's description
of the Green Woodpecker). Although many Fen Reedlings were in the vicinity, they
were all silent, and I heard only that one Sedge Reedling, where, a few weeks before,
both species would have vied in garrulity. As a general rule, therefore, this does not affect
what I have above stated. The same evening, the Fen Reedlings were singing in the

Some writers have made out the Fen Reedling too exclusively an inhabitant of
reedy places, which, after all, are not its most favourite habitat. No doubt it is
commonly found in such situations, and frequently suspends, or rather fastens, its
nest to a few contiguous reed-stems, as I have seen repeatedly ; but I have more
commonly observed it in tall bushes growing near the water, and sometimes placed
against the trunk or large branch of a willow or poplar, interlacing one or two
upright side shoots. When there are gardens adjoining its haunts, it very com-
monly selects a lilac-bush, and in such localities the nest will be rarely found
among the reeds. I have now a beautiful specimen before me, which is fastened
to a single slender stem of elder, from which, within the centre of the fabric,
issues a young green shoot, the extremity only of which is visible.* One,
described by Mr. Rennie, was situate within a tuft of lucerne, and, consequently,
very near the ground ; but I have seen them at a height of ten, twelve, and even
fifteen feet from the surface, placed amid the perpendicular shoots of willow or
lilac. This species is very partial to gardens in watery situations, and will usually
admit of a much closer approach than its congener ; but still, the glances one is
enabled to get at it are so momentary, and oftentimes against the light, that unless
our suspicions are aroused, it is seldom that an unpractised eye can tell it readily
from the Sedge Reedling. Its bill, however, is considerably larger, and the whole
plumage of a much more uniform tint, without the pale streak over the eye, so
conspicuous in the other species.

The Sedge Reedling's nest is always placed near the ground, amid a thick tuft
of herbage, or among the shoots from a low stool of willow : it is of somewhat
massive construction, a great deal of material being worked up, and the cavity
deep, containing often as many as seven eggs, of a pale ground colour, thickly
besprinkled with small, confluent, greenish specks, which, at the large end, often
form a zone ; sometimes a few larger ash-coloured spots are observable, and, not
unfrequently, some blackish dashes at the large end, which may be easily washed
off by simply wetting them : a mode that will obliterate many of the darker mark-
ings upon the eggs of birds. The young of this species differ very little from
their parents, but have a number of dusky spots upon the breast. Interior of the
mouth bright orange.

same place, with very great spirit ; which confirms an observation I have often made, that
night-singing birds always continue their notes longer by night than in the day-time.

• I have subsequently seen a nest about which was wound a long piece of fishing.
tackle. ' This nest was situate about twelve feet from the ground, and was fastened to
some slender twigs of Viburnum : in construction it more resembles those specimens which
are built among the reeds, being otherwise chiefly composed of the seed-tops and softer
leaves of reeds and sedges, without any moss or cottony substance interwoven. It is, how-
ever, considerably less compact and neatly finished than that described in the text, and
contains a less quantity of material. Those in the reeds are mostly of elegant formation.

The nest of the Fen Reedling also contains a good deal of material, but more
compactly and beautifully interwoven. It is also very deep, whether it be placed
among the reeds, where it is liable to be blown about by the winds, or amid the
clustering, rigid stems of the poplar, when perfectly secure from such annoyance.
The eggs are most usually five in number (more than which I have never known),
of a pale, greenish white, blotched all over, and spotted with greenish brown,
and sometimes a few spots of ash colour : there are likewise commonly some
dark marks at the larger end, which, as in those of the other species, may be soon
obliterated. The young are altogether more rufous than their parents, particu-
larly on the throat and under parts, but have no trace of the breast-spots ob-
servable in the other, and the interior of the mouth is yellow ; there are also
two large black spots upon the tongue, which are very conspicuous when the young
open their mouths for food. Both species leave the nest remarkably early, before
their feathers have half attained their proper development. The notes of the
young of both are harsh and dissonant.

I do not conceive it necessary to enter further into the history of these little
birds, as might be done at considerable length : should the Fen Reedling occur
in the vicinity of any reader of this article, he surely will not now fail to detect it.
I am very desirous of ascertaining, with accuracy, how the migratory land-birds
are distributed over the country ; a fact which can only be satisfactorily elu-
cidated by the co-operation of naturalists resident in different parts. At present
there is a good deal to be learnt on this subject.

I have termed this species " Fen Reedling," as I think, it is rather more ex-
pressive of the precise nature of its haunts than Marsh Reedling, which has been
proposed. The words are, undoubtedly, nearly synonymous, but the latter had
better be reserved for S. palustris, an allied species, not hitherto found in Britain.
In the fenny counties of England, and in Holland, the S. arundinacea is an ex-
ceedingly abundant species, and, according to Mr. Neville Wood, it occurs, in
this country, as far north as Derbyshire : how far beyond this I wish to deter-
mine, and have penned the present article in the hope of ascertaining.

ON THE PAPILIO MACHAON,

By J. Curtis.

Of all the various sources of gratification arising from the study of insects,
none appears to me more interesting than the rearing of them, very especially the
Lepidoptera, We are enabled at our leisure to investigate and study their won-
derful economy, and at the same time to obtain the most perfect specimens for
our cabinets ; thus enhancing the beauty of the collection, and securing perfect
insects for future description.

It was my intention to have offered some general remarks on the pupa; or
chrysalides of that favourite family the Papilionidae ; but I find that, in the present
number, I must content myself with describing the process of the caterpillar of
Papilio machaon, in changing to the pupa state. The caterpillar of this truly
elegant and graceful insect (one of the two species of Papilio which we can alone
lay claim to as British) having fixed upon a spot where he intends to take up his
abode for the period of his imprisonment, turns his head on one side, and attaches
a thread, which he carries over to the other, where he also fastens it, and returns
again and again, backwards and forwards, until it has acquired a sufficient thick-
ness to sustain his weight. The caterpillar now, having laid hold with his anal
feet, is supported by these combined threads, which pass under the junction of the
thorax and abdomen ; and, by a violent muscular action, the skin of the caterpillar
bursts at the head, and it is pushed or thrown off like an elastic garment. Hav-
ing seen this remarkable process accomplished, I was curious to know by what
means he could fasten the apex of the abdomen to the box ; and, from the obser-
vations which I was enabled to make, I feel satisfied that it is by ejecting a gluti-
nous fluid through the pores of the tail, which is the analogue of the anal feet,
for, the skin being cast off, he placed the apex of his body close to the box, to
which it instantly adhered. I then detached it, and again it firmly united ; but
a third trial had probably so exhausted its powers, that it afterwards remained
suspended by the thoracic chord alone.

MUSIC OF SNAILS.

There is a poetical notion that Oysters, amongst other gentle qualities, love
minstrelsy, and the fishermen, in some parts,

" Sing, to charm the spirits of the deep,"
as they troll their dredging nets ; for

" The Herring loves the merry moonlight ;

The Mackarel loves the wind ;
But the Oyster loves the dredging song ; —

For he comes of gentle kind."

These lines gave rise to a communication from a young lady, which I will
send you. Perhaps some of your readers may confirm the supposition of the
Snail's musical capabilities. She says : — " One evening I kneeled upon the win-
dow seat, when it was nearly dusk, and heard a soft musical sound ; not a hum-
ming or murmuring, but a truly musical tone. I saw a Snail, and, having a desire
to annihilate those destroyers of fruit and flowers, took it from the window.
I had silenced the music ! I recollected what I had heard, and felt a sort of
pang." S. KENNAWAY.

NOTICE OF THE REPORTED CAPTURE OF THE COMMON
GAR-PIKE (Belone vulgaris) IN THE RIVER TAME.

In the month of April last, I received from Mr. Richard Bird, Surgeon, of
Tamworth, a fine specimen of the common Gar-pike, said, by the man from whom
he obtained it, to have been just caught in the River Tame, about two miles
below Tamworth. That a sea-fish not mentioned, by any Ichthyologist with
whose writings I am acquainted, as ever frequenting fresh water, should have
ascended an inland river, to the distance of about one hundred and fifty miles
from its termination in the ocean, appeared to me a somewhat extraordinary fact :
and I should have been induced very strongly to suspect the correctness of the
statement made to Mr. Bird, had not that gentleman, who is a very accurate and
cautious observer, assured me that the fish exhibited the peculiar silvery lustre,
and all the other characters of freshness, which indicated that life could not have
been, many hours, extinct. I have, this day, seen Mr. Bird's informant ; and
questioned him very closely on the subject. He states that he took the fish,
given to Mr. Bird, and another, considerably larger, of the same species, with a
net, in the river Tame, just below Hop was bridge ; that it is the only instance of
the capture of such fish in fresh water, which has fallen under his observation ;
but that an old fisherman, of Tamworth, recollects having taken a Gar-pike, about
twenty years ago, in the river Tame, near Hopwas.

I shall feel much obliged by the communication, through the medium of The
Naturalist, of any fact calculated to throw light upon this obscure and, in my
opinion, still somewhat doubtful statement. That such a fish as the Gar-pike,
which, however agile and vivacious, is not known to possess the saltatorial powers
of the Salmon, should have made its way over the numerous weirs existing on the
course of the Tame and Trent between Hopwas and the point of conflux of the
latter with the Humber, it is difficult to conceive. A few weeks previously to
the date of this reported capture, the Trent and its tributary streams had, I may,
however, observe, been swollen to an unwonted height by the rapidly-dissolving
snows, and profuse rains, of the early spring.

I shall conclude my brief notice with a slight outline of the generic and spe-
cific characters of this curious fish, and an exposition of the site which it occupies
in the modern systems of Ichthyology.

The Gar-pike, associated, in the System of Linneus, with the common pike,
under the title of Esox belone, has, of late, been separated from Esox, and taken
as the type of a new genus, named Belone, from b$xov*i, the Greek designation of
the gar-pike. The following are the generic characters of Belone ; as traced by
Fleming and Yarrell. Muzzle attenuated and greatly prolonged. Intermaxillary
bones forming the entire margin of the upper jaw. Both jaws furnished with
minute teeth ; none, on the vomer, palatine bones, or tongue. Along each side

of the abdomen, a row of carinated scales. Dorsal and anal fins entire. Con-
tains only one British species, B. vulgaris, the subject of our present sketch:
which varies, from eighteen inches to two feet, in length ; has the lower jaw con-
siderably longer than the upper ; dorsal Jin, of 18 rays, situated very far behind ;
exactly opposed to, in situation, and resembling in figure, the anal, of 21 rays :
pectoral of 13 rays, small, and attached a little behind the gill-opening : ventral,
of 7 rays, still smaller, and situated far back. Caudal fin, of 13 rays, and forked.
Colour : Head, back, and dorsal portion of sides, fine bluish-green. Gill-covers,
and other parts of the body, of a bright silvery hue.

The flesh is edible ; and said to resemble, in flavour, that of the Mackarel ;
but, from the circumstance of the bones acquiring a green colour, when boiled, a
popular prejudice almost universally exists against its dietetic employment. On
this account, also, it is sometimes distinguished by the provincial designation of
Green-bone : at others, as preceding the Mackarel in its annual arrival on the
coast in April, by that of the Mackarel-guide.

The ventral fins of the Gar-pike being situated posteriorly to the pectoral, this
fish has, consistently with the principles of ichthyological arrangement adopted by
Linneus, been placed in his Order Abdominales, of true or osseous fishes. Cu-
vier, in his distribution of this Class, constitutes three Orders of Malacoptery-
gious, or Soft-finned Fishes : of these, the first, or Abdominales, is distinguished
by the attachment of the ventral posteriorly to the pectoral fins : the Second,
Sub-brachiales,~— by the insertion of the former below the latter ; and the last,
Apodes, by the entire absence of ventral fins. Consequently, the Gar-pike be-
longs to the Order, Malacopterygiens Abdominales, of Cuvier's System ; and,
as nearly allied to the common Pike, the genus Belone, to which it belongs, is
included, by British Ichthyologists, in the Esocidce, or Pike-family. This genus, as I
have before observed, offers only one British species,* — la Belone, of the French,
— and der hornfisch, of German Naturalists. Figures of the Gar-pike are given
by Pennant, British Zoology, vol. hi., pi. lxxiv. ; by Donovan, Natural History
of British Fishes, vol. hi., pi. liv. ; and by Yarrell, History of British Fishes,
vol. i., p. 391.

June 30th, 1836. S. P.

* The species, captured by Mr. Couch, at Polperro, and regarded by him, — See Lin-
nean Transactions, vol. xiv., p. 85, — as the Esox Brasiliensis, or Little Gar, is probably
only the young of some other fish : and the Saury, referred, by some Naturalists, to the
Belone genus, under the title of B. Saurus, has been taken by Lace'pede, to constitute a new
genus ; and named Scomberesox saurus, by Fleming ; See History of British Animals, v. i„ p.
184. It is principally distinguished from Belone, by the division of the posterior portions
of the dorsal and anal fins into several finlets resembling those of the Mackerel: — hence
the propriety of the generic designation, Scomberesox, or Mackarel-pike ; and by the bi-cari-
nated abdomen. An admirable figure of the Saury Pike is given, p. 394 of Yarrell's 1st vol.

THE REDSHANK.

By B. R. M.

In my shooting excursions lately, I have not unfrequently met with that very
pretty and interesting little bird, the Redshank ( Totanus calidris) ; and as my
observations upon it lead me to conclude its habits and manners to be rather dif-
ferent from what they are, in general, supposed to be, I send you the result, which
may, perhaps, be interesting to some of your readers. I confess I was rather
surprised at first to find the Redshank always in very large flocks, as I had al-
ways previously considered it and its congeners to be birds of solitary habits ; but
I have very seldom seen it in this neighbourhood in flocks of less than a dozen,
frequently amounting even to one hundred and fifty, or two hundred ; and the
larger the flock the more shy and difficult were the birds of approach. Indeed,
even in small flocks, it generally contrives to baffle and elude the attempts of the
sportsman ; as it is always on the look out, and takes wing on the least alarm, or
the slightest appearance of approaching danger. Towards the beginning of the
breeding season, they are, however, rather more accessible ; for they do not fly
very far on being disturbed, but generally alight again a few hundred yards off.
The breeding season is the only time of the year in which they are not found m
flocks ; at this period they leave the shores, and disperse themselves over the
country, in places more suitable for incubation. The tide here, on receding,
leaves a very large surface of muddy sand exposed ; and this seems to be pecu-
liarly favourable to birds of this class, and accordingly it is very much frequented
by the Tringoe, Totani, Numenii, and other birds of this family ; for all these
obtain their food in the same situations. The Redshank is, I think, most nearly
allied, in its habits, to the genus Tringa ; and it has the same kind of dipping
motion, when running on the sands, for which the latter is so remarkable. I was
very much struck with the curious manner in which they dart their bills into the
mud or sand, for the purpose of getting at their food. They seem to bury it in
the sand nearly its whole length, by jumping up, and thus giving it a sort of impetus,
if I may use the word, by the weight of their bodies pressing it downwards. The
bill is about an inch and a half long. The legs are delicate, of a deep orange
colour, and long.

Dublin, May 10th, 1886.

VOL. I.

REVIEWS.

Recherches Sur les Poissons Fossiles. Par Louis Agassiz. Neuchatel
(Suisse). Quarto.

Professor Agassiz, in this elegant and most instructive Monograph on
Ichthyolites, proposes, after an introduction on the study of fishes, to " exhibit a
view of the Comparative Anatomy of the organic systems, which may facilitate
the determination of the fossil species ; a new classification of Fishes, shewing the
relations which they have with the series of (geological) formations ; the exposi-
tion of the laws of their succession and development during all the revolutions of
the terrestrial globe, accompanied by general geological considerations ; and,
finally, the description of five hundred species no longer existing (except in a
fossil state), and of which the characters have been determined from the relics
contained in the earth's strata."

This is a truly comprehensive plan, — the emanation of an active, enterprizing,
and profoundly philosophic spirit. As far as we can judge from an examination
of the First Number (Premiere Livraison) now before us, it has verily been
worked out with a master's hand. A production more honourable to the talents
and industry of its author, or more useful and interesting to the Ichthyologist, the
Comparative Anatomist, and, especially, to the student of Geology, we cannot
well conceive.

Of the divers modes in which a book may be reviewed, the Analytical is pecu-
liarly, and almost exclusively, applicable to those scientific productions which have
facts, rather than hypotheses, for their foundation. Whenever such productions
are, either from the expensive form, or from the language, in which they have
been published, inaccessible or unavailable to the great mass of readers whom
they are calculated to interest and inform, the motives for the analytical method
are greatly and obviously strengthened. Such are precisely the conditions of the
valuable Researches of Professor Agassiz. The work is, moreover, written in a style
which we, who have long been familiar with the scientific language of the French,
have at times found it no easy matter to comprehend, or at least render intelligible
to the English reader. Consequently, it will afford an admirable subject for a
purely analytical sketch, and for the exhibition of our skill and patience, — if
such we possess, — in the difficult but useful process of literary evisceration.

The various new branches or departments of human acquirement demand, as
they successively arise, new terms for their apt and precise designation. The in-
fluence of a philosophical language on the character and progress of the Sciences
is far greater than a superficial view of the subject would lead us to believe. The

study of fishes in a living or recent state is, with obvious aptitude, called Ichthy-
ology : for that of fossil fishes, we, at present, possess none but a circuitous and
consequently inconvenient form of expression. Ichthyolithology,* a term alike con-
cise and destitute of ambiguity or objection, is so obviously and peculiarly ap-
posite, that our only wonder is it should have been left for us to indicate or propose.

The whole work of Professor Agassiz will consist of five volumes, in quarto ;
and two hundred and fifty folio engravings. One part or number, composed of
from ten to fifteen sheets of letter-press, and a fasciculus, of about twenty plates,
is published every four months. The price of these is, in France, twenty-four
francs.

The First Number contains three sheets of letter-press of the first volume ;
six sheets of the second ; two, of the fourth ; and one, of the fifth : the first
Fasciculus of Engravings, — seven belonging to the first volume ; ten, belonging
to the second ; and three each, to the fourth and fifth ; — in all, twelve sheets of
text, and twenty-three engravings. From this unusual and apparently irregular
method of publication, the ostensible object of which is a pleasing " variety," no
inconvenience, the Professor asserts, will result : as all his materials have been,
beforehand, systematically arranged.

A Preface, and two Chapters, constitute the subject-matter of the first three
sheets of the First Volume. To an analysis or description of these, our present
article will be exclusively devoted. The work is dedicated in a style of simple,
fervid, and affecting eulogy, to the Cuvier of his country, the illustrious Hum-
boldt.

Preface. The importance of the study of Ichthyolithology is very great :
since fossil fishes, which occupy so elevated a rank in the series of organized
beings, are found without interruption, and sometimes in great abundance, in all
the terrains de sediment, from the oldest to the most recent formation : and their
state of preservation is generally such as to allow an examination of all those parts
which are requisite to decide their classification, and to impart a correct know-
ledge of their structure. With little trouble, the entire skeleton, and all its fins,
may be restored : and the scales are, in general, so well preserved as to supply the
most valuable and unerring characters.

In the sciences of Zoology, Comparative Anatomy, and Geology, it is highly
advantageous to* be able to follow, in the Class of Fishes, the changes of organiza-
tion which have been effected throughout all the revolutions suffered by the globe.
Of all animals, fishes are those most intimately connected with the accidents of
water : and, highly elevated, moreover, in the scale of organization, they are far
better calculated, than any other Class, to furnish clear ideas respecting the revo-
lutions which have taken place in the vast oceans by which the earth was formerly

• 'ixfivh a fish ; x'rfot , a stone ; xiyat, a discourse.
g2

covered. By the information thus acquired, it is possible to determine whether a
fish inhabited river, lake, or pond, the open sea, or the shallow waters ; whether
it lived on the surface, or frequented the great depths. These indications may
serve to determine divers important circumstances in the formation of rocks.

Another peculiar advantage resulting from the study of Fossil Fishes is, that
the examination invariably makes us acquainted with the whole organization, and
affords a perfect idea of its pristine condition. Such researches must consequently
lead to results much more satisfactory than the study of the Mollusca, of which
only the shells have been preserved ; and more general than that of the Mammi-
fera, the whole skeleton of which is rarely discovered, and that only in the most
recent strata. The Reptiles, even when more generally known, can scarcely emu-
late the fishes in importance : since they are of rarer occurrence, and were deve-
loped at a later period in the series of creations.

Fossil Fishes differ according to the great geological formations in which they
are found ; and exhibit, in each, a peculiar character of organization sufficient for
their determination. They differ the more widely from the fishes of the existing
period, as they are found in formations of a more ancient date. All the bony
fishes anterior to the chalk, are referrible to genera, which have no longer repre-
sentatives in the present world : they are invariably characterized by rhomboidal
scales covered with enamel. Those of the same formations, which, in the present
System, would be associated with the Chondropterygii, possess, like the genus
Cestracio, flattened, dotted, or differently plaited teeth.

Comparisons thus multiplied, justify, in the opinion of the Professor, an alte-
ration in the arrangement of Fishes ; which will frequently indicate affinities
hitherto unknown : and the new classification, which he advocates, is intended to
expose the whole of the natural relations of fishes with each other, and their suc-
cession in the series of formations. General geological considerations, moreover,
drawn from the study of these fossils, will exhibit the connection which exists be-
tween the organic development of the earth, and that of the different Classes of
animals. These ideas will be completed by the organic representation of each of
the great geological periods.

Great pains have evidently been taken, by Professor Agassiz, in examining
the various organs of fishes found in a fossil state, and in discovering the charac-
ters proper for their distribution into families, genera, and species. With this
view, he has applied himself, in an especial manner, to the study of the skeleton
of fishes, and to the microscopic inspection of several thousands of scales belong-
ing to more than two hundred species of different genera and families.

As regards the publication of the work, the first volume will be devoted to an
examination of all the general questions. It will contain an Introduction to the
study of Fossils ; an indication of the sources from which the Professor has
drawn, in the prosecution of his researches ; and the general anatomy of the

skeleton of fishes, and of all those parts which may contribute to determine more
precisely the fossil species. In proposing a new classification of these animals,
the Professor will comparatively examine, under their zoological relations, all the
fossil species which have bsen described ; the genera to which they belong, and
the situation which they should occupy in the Ichthyological System : in fine, he
will seek to establish the relations of organization which exist between the
fossil fishes of all the geological formations, and those of the present epoch : and
exhibit the modifications which this study renders it necessary to introduce into the
methodical distribution of fishes.

Each of the four succeeding volumes will contain the description of the fossil
species of one of the Orders of the Class. The second volume will comprehend
the Order of the Gano'ides ; the third, that of the Placo'ides ; the fourth, the
Cteno'ides ; and the fifth and last, the Cy chides, of the Professor's classification.
All the species will be delineated with great care, and in minute detail ; and be
accurately compared with the living species which most nearly resemble them ;
with their skeletons and scales ; and, in fact, with all the parts which may serve to
convey the most correct idea of them, and to establish most completely their gene-
ric and specific characters.

Chapter I. includes " Notices of the Collections of Fossil Fishes which the
Professor has, himself, examined ; and of the materials which have been placed
at his disposal for the determination of the species." The long enumeration of
these Collections is terminated by an indication of those which it is necessary for
the student to visit, in order to acquire a general knowledge of the fossil fishes of
the different geological formations. An Appendix to this Chapter is occupied
by a " Notice of the Collections which the Professor has not seen" In the whole
of these, he calculates that a sufficient number of new species may be discovered
to increase, by at least one half, the catalogue of Fossil Fishes already known.

Chapter II. is devoted to a " Notice of the works which contain documents
upon Fossil Fishes" Of the two Sections into which it is divided, the first, A.
comprehends " General Works, or particular Memoirs, which treat exclusively
of Fossil Fishes: and b. General Works, or particular Memoirs, geolo-
gical, zoological, or paleontological, containing Chapters, or scattered Notes,"
on the same subject. The work of Columna, De Glossopetris Dissertatio, 4to.,
Romae, 1616, stands at the head of this Catalogue. It is terminated by that of
the Spaniard, Torrubia, entitled, Aparato para la Historia Natural Espan-
nola, folio, 1754.

The lithographic drawings, which accompany this Number, are executed in a
style of extraordinary neatness and elegance : and, if we may be allowed to judge
from the few instances in which we have yet had an opportunity of comparing the
figure with the original, the correctness is not surpassed by the beauty of the
execution.

A Manual of British Vertebrate Animals : or Descriptions of all the Animals
belonging to the Classes Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Amphibia, and Pisces,
which have hitherto been discovered in the British Islands, fyc. By the Rev.
Leonard Jenyns, M.A., &c. 8vo., pp. 559. Cambridge. 1835.

In the literature of British Zoology, the want of a work like the present has
long been felt. The Synopsis, of Dr. Berkenhout, complete and excellent for the
times in which it appeared, and valuable to those whose hands were destined to
receive it, has long been out of print : and the information which, even when
attainable, it is found to convey, is rendered uninteresting, and comparatively
useless, by the discoveries and the innovations, — if not the improvements, — of
zoological science in this inquisitive and aspiring age. Berkenhout, in the last
Edition of his Synopsis, enumerated only fifty-four species of British Mammifera,
including man : while, in the present work, man, with the domesticated, natu-
ralized, extinct, and doubtful species excluded, " the number of described Mamma-
lia amounts to sixty-one." And of the Zoophagous Cetacea, — by far the most
feebly-executed and unsatisfactory portion of Mr. Jenyns' work,— two or three
well-defined species which inhabit the seas, and occasionally visit the coasts, of
Britain, are excluded from the catalogue of the Reverend Author. The whole of
the British Vertebrated Animals, in fact, described by Berkenhout, amount only
to four hundred and seventy-two : while the species of the five Classes, acknow-
ledged as British by the Cambridge Zoologist, " when added together, give five
hundred and eighty-one as the total number ;" leaving, in favour of the latter, an
increase of one hundred and nine newly discriminated, or newly discovered, spe-
cies* of British Mammifera.

Upon the character and execution of the British Fauna, of Dr. Turton,
which, with the exception of Pennant's British Zoology, comes next to the Sy-
nopsis of Berkenhout in order of time, we are unable to pronounce a judgment : a
copy of it is nowhere to be had. The name and attainments of its author will,
however, sufficiently vouch for the respectability of the work. But thirty years
have now nearly elapsed since it was published ; and the value of literary produc-
tions on the Natural Sciences is far more frequently impaired, than left untouched,
by the destructive hand of time. The excellencies and defects of the zoological
labours of Pennant are too well known to require eulogium or exposure here. As
a work exhibiting far more of a popular than a scientific or synoptical character,
the British Zoology, indeed, does not legitimately come within the line of our
literary retrospect.

Mam. Aves. Rept. Pisces. Total.

• Berkenhout 54 245 15 158 472

Fleming 50 264 11 162 487

Jenyns 61 297 13 210 581

Far otherwise with the History of British Animals, of Dr. Fleming ; which,
with all its errors and deficiencies, and after all the unmerited obloquies cast upon
it, we are bold and stubborn enough to regard,* — yes, and publicly eulogize, — as
a very meritorious and creditable production. The arrangement is, we are aware,
confused and highly objectionable, and the characters of many of the genera will
not stand scrutiny. Still, the specific characters are traced with a clear and mas-
terly hand : and the History of British Animals has, we are confident, done
much to facilitate and promote the study of zoological science in this country.
The total number of British Vertebrata, we may add, enumerated or described
by Dr. Fleming, amounts to only four hundred and eighty-seven ; leaving a ma-
jority of ninety-four species for the Catalogue of Mr. Jenyns. (See note, p. 46).

Lectures on the Vertebrated Animals of the British Islands, published in
1831, by Dr. Shirley Palmer, next claim our attention. The very easy, popular,
and even playful style in which this little work is written, would preclude its in-
troduction into a strictly scientific retrospect ; were it not for the Table of British
Mammifera by which it is preceded, and the generally accurate and useful
Synopsis of the various genera and species appended to it in the form of notes.
In this table, and these notes, Dr. Palmer has enumerated and characterized sixty-
five species of Mammifera belonging to the British islands. If to these are added
the ten new species of the Bat-family described by Mr. Jenyns, the Oared Shrew,
Sorex remifer, and the Bank-Campagnol, Arvicola riparia, first noticed by
Sowerby and Yarrell, the catalogue of British Mammalia would be swelled to
seventy-seven, — a number which exceeds, by sixteen, the whole of the vertebrat-
ed animals specified, by Jenyns, as inhabiting Britain, or frequenting its shores.
From the period which has elapsed since the appearance of the first Part of Dr.
Palmer's Lectures, there is little probability that he will now complete them.

The Manual of Mr. Jenyns, to which we finally and gladly revert, is, with a
a few trivial exceptions, all that the student of British zoology can wish for, or
require, in an elementary and synoptical work, — clear, luminous, minute, and, in
general, extraordinarily accurate. We congratulate the reverend gentleman on the
ability which he has so conspicuously exhibited in the execution of his arduous
undertaking. We congratulate the younger naturalists of our country, on the
acquisition of such a guide in their zoological studies and researches. Greatly
should we rejoice to see the remaining Classes of animals, — the Invertebrata, —
of the British Islands, synoptically illustrated by a hand as masterly, and in a
style as clear, unostentatious and unexpensive, as that of the Rev. Leonard Jenyns.

* We have, of late, been mightily amused by the freaks of a modern writer on "Mam-
malogy ;" who, while arranging the Bats under the Order Quadrumana, has the modesty
to stigmatize the History of British Animals, as a " wretched" production. Does he know
how his favourite term Mammalogy is constructed ; or what Quadrumana actually means ?
Has he deigned to peruse the really valuable work which he so unjustly decries ?

[From the Foreign Scientific Journals],

Professor Meisner, of Basle, has recently given some account of the pro-
digious growth of incisor teeth, in some of the Rodentia, which he thus accounts
for. These teeth, in their normal state, are continually growing in length, slowly
rising in height from the alveola, in such proportions as become requisite to com-
pensate for the daily wearing away of their chisel-formed edges. This growth
not ceasing during life, he remarks that all such teeth are invariably tubular at
their base ; and that the same effect is produced not only in the incisor teeth, but
in all others whose roots remain unclosed. In animals — such as the Elephant,
Babiroussa, Hippopotamus, and Narwal, — where these bony productions serve as
a defence, the same observation seems fully to apply ; and they sometimes attain
an enormous length, no given measure having been ascribed to them for the full
period of their maturity, that depending solely upon the duration of the animal' s
life. In the molar teeth of Hares, Rabbits, the Beaver, and some other Rodents,
this fact holds equally good ; but it is not so in the domestic Rat, Mouse^and
others, in which the alveola is always closed ; he cites the observations of Blimen-
bach on the monstrous growth of the molar teeth of a Hare, examined b^him,
and also those of Rudolphi on a similar lusus in an Indian Pig. We have fully
confirmed these observations by an examination of several extraordinary examples
of this phenomenon in the matchless Museum of the College of Surgeons. In a
Rabbit, we observed the incisor teeth to have grown in a spiral form : in a Hare,
also, in which, from their position, they must have occasioned the animal's death,
by entering the head, or pressing so firmly upon it, at either side, as to wound
the flesh and penetrate it. It thus appears clear that a beautiful provision of
Nature is exhibited in the formation of these teeth ; their continual increase ena-
bles them to preserve a fine, even, cutting edge, always set to a particular angle
with each other, so long as they remain truly in opposition ; the motion of gnaw-
ing or cutting their food, having also the effect of keeping the teeth sharp, by
means of their constantly slipping over each other. If, however, by any accident
or malformation of parts, these teeth cease to act against each other, their growth
still going on, they form a curved line, extending to an indefinite length during
the animal's life, and occasioning no doubt, in many instances, premature disease
and death. So perfect is Nature in all her mechanism, that the slightest deviation
from it, by accident or other causes, produces fatal effects.

FICEDULA GARRULA.

ORDER. INSESSORES. FAMILY. SYLVIADjE.

WHITEBREASTED FAUVET.

By Edward Blyth, Esq.*

As the Whitebreasted Fauvet — the Lesser Whitethroat of most of its describ-
ers — appears to be very little known, even to natualists who have attempted to
describe it, I shall endeavour to give a full account of its habits, as observed
in a neighbourhood where it is rather a common bird than otherwise ; and I have
no doubt some of the readers of The Naturalist will recognize it as a regular
summer visitant in localities where it has been hitherto unsuspected.

It arrives in Surrey about the middle, or towards the close, of April, though I
remember to have once seen its nest, with three eggs, so early as the 23rd of
that month ; this, however, I consider to be a very unusual occurrence, as some-
times it is not heard here till the beginning of May. Its coming is always
announced by its characteristic shrill, shivering cry, often delivered from the
midst of some tall, thick, hawthorn hedge, or from amid the branches of an elm,
especially if growing near a ditch. It appears partial to the vicinity of human
abodes, and is particularly abundant about little hedge-bound cottage gardens,
where its tiresome and monotonous, but lively, note is perpetually reiterated, and
becomes irksome from its too frequent repetition. It abounds in most of the
market gardens near London, and may be discovered even on commons, provided
there are trees ; but it is never found in open braky localities, or low hedges,
where there are no trees — the proper habitat of its congener, the Whitethroated
Fauvet (F. cinerea). In tall and leafy hedges, however, and in shrubberies, it
occurs very commonly. The Whitebreasted Fauvet is the most lively and energe-
tic of the British species, and the most restless when in motion. It is also of an ex-
tremely quarrelsome disposition, and will sometimes very fiercely attack and drive
away a Whitethroat from the vicinity of its abode. The same pugnacity is displayed
in a still greater degree in confinement, which renders it necessary to keep it alone,
to prevent its worrying other birds to death, even though thrice its own size, and
apparent strength. I have noticed in an aviary a bird of this species successively

* Communicated by Neville Wood, Esq., author of British Song Birds, &c.

drive away several of the larger FringiWdce, the large Tit, and many others
equally, to all appearance, its superiors in combat; but which were, nevertheless,
quite unable to withstand the spirited attacks of the little Whitebreast. A very
tame one, that was long in my possession, and which was often suffered to fly
about the room, would frequently alight on the wires of a cage containing a Robin,
and, on the latter approaching to defend his castle, the little termagant would
fight fiercely with him through the wires, and soon compel him to retreat. Phre-
nologists may look for an ample development of combativeness in this little bird's
cranium.

The characteristic activity of the Whitebreasted Fauvet is also very perceptible
in confinement, and far exceeds that of any of its congeners. This beautiful little
bird often assumes attitudes peculiarly calculated to shew itself to advantage ; —
throwing back its head, and at the same time partially expanding its wings and
tail (the white exterior feathers of which then appearing conspicuous) ; in a mo-
ment it darts about with such rapidity that the eye can scarcely follow, or performs,
in quick succession, rapid summersets in the air, throwing itself over backwards,
and in a variety of fluttering and zig-zag ways. Then, perhaps, after a short time,
it may be observed with the feathers of the crest and throat erected, and tail more
or less raised, and often flirted, check, check, checking about, as is an occasional
habit of all the Fauvets, more especially when they espy an enemy or object of
distrust, which, in the wild state, they will thus follow for a considerable dis-
tance along the hedges.*

In the accompanying representation, I have endeavoured to delineate the bird
in one of its characteristic attitudes, about to spring up into the air, and vacillate
it knows not where ; but such positions are, of course, only momentary.

The Whitebreasted Fauvet is of equally active habits in a state of nature, where,
instead of dissipating its energy in the performance of summersets,f it may be
seen, occasionally, fluttering, with strange irregular flight, from tree to tree, or
winging a circuitous route across a field, ever and anon repeating its monotonous
ditty as it flies ; but it never rises singing into the air, or hovers warbling, as is ob-
served in the Whitethroated Fauvet, or in the Dusky Furzelin ( Melizophilus
fuscu$),% another species closely allied, though ranging in a separate minimum
division. Indeed, its inward warble is rarely emitted on the wing, except immedi-
ately before it alights on a bough, as may be also noticed in the Blackcap and
Garden Fauvets (F. atricapilla and F. hortensis), and in fact in numerous
other small birds, all of which then continue the strain without stopping, after
they have settled.

* All this I know from actual observation, having for many years paid especial atten-
tion to the highly interesting family of Warblers — N. W.

f I have, however, noticed these summersets in wild individuals. — N. W.
X Dart ford Warbler, of the books.

This inward warble of the Whitebreast is extremely pretty, cheerful, and
lively, but very low, scarcely audible at a trifling distance. It consists of a variety
of pleasing chirps, delivered continuously, in a warbling manner, and quite devoid
of all that harshness which is too prevalent in the song of the Whitethroat. A
note-like sip, sip, sip,* is often introduced, which will enable the young ornitho-
logist at once to recognize it. This warble is often repeated for many minutes,
almost without intermission ; as is also the case with that of the Blackcapt Fauvet,
its more generally known congener. As in that charming songster, this warble
commences, when in confinement, in spring, long before the loud notes are ever
uttered, and it is similarly discontinued, by slow degrees, some time before the
latter cease to be heard. As the Blackcap, too, almost invariably concludes with
its loud and cheerful warble, so also does the Whitebreast mostly terminate with its
loud, shrill, and monotonous shivering cry ; which note not a little resembles the
reiterated and tiresome chant of the Cirl Bunting. The louder songs of both the
Blackcap and Whitebreast may be heard, though gradually less and less frequently,
till the end of July.

The general habits of the wild Whitebreasted Fauvet approximate very closely
to those of the Blackcap and Garden Fauvets, and it inhabits very nearly the same
localities. Authors have described it to frequent exclusively the closest under-
wood ; " on which account," says Selby, " specimens are only to be obtained with
difficulty, and by patient watching." But it does not appear that this eminent
ornithologist was personally much acquainted with the living bird, having, most
probably, written from the imperfect description of some correspondent. In
many parts of Surrey, where the species is extremely plentiful, it is as fre-
quently observed in trees as the Garden Fauvet, and may be often seen, or
rather heard (but, if watched for, may be seen also), at a considerable height
from the ground. I have, indeed, more frequently noticed it near the summits
of high trees than either of its British congeners, and have repeatedly shot
it from such situations. Moreover, I cannot even admit that it is a particularly
shy species ; but, on the contrary, it is, from its restlessness, much more fre-
quently visible, and therefore somewhat easier to procure, than either the Black-
cap or Garden Fauvets. It may likewise be often seen resting, with its plumage
puffed, perched conspicuously in the sunshine on some bare branch, where its
snowy white breast renders it extremely noticeable.f

* Of course I am aware that consonants never occur in the notes of birds ; at the same
time, my purpose is sufficiently effected if some idea can be thus conveyed of the parti-
cular sound to which I allude, and this, I think, may be pretty correctly gleaned from the
above attempt to spell it.

+ I must here plead innocent of confounding, in this instance, the subject of the present
memoir with the Grey Flycatcher ( Musckapa grisola), or the Grove Petty chaps (Sylvia
sibilans), both of which may be often seen watching for passing insects in similar situations,

The nest is built in similar situations to that of the Blackcapt Fauvet, but is
less frequently placed in a fork ; sometimes it occurs in herbage close to the
ground, and not unfrequently in tall hawthorn or other bushes, at six, eight, or
even ten feet from the surface, but four or five is more the usual average. In
construction it somewhat resembles that of the Whitethroated species, but is
smaller, and more compact, and is invariably more or less lined with small rootlets,
which is its distinguishing character. The eggs, four or five in number, are
smaller than those of its British congeners, greenish white, blotched and spotted —
chiefly at the large end, where the markings often form a zone — with brown and
dusky ash-colour, the prevalent tints throughout the genus. They are compara-
tively little liable to variation, and have the spots always larger, and the ground
colour much clearer, than in those of the Whitethroated Fauvet. The specimens
figured in the plate represent, very nearly, the extremes of variation. This
species is also exceedingly shy of having any liberties taken with its cradle, which
it will forsake on a very trifling occasion.

The Whitebreasted Fauvet rears at least two, and, I suspect, often three,
broods in a season, as I know to be the case with the Whitethroat. The young

their white under parts shewing very conspicuously. So far as I have observed, none of
the Fauvets have any idea of following an insect upon the wing, however expert they may
be at capturing them the moment they come within their reach. I have many times, in a
room, seen the Whitebreast eagerly watch the motions of flying insects, and snap at them
with almost unerring aim (though sometimes two or three times in quick succession) the
instant they ventured within the reach of its bill ; but I never knew one to attempt to
follow them into the air, as is a common habit with the Redstart and Pettychaps genera
( Phanicura, and Sylvia as now limited). I observe, however, that Mr. Neville Wood, in
his recently published work on British Song Birds, describes a habit of the Garden Fauvet
(F. hortensis) which, he says, '' does not appear to have been noticed by any preceding na-
turalist. And that is, its darting into the air to catch insects, in the same manner as the
Flycatchers (Muscicapa), often taking its stand on a dahlia stake, watching for its prey,
darting aloft with inconceivable rapidity, with its bill upwards, catching the fiy with a loud
snap of the bill, and immediately returning to its station, again and again to renew the
same process, with similar success. Often as I have observed this interesting manoeuvre,
especially last summer, I do not remember a single instance in which it missed its prey."
To these observations are annexed one or two remarks, in order to prove that he had not
confused the Garden Fauvet with the Grey Flycatcher, a species with which, he assures
us, he is equally familiar. For my own part, though I would by no means be understood
to cast a doubt upon the accuracy of Mr. Wood's observations, still I cannot but observe
that the habit he here mentions is at variance with the whole tenor of what I have
hitherto noticed concerning the mode of taking insect-prey in this genus ; all the members
of which (I mean the British species) I have repeatedly seen to act precisely in the man-
ner I have just detailed of F. garrula. I may add, also, that the individuals in which I
have noticed this were not dull-spirited, broken-plumaged, victims of mal-treatment, but
clean and perfect, lively and active, specimens, which the most scrutinizing eye could not
have distinguished from wild birds.

are hatched after fourteen days' incubation, and in their nestling plumage nearly
resemble the adult individuals, their feathers being, however, of looser texture,
and the colour of the head and back more uniform The upper parts are of a
brownish-ash colour, darkest about the ear-coverts, (which contrasts strikingly
with the pure snowy white of the throat), and relieved by a lighter tint around the
edges of the tertiary wing-feathers, which, however, do not in the least incline to
mahogany colour, as in the Whitethroat: all the under parts are also white,
inclining to silvery on the breast and flanks : exterior feathers of the tail whitish ;
legs and feet dusky lead colour. The adults differ chiefly in the purer grey of
the feathers on the head, and some of the males have a very faint tinge, or rather
gloss, of blush, upon the breast, as is more observable in the male Whitethroat.*
The hue of the iris, also, which is hazel in the younger individuals, becomes of a
beautiful pure pearly-white as they advance in age. Specimens with white irides
are, however, comparatively seldom met with.f

Altogether, this is a bird of different aspect from that of either of its British
congeners, but is nearly allied to a continental species, called Sylvia passerina by
M. Temminck, and also to another, the S. subalpina of the same author, \ which
combines the peculiar structure of the Whitebreasted Fauvet with the dark vinous
colouring of the Dusky Furzelin. All these little birds (more particularly the
last-mentioned) are rather more full-looking and puffy of feather about the head
and throat than the Blackcap and other typical Ficedula ; and in affinities, appear
to be intermediate between those species with black crowns and party-coloured
tails, (F. sarda, melanocephala, &c), and that form to which the Whitethroated
Fauvet of this country belongs, and the continental F. conspicillata ; which latter
group, again, is connected with the typical species (those with tails of a uniform
colour, as our F. atricapilla, and F. hortensis ) ', by the intervention of the Euro-
pean F. orphea, a species common enough in the south of France, and remarkable
for nidificating in society. § The dusky Furzelin is, in many respects, intermediate
between the Whitethroated and WTiitebreasted Fauvets, (the Greater and Lesser
Whitethroats of authors) ; but, nevertheless, possesses other characters of sufficient

* I remember to have read, in the writings of some French Naturalist, who laboured
to prove that birds of the same species are much brighter coloured as we proceed south-
ward, that this faint tinge of rose-colour on the breast of the present specie3 is much finer
in specimens obtained from Africa. What can be more shallow than such an assertion ?
since the identical individuals which pass the summer in Europe, retire, after having
undergone their autumnal moult, to Africa, to spend the winter, and return in the very
same garb to their summer haunts !

•f- I have only seen two with the iris perfectly white, three or four with it partially so.
Of the former, one was a male, the other a female.

J Cwn-uca leucopizon of Mr. Gould.

§ At least, so says Temminck :-_" Niche dans les buissons, souvent plusieurs en un
merae lieu," &c.

importance to warrant its being ranked as a separate division, undoubtedly subor-
dinate, however, in station, to Ficedula, of which it is a modification. In make
of bill, the species composing the small sub-group of which the Whitebreasted
Fauvet is typical, are intermediate between the Blackcapt and Whitethroated Fau-
vets, but approximate rather more to the former — their bills, in fact, differing
chiefly from those of the Blackcap and Garden Fauvets in being somewhat more
lengthened and attenuated. The Whitethroat's bill is more a miniature of that of
the Black Thrush,* (each of which, be it remarked, are the brake birds of their
respective genera), while this organ in the Blackcapt Fauvet is more in accordance
with those of the arboreal Thrushes, (the Blackcap being likewise a tree-frequent-
ing bird). The Dusky Furzelin presents the Whitethroat's bill, only rather more
elongated and slender, and in general habits, song, nidification,-J- and eggs, ap-
proaches very nearly to the last-mentioned species, while, in other respects it as
closely resembles the Whitebreast. Another character of the Dusky Furzelin,
in accordance with the Whitethroat section of the Fauvets, is the yellowish colour
of the legs and feet, which in the other Ficedula are of a leaden hue. In all the
Fauvets, however, the structure of the bill is very different from what we observe
in the genera Salicaria and Sylvia, which many systematists still confound
with Ficedula, comprehending all these, and, indeed, many others equally dis-
tinct, in their vast and incongruous genus Sylvia, now with propriety restricted
by most modern systematists to a truly sylvan group, the different species of
Pettychaps, often popularly confused under the one name of " Willow Wren."
It may be added, that the different species of Fauvet,, even before they have a
feather, may be told from the other genera just alluded to, by the red colour of
the interior of the mouth, which in Sylvia is yellow, and in Salicaria either yellow
or orange.

The Whitebreasted Fauvet exhibits a habit, in confinement, in common with
the Dusky Furzelin, which is not observable in any of its British congeners, —
that of climbing up the wires of its cage by repeated springs ; a trivial particular,
no doubt, but which is quite worthy of notice in connexion with its other peculiari-
ties, as tending, together with many similar accordances, to intimate its near affi-
nity to the last-mentioned species. •

This same scansorial propensity was likewise observed by White, of Selborne,
who, in one of his letters to the Hon. Daines Barrington, observes, that " a rare,
and, I think, a new, little bird frequents my garden, which I have reason to sus-
pect is the Pettychaps, [Garden Fauvet is intended] : it is common in many
parts of the kingdom. * * * This bird much resembles the Whitethroat,

" Blackbird of ordinary colloquy.

t In this particular differing entirely from Malurus, to which it has been approxi-
mated.

but has a more white, or rather silvery, breast and belly ; is restless and active,
like the Willow Wrens, [genus Sylvia, as now restricted], and hops from bough
to bough, examining every part for food ;* it also runs [or, I should rather say,
hops] up the stems of the Crown Imperials, and putting its head into the bells of
those flowers, sips the liquor which stands in the nectarium of each petal. Some-
times it feeds on the ground, like the Hedge Dunnock, by hopping about on the
grass-plots and mown walks." I have myself observed this latter habit, on more
than one occasion. The other Fauvets are hardly ever seen upon the ground.

I may mention, among other accordances, observable in the Whitebreasted
Fauvet and Dusky Furzelin, that both of these little birds emit, on certain emo-
tions, a very peculiar low rattling note, which I have heard from no other species.
This is repeated sometimes many times in succession, and in confinement, is almost
sure to be uttered if any one approach their cage at night with a candle. From
trivial peculiarities, such as these, we may judge of the true affinities of species.

The food of the Whitebreasted Fauvet consists of insects and their larvae,
which it seeks for with much assiduity amid the foliage of trees and bushes. It is
less eminently frugivorous than the Blackcap and Garden Fauvets, more so than
the Whitethroated Fauvet. Its depredations, however, are chiefly confined to the
smaller fruits, — cherries, raspberries, and currants ; later in the season, it devours
elderberries, apparently feeding almost exclusively upon them. It departs rather
late, a few stragglers occasionally remaining till the first week in October ; indeed,
that figured in the plate was shot in the last week of the preceding month, and
accordingly exhibits the bird just moulted, with its feathers somewhat more neatly
finished at the edges, than in those specimens which are killed in spring.

Nearly all birds shed, in the course of the spring and summer, the extreme
terminal edgings of their feathers, and this by a natural process ; not by their gra-
dually wearing away, as is the common opinion. Thus, the white spots which
adorn, in winter, the tertiary wing feathers of the Garden Siskin,-]- / Carduelis

* It will be observed that this most accurate naturalist does not by any means here
corroborate the accounts given by Selby, Mudie, Neville Wood, and others, of the hidling
habits of this species, nor lead one in the least to infer that it is " exclusively an inhabit-
ant of the closest underwood ;" but that the general tenor of his observations entirely
bears out, on the contrary, what I have been asserting. If it be worth while quoting
corroborative testimony, the Hon. and Rev. W. Herbert, in one of his interesting annota-
tions to "White's Selborne, justly remarks, on this particular passage, that " this bird cer-
tainly was not the Pettychaps [Garden Fauvet], which has not the manners here de-
scribed ;" but that " the detail exactly answers to the Blue-grey, or Lesser Whitethroat."
—p. 304.

+ For uniformity sake, I thus term the " Goldfinch" of the books ; which latter term
is however applied, in Yorkshire, to the Yellow Bunting. Hence the necessity of a sys-
tematical nomenclature.

elegans), disappear in summer, as if they had been cut out by a pair of scissors.*
In some future communication, I may perhaps be induced to treat more fully upon
this subject.

It may be remarked, that this specimen, killed so late in the year, was by no
means, as some would otherwise perhaps be inclined to suppose, a weakly young
bird of a late hatch, too feeble to accompany its fellows at the time of their migra-
tion ; but its quill-feathers having been changed, (as is intimated by one or two of
them not having yet attained their development), sufficiently proves that it was
not a bird of that year, as no member of the dentirostral sub-order of perching
birds changes its wing-primaries at the first renovation of its clothing plumage.

In confinement, the Whitebreast is hardy and healthy, and may be kept on
the food usually given to insectivorous birds, allowing it also, occasionally, a
little fruit, and insect diet whenever practicable. It mostly recommences singing
about January ; but does not utter its loud note until about six weeks or two
months afterwards.

As to its distribution over the British islands, I believe it to be much more
general than is commonly imagined, but that it is often most unaccountably over-
looked, as it was, for a long time, in the southern counties. Mr. Neville Wood
finds it plentiful in Derbyshire, and Mr. Herbert in the vicinity of Spofforth, in
Yorkshire ; Mr. Rennie, who, to my certain knowledge, is well acquainted with
the bird, speaks of having seen it in Ayrshire, and at Musselbourgh Haugh, near
Edinburgh. According to Temminck, it is diffused over the temperate parts of
Europe and Asia, but does not spread farther to the north than Sweden, in which
country Linneus also observed it ; a fact which at least negatively corroborates the
assertion that it also visits North Britain.

This bird is the " Lesser Whitethroat" of most ornithological writers, and is
known in Surrey by the names Nettlecreeper, Grey Whitethroat, and French
Whitethroat. Frequently, however, the first of these appellations is also applied
by the peasantry, to the Whitethroated Fauvet, but whenever a distinction is
made (which is more commonly the case with the nests and eggs), the latter is
invariably the Whitethroat, and the other the Nettlecreeper. In Mr. Wood's
recent work on British Song Birds, the subject of the present paper is called the
" Garrulous Fauvet," though, strictly speaking, it is decidedly less garrulous than
the Whitethroat. I have, therefore, preferred to designate it by the term white-
breasted, which name is at least sufficiently exclusive among the British species.

That there should be a standard and a systematic vernacular nomenclature for
our native productions, is, I think, very much to be desired. At the same time it
is of little use altering unless we can improve. Every succeeding writer approxi-
mates more towards supplying this deficiency, and most of the aquatic birds

* This, however, only takes place very partially in confinement.

in Mr. Selby's meritorious British Ornithology are very aptly and euphoniously
designated. Yet this author is often extremely careless about the names of his
land birds, though he seems to prefer the appellation " warbler" for the Fauvet
genus. For my own part, I much object to " warbler" as a generic name at all :
firstly, from its having been so very extensively applied by writers in quite a tech-
nical sense ; and secondly, because it appears invidious to term exclusively any
particular genus of song birds by an appellation of such very general import.
When, however, we find such a non-exclusive term actually applied to birds that
do not warble, and by those, too, who profess to reform the nomenclature, it be-
comes still more inapplicable. Who, for instance, can be expected to adopt
the name " Hedge Warbler"* for a bird that neither warbles nor habitually fre-
quents hedges ? Yet such an appellation is proposed, by Mr. Neville Wood, for
the Sylvia loquax, a species which might be aptly designated the Dark-
legged Petty chaps ; a name which is not liable to any such objections. Surely we
ought to discriminate between improvement and alteration, and allow no newly-
coined names to pass muster which are so very obviously inappropriate. In scien-
tific nomenclature, the Whitebreast has been variously denominated by different
authors. It is the Motacilla curruca, and also the M. dermetorum of Linneus ;
the Curruca garrula of Brisson and Selby; the C. sylviella of Dr. Fleming; it
is the Sylvia ( Curruca ) curruca of Mr. Jenyns, the S. curruca of Latham
and Temminck, and also the S. dermetorum of the former. Buffon calls it La
Fauvette Babillard, and Temminck Becfin babillard; Babillard is also Mr.
Rennie's name for it, in Montagu's Dictionary. It is the Klapper Grasmiicke
of the German, Meyer, and the Bianchetto of the Italians. Its more popular
name among the Germans signifies " Little Miller."

* A. name, too, which is not in the slightest degree the less objectionable from its having
been applied, by many writers, to the Accentor modularis.

VOL. I.

ON THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VERTEBRATED AND
INVERTEBRATED ANIMALS.

By Robert Mudie.

The differences between the two grand divisions of the animal kingdom —
those which have a vertebrated back-bone and internal skeleton on which all their
organs of motion are inserted, and those which have no such skeleton, but have
their organs of motion inserted in an external crust, or integument, of some de-
scription or other — offer many important lessons to the student of nature ; and, in
as far as the mechanical action of the animals is concerned, they furnish a count-
less number of examples, the proper understanding of which is very essential in
the mechanical arts. These are the two grand objects which we ought always to
have in view when we study nature : because the first is at once the source and
the gratification of mental inquiry, and the other enables us to turn our know-
ledge to practical use, in a world where the labours and the enjoyments of society
must keep pace with each other.

But though the more solid parts which sustain the immediate organs of mo-
tion in the vertebrated animals are internal of those organs, and the sustaining
parts in the invertebrated animals are external, it must not be supposed that the
two grand divisions are reverses of each other ; for there are in the bodies of all
animals many other structures than sustaining parts, and muscles to put those
parts in motion, producing the external actions of the animal, varying according
to the place which it occupies in the great system of nature.

There are four other essential systems possessed, in a greater or less degree,
by animals of all kinds, though their general perfection or development, as it is
called, and also their relative development in proportion to each other, are exceed-
ingly varied in the different races. These four systems are, an assimilating sys-
tem, a circulating system, a breathing system, and a nervous system ; which last
is understood to be that upon which sensation, the grand characteristic of animals,
depends, though upon this subject we cannot come to any very positive conclusion.
The reason is, the animal cannot live without the joint action of all these systems ;
and the dead animal, though it can shew us the anatomical structure, or number,
form, and arrangement of the parts of the animal, can tell us nothing whatever
about life. Hence we know life only as a phenomenon of the compound, and,
consequently, we cannot refer it to any of the component parts separately from
the rest.

We have countless instances of the effect of such unions when we examine
compound substances, and the elements into which we can resolve them, or by the
union of which we can reproduce them. Water, for instance, is exceedingly
refreshing to animals and to plants, when applied to them in substance ; but nei-

ther the oxygen nor the hydrogen of which water is composed, nor the two applied
together in mechanical mixture, as a gas, produce this effect in the slightest de-
gree. Water also boils at 212°, and freezes at 32°, of the common thermometer,
but neither of its two elements does this. As gases, the ultimate effect of boiling
has passed upon them in bringing them to that state ; and neither of them can be
rendered solid, or even liquid, by any degree of cold with which we are ac-
quainted. Innumerable instances, many of them far more striking than this, will
occur to every one who has even a very slight acquaintance with chemistry, and
also to any one who attends to the difference between the properties of mixtures,
and those of the ingredients of which they are formed.

The conclusion here is altogether irresistible ; namely, that we cannot attribute
any one property or phenomenon, of a material compound, to any one ingredient
of that compound, to the exclusion of the rest. It is in the fact of being com-
pounded that all the properties of the compound originate, and when the com-
pound is dissolved all those properties are at an end.

This illustration is taken from compounds which are not organized, and there-
fore it is not exactly in point as applied to animals. But still it is the foundation upon
which our judgment of animals must rest, and, consequently, we must admit
into the organized and more complicated compound nothing which is inconsistent
with it. In every part of its system the animal is matter, and therefore it must
obey the laws of matter, in so far as those laws are not controlled by the power of
organization in the animal ; which is the fact of animal composition, and not a
substance which could by possibility have a separate existence, or an existence in
any other species of animal, or even in any other individual, than merely the one
which was the immediate subject of the inquiry.

Such being the case, we must be very careful, and not dogmatically attribute
any function to any one structure of an animal, or even to any one organ, how
necessary so ever that organ may be to the exercise of the function. Thus, for in-
stance, an eye is absolutely necessary to the function of vision ; but still it would
be most unphilosophical to say that an eye sees ; because, if such were the case, a
dead eye, if in perfect preservation, ought to see as well as a living one. The
very same argument applies to every organ in all the other systems. Nothing is
more common, for instance, than the belief that animals perceive, and are impelled
to act, by the brain ; and there are not a few who assign different impulses to diffe-
rent parts of this organ : but were this the case, an uninjured brain, separated
from the rest of the animal, ought to be as " cogitative" and " volontative" as
ever.

But to leave this preliminary caution, which is a most essential one, especially
to young naturalists, let us return to the organic systems which, in their combina-
tion, make up the body of an animal, and observe how they are distributed in the
two grand divisions of vertebrated and invertebrated — or skeletoned and skeleton-

less — animals. The three systems of assimilation or nutrition, circulation, and
respiration, are intimately connected with each other — so much so, that they
ought, perhaps, to he considered as parts of one compound system, — the vital sys-
tem, or that hy means of which the body of the animal is originally formed and
maintained during the period of its life in the exercise of those functions which
belong to its species. We need not mention that the first part of this compound
system, in its organization, consists of the whole alimentary passage, together with
the accessory parts which promote digestion, and those by which the assimilated
food is conveyed to the blood ; that the second consists of the circulating vessels,
whether their contents be blood in the arterial or venous state, or any other cir-
culating liquid ; and that the third part consists of that apparatus by which the
waste (in most cases apparently the surplus carbon) of the system is conveyed by
means of air or water to the general mass of inorganic matter. In the greater
number of animals, whether vertebrated or not, the alimentary, or assimilating,
part of the system, is internal ; the circulating part is, also, more or less distri-
buted throughout the whole body ; and the respiratory part is variously placed —
being internal in the warm-blooded vertebrata, and in many invertebrated animals,
but more or less external in others. The nervous system is very differently situ-
ated ; though it is always internal in what may be considered as its most essential
parts, and more or less ramified through the body in the others.

In all vertebrated animals, the nervous system is really the central part ; for
the brain and its spinal elongation, from which the nerves proceed to all parts of
the body, are always lodged within the vertebral part of the skeleton. In them,
too, the three parts of what we have described as the vital system, are internal as
regards the whole mass of the body, but external as regards the spinal column.
They proceed from the opening of the mouth, and are lodged in cavities of the
chest and abdomen, suspended upon one side of the vertebral column, and corres-
pondingly on the same side of it, in all the classes of the grand division ; but
though they are supported on the spine, they are never contained in the same cavi-
ty with its essential contents. Of the system of reproduction we do not speak,
because this is connected with the succession of generations in the animal, and not
with any one animal considered as an individual.

In animals of this grand division, therefore, the several parts of the more im-
portant systems are kept separate from each other, and each enjoys a different
degree of protection from external injury, and even from injury by the working of
the mechanical system. The central parts of the nervous system are wholly
enclosed within the bones of the vertebral column, so that no external injury
can happen to them, except from the fracture or dislocation of this column ; and
the processes or projections of the different vertebras are so formed, that disloca-
tion of the column is next to impossible, by any ordinary strain to which the ani-
mal can be subjected. The breathing apparatus, and the heart, or centre of

circulation, are also well protected, and kept separate from each other, and from
the alimentary or assimilating system ; so that no two of these can interfere with
each other, unless by such an injury as would be fatal to the animal. Then, as
the whole of them are within the mechanical system, none of them can receive any
displacement by the natural action of that system. It is thus evident that, in such
animals, the greatest care is taken both of the compound system which carries on
tbe vital functions, and of that which is understood to be more immediately con-
cerned in the function of sensation.

It is very different with invertebrated animals, in all their classes, which are
far more numerous and varied than those of the vertebrated ones. The whole of
their structures, vital, motive, and sensal, are lodged within the same cavity ; and
thus, if we except the motive one, which gains from the arrangement some mecha-
nical advantages afterwards to be noticed, they cannot have the same freedom or
action as in the vertebrated animals, which have them apart. Accordingly, the
organs of assimilation, of respiration, and of circulation, are far less perfect than
they are in the vertebrated animals. No single description can be made applicable
to all the differences which are found among them ; but it may, in general, be
stated that there is much less distinctness in the stomach and its auxiliary organs,
though this is probably the most important part of them, because every animal
must receive matter for its growth, and also for its nourishment ; consequently,
this part is the most complete. In the circulation there is no distinct heart, for,
in many of them at least, the assimilated blood goes directly to the growth or
nourishment of the parts ; and they are provided with a sort of breathing tubes
generally distributed through the cavity of the body, which perform the necessary
process of aeration upon the nourishing fluid in its progress to the different parts.
The system of sensation is, however, the least perfectly developed of the whole.
There is not, in any invertebrated animal, any organ which can be positively said
to be a true brain ; and, generally speaking, the central parts of the nervous sys-
tem are placed near the system of nourishment, the most conspicuous ganglion, or
enlargement, being situated on the gullet, and the others in the continuation of
the cavity of the body. In the orders which are most humble in their organiza-
tion, the radiata, there are no symmetrical organs, the counterparts of each other
upon opposite sides, as we find in all vertebrated animals, and in the higher orders
of the invertebrated ones. The whole proceeds, as it were, from a centre, and,
in very many instances, almost any point is capable of becoming a centre ; for if
the body is divided, the parts, in time, become entire animals.

It should seem, therefore, that the invertebrated animals are founded upon the
system of assimilation, or nourishment, and that their predominant function is
that of growth. They all do, indeed, possess sensation in some degree or other,
higher in one class, and lower in another ; but this part of their general system is
always very inferior in its structure, and very subordinate in its power, to the

nourishing and growing portion. Many of them, indeed, have curious instincts,
and perform labours in which a great deal of what we would call ingenuity, if
they were the results of contrivance, is displayed. The cells of the bee, the webs
of the spiders, the nests and covert-ways of the white ants, and a countless num-
ber of others, might be mentioned in proof of this ; but the animals which per-
form those curious labours display no more sagacity and resource than the hum-
blest of the whole. The bee or the spider, for example, does not display more
sagacity than the common earthworm, which is, perhaps, the most sentient of the
three ; and yet it has no visible organs of localized senses. This, by the way, is a
pretty convincing proof that sensation is the result of the organization taken gene-
rally, and not of any particular part of it ; though there is no doubt that any par-
ticular modification of sense must be acute in proportion to the perfection of its
organ.

The vertebrated animals are as evidently founded upon the nervous system.
It is the first organic portion which can be traced in the embryo when little else
than a gelatinous mass ; and in that part of it which may be considered as central,
and as such productive of the nervous energy, it is everywhere so fenced in and
protected by bones, as that none of the other systems, and more especially the me-
chanical system, can in the least interfere with it. In the invertebrated animals
the case is very different ; the nervous system is, in its central and essential parts,
mixed up both with the vital and the mechanical system, and it is subservient to
them. We can easily understand from the structure of man and of the higher
orders of vertebrated animals, that the nervous system, in order to work to the
full degree of perfection of which it is susceptible, must work perfectly alone and
undisturbed ; and though it is impossible for us to say what specific effect this
system has on the ultimate action of the animal as a whole, yet as that is always
superior in proportion as the nervous system is developed, we must conclude that
this system is a most essential part. Another opportunity will be afforded in a
future number of The Naturalist, for investigating the curious connexion which
there appears to be between the nervous energy of animals and that general
energy of matter, whether organized or not, which is known by the several names
of caloric, electricity, and galvanism, and conversely by the name of magnetism.
But we may, in the mean time, remark that those animals and parts of animals
which are capable of the most powerful action, how brief soever may be its dura-
tion, are also the most susceptible to electric excitement.

This protection afforded to the centre of the nervous system in the vertebrated
animals, is obtained at some sacrifice of effect in proportion to exertion in the me-
chanical system ; and the sacrifice is always the greater the more that the nervous
system is developed and protected. It is greater in mammalia than in birds ;
greater in birds than in reptiles ; and greater in reptiles than in fishes : and it is
greatest of all in the cartilaginous fishes, which, though superior to common fishes

in some of the humbler parts of their organization, are very inferior in vertebra-
tion and nervous energy.

But while the absolute effect of the muscles or mechanical organs of the more
highly developed animals is less, upon the whole, than that of the lower, there are
counterbalancing advantages ; for the internal skeleton is, if we may be allowed the
term, much more disposable, that is, capable of much more varied action in a
single articulation, than the external crust. We may take the Crustacea and
Arachnida, of which the common crab and the garden spider may be taken as
types, as expressive of the highest mechanical structure of invertebrated animals ;
and we may take the human body, in consequence of the universality of its appli-
cation, as the most characteristic of the vertebrated ones. In these, if any one
examines the pincer-claw of the crab in the articulations of its crust, and the
skeleton of the human arm in the articulations of the bones, he will not fail to be
struck at the very limited range of motion which the former possesses to that
possessed by the latter. In the claw, the hard parts which are moved are external
of the muscles which move them ; and, therefore, if there is an articulation of one
part of the crust upon another, there must be two centres, and an axis of motion
passing through those centres. But two points determine, and fix the position of
a line, so that it cannot by possibility vary, if the points themselves are fixed ; as,
for instance, a line on the earth's surface, passing through a fixed point at Bir-
mingham and another at London, would be determined until it girded the earth as
a great circle, and could not by possibility deviate a single inch to the right hand
or to the left, even at the remotest distance from those two fixed points. The two
centres of motion in the articulation of the crusted animal are two fixed points in
the crust ; and therefore the axis of motion, which must pass through them, can
have no angular play, and the motion must be confined to one plane, from which
it cannot deviate a single hair's breadth. Such a joint must act with the most
perfect precision ; and it will be found that in all the hinge joints of the crab's
claw there is not the least lateral motion. If, therefore, the limb of an inverte-
brated animal is jointed by crust articulated upon crust, a great number of joints
is required, in order to produce even a very limited variety of motion ; and no
number of joints could produce the variety which the articulations of the human
arm can communicate to the point of the finger. A more varied motion is ob-
tained, by uniting the extremities of the two pieces of crust by a certain portion of
cartilaginous matter, as we find in those joints which unite the crab's claw to the
body of the animal, and also in the joints of the smaller claws, or walking legs.
This mode of union, for it is not strictly an articulation, allows of bending in any
direction, in proportion to the extent and flexibility of the cartilage that joins the
two portions of crust. This, however, has a limit, and a very narrow one, because
a very little extent or increased flexibility of the cartilage would render the limb
so feeble and unsteady that it would not be efficient for any one purpose. Any

one who reflects upon the subject, and chooses to examine the specimen to which
we have referred, will see at once that the range of action in the moving parts of
an animal having the muscles inserted in an external crust or integument must be
exceedingly limited ; and that, in order to produce even a fraction of the different
motions of which an animal with an internal skeleton is capable, there must be a
much greater number both of articulations and of muscles. Accordingly, we find
that the muscles of a caterpillar exceed by hundreds the muscles of a greyhound
or an eagle ; and yet its motions are mere crawling as compared with theirs, and
its body is a thing of no weight in comparison.

In the human arm, or in any other limb having internal bones, the motion of
a single joint may command a good deal more than an entire hemisphere, having
the length of the articulated bone for its radius. This can be done in conse-
quence of the real centre of motion in the joint of two internal bones being a
point, which is equally affected to every plane passing through it, and, therefore,
not tied down to any straight line crossing the direction of the articulated bones
when they are straight. It is true that we never have in the body of any verte-
bated animal this extreme variety of motion of which the joint of such an animal
could be made capable ; because, joints being made for purposes, must, from the
very nature of the case, have motion in the direction of their purpose, and a ful-
crum or support for that motion in the opposite direction. This, however, does
not affect the perfect universality of the principle ; and as motion on a single
point, as a centre, is not affected by, or confined to, one direction more than ano-
ther, there is an unlimited basis to the motions of vertebrated animals ; and thus
a joint can be formed capable of having its best motion in any direction that can
be imagined. When several such joints are combined, the result is such as would
stagger the belief of even those who are conversant with common mechanics, if
they have not thought upon this very subject. Say that the human arm is, for
instance, two feet in length, (making a little allowance for flexion in some posi-
tions), and that it can command three-fourths of a sphere of two feet radius, which
is within the truth, the human finger can, as told to the microscope, divide this
space to the two-thousandth part of an inch every way ; and as it must pass from
one of these very proximate points to the other, it may absolutely be said to
divide this space to infinitude — that is, to a degree of minuteness which we
cannot express by numbers, and of which, in fact, we can have no conception.
Add to this, the motion which the shoulder-joint can receive from the action of
the. rest of the body, and add to this the additional motion given by walking or
running, or by the use of the feet generally — and the power of the finger in divid-
ing space becomes an especial wonder, and should lead every one to employ, in
the most useful manner, an instrument which has no parallel in the catalogue of
material things. This subject is as long as it is instructive, and our limits are
already exceeded ; but we may resume it on some future occasion.

NOTICE OF CUTTINGS IN A DISTRICT OF THE LONDON AND
BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY,

BETWEEN

Castle-Thorp, Northamptonshire, and Bletchley, Buckinghamshire.
By the Rev. Josiah Bull, Jun., F.G.S.

During frequent visits to a portion of the London and Birmingham Rail-
way, some facts have fallen under my observation which have induced me to draw
up the following notice, although my acquaintance with geology is limited, and I
have little opportunity of acquiring a practical knowledge of subjects connected
with it. The opinions I entertain may, consequently, be incorrect, but facts can-
not be useless, and I therefore willingly make a statement of them.

The line of railway between Bletchley and Castle-Thorp nearly traverses the
breadth of the Oxford clay, or rather a stratum of clay, which has been regarded
as constituting the widest part of that formation south of Huntingdon. There is
certainly an uniformity in the character of this deposit, throughout its whole
extent ; but it by no means agrees with the ordinary features of the Oxford clay,
nor even with that formation in its immediate neighbourhood. Its fossils are dif-
ferent, and many of them evidently extraneous. It presents, also, other appear-
ances which shew that this deposit must have originated under circumstances of a
totally different nature to those which were present during the deposition of that
formation.

The first point at which my observations have commenced is Castle-Thorp,
on the borders of Northamptonshire. At the time I visited this spot, there was
a cutting of about eighteen feet in depth through the deposit to which I have
alluded, and the nature of which I shall presently describe. There was also a
section, of a similar character, about half a mile from this, upon the south side of
the hill. The line immediately proceeds across the valley of the Ouse, where a
large viaduct is erecting. Beyond this point, at the north side of the valley, is
a cutting of considerable depth, through horizontal strata of gravelly sand and
clay, and boulders of limestone. Here also occur, in a horizontal position, large,
fiat, tabular masses of limestone, having a yellowish brown exterior, and being
blue within. A little farther on, the same limestone occurs in a large mass,
forming a stratum, which dips at a small angle towards the north. This lime-
-stone is covered by a clay similar to that at Thorp. Beyond this hill is the valley
of Bradwell Abbey, and the ground rises again towards the village of Loughton.
Here is a very fine section opposite the church at Loughton, the depth of which
will not be less than forty feet, when the summit of the hill is reached. The
depth, at present, is about twenty-eight feet through the same bed of clay ; and I

VOL. I. K

am informed by the engineer of the works that the deposit presents a similar cha-
racter at Bletchley, distant three miles from Loughton, and seven from Thorp.

I have spoken of a bed of clay which prevails throughout the whole line, with
the exception of one point, the acclivity to the south of the valley of the Ouse,
where it is less cleaily denned. Now this stratum, although it occurs in what is
denominated the Oxford-clay formation, presents characters which clearly prove
that it has no connection with that deposit. It generally presents an uniform ap-
pearance, being a hard, dry clay, of a very dark blue colour, occasionally breaking
down in very large masses. Nodules of chalk, from the size of a pin's head to
two or three inches in diameter, occur in great numbers, pretty regularly distri-
buted throughout it. These are always rounded and smooth, and numerous flints
are associated with them. The most interesting fact, however, is the number and
variety of the fossils found in this deposit. These consist principally of Ammo-
nites, of at least from fifteen to twenty species ; numerous specimens of Gryphcea,
dUitata and incurva, especially the former ; Belemnites, portions of Pentacri-
nites, several kinds of Terebratula, and specimens of Ostrea and Serpula. I
have one specimen of Echinus, which is filled with chalk, and, though very much
worn, exactly retains the appearance of the chalk fossils. Many of the fossils are,
indeed, worn, others are broken ; the fragments of Ammonites are particularly
numerous, and are often covered with indurated clay, or limestone, which has
been worn round and smooth by the action of water. Beds of sand and gravel
frequently occur through the deposit, and in them are found numerous small spe-
cimens of Ammonites and univalve shells, most of which are composed of iron
pyrites. A few saurian vertebrae have also been discovered.

Now it is very evident that this deposit has little in common with the Oxford
clay, although traversing the whole breadth of the formation so designated ; for,
in addition to the peculiar fossils of that deposit, we here find those of the Chalk,
Lias, and Oolites. The fossils of the Oxford clay, it is well know, are frequently
much compressed, and, when they are of a delicate structure, preserved with diffi-
culty. This is especially the case with the Ammonites. Of these, as also of
Gryphcea dilitata, (a characteristic shell), I have several specimens from New-
port Pagnel, four miles east of the railway, and from Willan, one mile to the
south of Newport, where the deposit bears the true character of the Oxford clay.
Here, also, I have found very beautiful remains of the Ichthyosaurus. The
fossils, however, in this formation, are generally very few : in this respect forming
a striking contrast to those discovered in the railway cuttings.

Without offering any theory upon the subject, there is abundant evidence for
the following conclusions. That, although supposed to form a part of the Oxford
clay, the formation I have attempted to describe is of a totally different character ;
that it is posterior in its deposition to the Chalk formation ; and that its fossils
have been brought from a distance : and from all the circumstances of the case,
it seems to be undoubtedly a deposit of diluvial origin.

Before bringing this notice to a conclusion, I ought not to omit mentioning
the occurrence of some interesting vegetable remains which have been found in
the Limestone which I described as forming a stratum to the south of the vale of
the Ouse. In connection with large specimens of Lignite, are beautiful Ferns and
coniferous plants. There are many cones in excellent preservation, imbedded in
the limestone, all of which are about the size of a Brazil nut. The limestone is
very similar in its character to that of the Forest Marble. It contains but a small
number of shells, among which are the genera, Terebratula, Mytilus, &c.

It is unfortunate for geological inquiry, that the sections to which reference
has been made, and others of a similar kind, are so soon hidden from observation.
It has, of course, been an object with me to obtain as many specimens as possible
of the fossils and of the beds in which they occur ; and by these I shall be able
at any time to confirm the statements I have made. In conclusion, I may be
allowed to say that I shall sincerely rejoice if these brief observations may stimu-
late the inquiry and elicit the opinion of those who are far more competent judges
of the subject than I can pretend to be.*

Newport Pagnel, March 14, 1836.

List of Fossils from the London and Birmingham Railway, chiefly from
the Parish of Loughton, Bucks :

Ammonites biplex, (with perfect Ammonites Harveyi

termination) A. Gulielmii

A. communis A. Humphresianus

A. triplicatus A. Lamberti

A. serratus (With three others not figured)

A. excavatus Nautilus lineatus

A. spinosus Belemnites vulgaris

A. omphaloides B. crassus

A. contractus B. minimus

A. Turned B. gracilis

A. Duncani Cidaris ?

* The above interesting communication was forwarded to us a few months since ; and
we sincerely hope that its publication may induce some competent geologist to undertake
an examination of the singular deposit which Mr. Bull has described. Mr. W. H. In-
wood, the architect, a zealous collector of fossils, has visited the localities alluded to by
Mr. Bull, and we have had an opportunity of examining, at his residence in Euston
Square, the specimens obtained by him at the railroad. We were particularly struck with
the great variety and beautiful preservation of the Ammonites. The fossil cones are par-
ticularly interesting, and occur in a limestone apparently belonging to some member of
the oolitic group. — Ed.

Spatangus ? Pecten ?

Modiola elegans Terebratula tetrahedra

Modiola ? T. trilineata

Cerithiom ? T ?

Lucina ? T. ?

Unio Listeri Serpula ?

U. ? Gryphoea incurva

Pectunculus sublavis G. obliquata

P. ? G. dilitata

Plagiostoma ? G. bullata

Nucula ovum Madrepora turbinata

N. ? Pentacrinites ?

Pecten lens

EXPERIMENT ON THE NEST OF A BLACKCAPT FAUVET,

(FlCEDULA ATRICAPILLA).

The shy and jealous nature of this species during the period of incubation, is
well known to almost every tyro in ornithology. Touching the nest, or even
looking at it, before the eggs are laid, almost invariably causes the birds to desert.
The following, however, is a curious deviation from this general rule : — On the
6th of July, I found a Blackcapt Fauvet's nest, without eggs. On the 8th it con-
tained two eggs, which were warm. I then put a bit of light rotten wood into the
nest, about the size of one of the eggs. This had been thrown out on the 10th,
and a third egg was laid. I now inserted a small piece of hard mould, and took
out one of the eggs ; this was ejected the same day, and a few days afterwards I
added to the two remaining eggs a pebble, equal in size to one of the eggs, and
somewhat resembling them in shape and colour. Whether this proved too heavy
for the birds to move, or whether it was not distinguished from the eggs them-
selves, I had no means of determining ; but it was never removed. The young
birds, two in number, were hatched on the 20th. Another remarkable circum-
stance, is, that the female should only have laid three eggs, Jive being the usual
number ; and even more than five might reasonably have been expected, as birds
will frequently continue laying considerably more than the ordinary quantum of
eggs, if one or more of these be removed before incubation has commenced.

The nest which furnished the above interesting experiments, was situated at
the extremity of the branch of a yew tree, in a thick grove — a most unusual
locality for this bird, and one in which I never before met with it. I have, how-
ever, lately heard of another similar instance, communicated by a scientific friend
residing in the south of England. N. W.

ADAPTATION OF FISHES TO DEPTHS OF WATER.

Few departments of natural history are more interesting, both in a philosophi-
cal and in an economical point of view, than the natural history of fishes. They
live in an element which, exclusive of lakes and rivers, covers seven tenths of the
surface of our globe ; and they inhabit that element, not merely in the breadth of
its surface, as mammalia inhabit the land, but they inhabit it to the depth of a
considerable number of fathoms. In consequence of this great' breadth and depth
of their pasture, as compared with the pasture of land animals, their numbers, and
their powers of keeping up those numbers, are correspondingly great. The shoals
of some of the surface fishes, and also of some of the ground ones — as, for in-
stance, the common Herring and the Cod, — are numerous beyond all the powers
of arithmetic ; and their fertility corresponds, for a single individual of the Cod
produces four millions at a birth, and there are many other species scarcely less
productive ; while land animals, whether mammalia or birds, are reckoned exceed-
ingly prolific if they average a dozen, and some of the more important and highly
developed races have very rarely indeed more than one.

This vast abundance of the finny tribes and the extensive means of keeping up
their succession, not only in the individual race, but that the one may supply food
for the support of the others, give them a great deal of interest in a philosophical
point of view, by showing us how much we are mistaken when we suppose that
the waters are the waste places of our globe. There is another consideration : we
do not need, generally speaking, to cultivate the waters as we cultivate the land ;
or to breed fishes as we breed land animals. It is true that fresh-water fishes,
and in some instances salt-water ones also, are bred for domestic purposes ; but
this is done more for the gratification of luxury than for economical purposes.

We need hardly mention that, besides the cartilaginous fishes, which approxi-
mate some of the reptiles in some points of their physiology, there are two distinct
divisions of true or bony fishes, distinguished from each other by the characters of
their fins, or swimming organs. These are acanthopterygii, or fishes which have
the rays of the fins in one continuous piece, more or less flexible, but sometimes
an absolute spine of bone ; and rnalacopterygii, or fishes which have the rays of
the fins jointed, and, generally speaking, of a less bony consistency than those in
the others.

Both of these grand divisions inhabit, in their different genera, different
depths of the sea ; but it may be said, that, taking them on the whole, the fishes
with spinous rays are the most discursive through the waters, and inhabit nearest
the surface. Those with jointed rays to the fins are more divisible according to
the grades of depths which they occupy ; and these grades follow pretty closely
the arrangement of the fins on the under part of the body. In considering the
mechanical action of a fish, it is distinctly to be understood that the tail is the

grand organ of motion, and that the muscles which form by far the greater part
of the bulk of the animal, are so inserted upon the processes of the vertebral
column as to give to this organ of swimming the greatest energy which it can
possess consistently with the bulk of the animal. But the tail of a fish has no
motion except lateral motion, that is striking right and left in the direction of a
plane, which, in the majority of fishes, passes equally through the centre of the
back and the centre of the belly ; and this, though it gives motion, and in many
instances very rapid motion, has no power of ascent or descent in it, because it
can strike the water neither downwards nor upwards ; and it is by striking the
water in one direction, that the body of a fish, or any substance immersed in the
water, is impelled in the opposite direction. The direction of the course of fishes
thus depends chiefly upon the action of those fins on the under part of the body,
which answer to the four extremities in the mammalia ; and those which have
only two such fins — and for that reason are called apodal, or footless — have
lengthened bodies, and partly direct their motions — which are, generally speaking,
much slower than those of other fishes — by the contrary flexures of the length-
ened body, as may be observed in the Eels, which have no distinct and separate
caudal fin, but have the dorsal and the anal continued over a great portion of
their length, and meeting each other at the extremity, as one continuous fin.

In the majority of fishes, however, there are four fins on the under part, and
the different place of the posterior pair, determines, in a great measure, the mode
of swimming in the animal, and the depth at which it inhabits the water. There
is, also, a form of the body correspondent to this position of the fins, and to the
depth of water at which the fish in general inhabits. If it is a surface fish, the
body is, generally speaking, compressed in its lateral diameter, and the head is
rather small, so that the centre of gravity falls nearly in the middle of the length,
or rather midway between the anterior and the posterior fins on the under part, or,
as they are called, the pectoral and ventral fins. A fish formed in this manner, is
adapted more for straight forward motion than for rapid ascent and descent ; and
such fishes are furnished with dorsal fins, which, as well as the anal fins, are
generally produced in proportion as the body of the fish is short and compressed
according to its depth. Of this form we have examples in the Lancet fishes, and
a number of others, many of which are vegetable feeders, living upon weeds ;
and others, again, feed upon the small animals which inhabit, in great numbers,
the floating sea-weed which remains in the great eddies in the tropical seas.
Such fishes, as they are not predatory upon any other fishes, are very often armed
with powerful defences against the attacks of these. Those armatures consist of
hard and sharp spines situated on various parts of the body — near the tail in the
Lancet fishes, on the gill-lids in others, and in the dorsal fin, or in advance of
it, in those fishes which inhabit the bottom of the waters, as in the Weever.
In short, those defensive weapons are always so placed upon the body of the fish

that they may be used in the readiest manner in the direction from which an
attack is likely to come. The attack on the Lancet fishes feeding on sea-weed,
can hardly be made except in the rear, and thus they have their very sharp and
powerful weapons upon the sides of the tail, not far from the origin of the caudal
fin. The Weevers, again, and fishes of similar habit, which lie at the bottom of
the shallows and feed there, have their defensive weapons in the dorsal fin, or
sometimes on the head ; and they repel their enemies by striking upwards with a
violent rising motion of the body ; whereas, the surface fishes strike laterally with
the tail or the side of the head, according to the situation of their defensive weapons.
It is not understood, however, that any one weapon of this kind with which a fish
is armed upon any part of the body, is ever used for offensive purposes. Animals,
in fact, whether they inhabit the land or the water, have never any weapons of
mere warfare in the way of attack ; their offensive weapons are given them for the
purpose of obtaining their food; and when this purpose is accomplished, the
animals repose, and are at peace with all the world.

Fishes whose habit it is to swim freely through the water without much
ascending or descending, have always the posterior pair of fins on the under side,
abdominal, or placed backwards ; though many which have this form are ground
fishes. It is to be understood, however, that this arrangement of the fins gives
the fishes more command of the waters, in freedom of range, than those which
have them differently situated. The Salmon may be taken as a common or
abridged type of this form of fishes, and it is exceedingly discursive. The Her-
ring also, and all the herring family have a similar arrangement of the fins ; and
they too are remarkable for the distance to which they can range. If ascent and
descent are more the motions of the fish, the second pair of fins on the under part
are placed forwards ; sometimes immediately under the pectoral fins, and some-
times in advance of them. By this means the fish has great command over the
head, in ascending or descending ; and in such fishes the head is usually large in
proportion, and the mass of the body concentrated on the fore part. The cod
family are examples of this ; and, though they differ a good deal from each other,
they may be all considered as ground fishes, or opposite in their habits to the free
swimmers, which have the second pair of their fins abdominal. Such fishes do
not inhabit the shallows near the shore, but the banks and the surfaces of the
rocks out at sea. They are exceedingly numerous in localities suited to them ;
and in point of numbers, and also in the lightness and wholesomeness of their
flesh, they are among the most valuable tenants of the deep. The true fishes of
the shallows, which keep and feed near the ground, are the flounder family, or flat
fish as they are called ; they are, perhaps, the least discursive of the fishes. There
is a peculiarity in the structure of their spine which is possessed by no other
animal. The vertebrae, of what may be considered as the neck, have a twist to the
right hand in some of the genera, and to the left hand in others ; so that the eyes

are always situated upon one side of the body, and not one on each side, as is the
case with all other vertebrated animals. This twist of the cervical vertebrae throws
the body on its side ; and as the body is much compressed, it has the appearance
of being broad and flat, whereas in reality it is thin and deep. In its action in the
water, however, the body is always on the side ; and the one side is like the belly
of a common fish in the texture of its skin, and the other side like the back of an
ordinary fish in the same respect. From this position of the body, the motions of
the spine and caudal fin, in swimming, are up and down, and not right and left, as
they are in the majority of fishes. The fins upon the two sides also, which may
be considered as dorsal and anal, are similar to each other in size and form, and
extend nearly the whole length of the body. The one of these fins is really on
the back of the flat fish, and the other on the belly ; but in the position in which
the fish swims they are on the sides, as estimated in the greatest dimension across
the body. Some of the fishes of this description have the fins on the under side
formed into a disc or sucker, and others of them have a sucker upon the head, by
means of which they can adhere to rocks, the bottoms of ships, and other solids.
The eel family close the list, and though they do not inhabit the extreme depths
of the ocean, they are more decidedly ground fishes than any of the others ; and
in cold countries they pass the winter buried in the mud, and in a dormant state.

R. M.

SCARCITY OF THE WALL SWIFT (Cypselus murarius).

Mr. Waterton tells me he has not seen a single Swift in his neighbourhood
(Walton Hall, near Wakefield) this year, and the Rev. W. T. Bree informs me
that it is becoming much more scarce in some of the midland counties than
it was formerly. In a letter dated October 31, 1835, Mr. B. observes — " I often
hear the remark that ' we have fewer Swallows than usual ;' may not this be
owing to their wanton destruction ? The Swifts, more especially, appear to me
to be diminishing everywhere, to my no small regret, as they are charming crea-
tures to my mind, and I love their harsh scream, perhaps, almost as well as the
melody of the Brake Nightingale. I was forcibly struck with the comparative
scarcity of these birds during a tour I made last May through various parts of
Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Northamptonshire." Mr. Blyth
also mentions the Swift having become of much less common occurrence of late
years in Surrey. For my own part, I have found it extremely abundant in Der-
byshire, and in the part of Yorkshire (Campsall Hall, near Doncaster) in which I
now reside, during the present year.

NEVILLE WOOD.

POLLEN OF FLOWERS.

On examining the flowers of a species of Amaryllis with the assistance of a
microscope, I observed that its grains of pollen, which are elliptical, on being im-
mersed in water, quickly assumed a spherical shape. On watching them, whilst
under the microscope, until the water in which they were immersed had evaporated,
I distinctly saw them gradually assume their original elliptical form. The length
of the grains of pollen being twice their breadth, their external membranous coat-
ing must possess greater elasticity than could have been anticipated. I afterwards
applied heat to the dry pollen as it remained on the object-glass of the microscope,
till some of its grains contracted into irregular shapes. On being again immersed
in water they still possessed elasticity, generally became spherical, but some
bluntly elliptical. I then applied heat to them whilst immersed. This experiment
indicated the existence of a single orifice in each grain, and also that they con-
tained a portion of free air, the ratification and consequent escape of which occa-
sioned a minute bubble to rise on each grain of pollen.

These facts, in themselves, are unimportant, but I have reason to believe that
you desire both to communicate and elicit information ; and such facts may induce
attention to the subject by some of your readers who are better qualified, and
have more leisure, than myself. It may not be amiss just to hint at the extent of
this field of inquiry. Gleichen, Brongniart, and others, have been travellers
herein ; and we are told that numerous minute spherical granules have been dis-
covered within each grain of pollen. The Amaryllis pollen which I examined may
be considered as large sized, in comparison with that of the generality of flowers ;
still I find that one hundred and eighty thousand of these, placed regularly in
rows, would cover but a square inch. How inconceivably small must be the size
of one individual of those minute granules, if they be numerous in such a
grain of pollen as I have described I The imagination endeavours, in vain, to
trace out the comparative dimension of its untangible materiality. I wish The
Naturalist all possible success, and I shall most probably trouble you with
other facts, as they happen to come under my observation in this world of
wonders ; a world, by the bye, which most of us are satisfied to travel through
blindfolded.

VOL. I.

ON THE HABITS OF THE COMMON COOT (Fulica atra, Linn.).
By Neville Wood, Esq.*

The Common Coot belongs, according to the quinary system, as developed
by Vigors, to the fourth order of birds, Grallatores, and to the fourth family,
Rallidce ; an aberrant group, which has not as yet been divided into the five
sub-families which it must contain, supposing the arrangement now followed by
most of our eminent ornithologists to be a natural one. As zoological classifica-
tion is, however, at present, confessedly in its infancy, it would be a waste of space
and time to fatigue the readers of The Naturalist with further observations on
this subject. The specific names, common and atra, are neither of them unobjec-
tionable, but I am compelled to adopt them until better are proposed.

The habits of the Coot do not appear to have been very minutely studied by
British naturalists, although so common a species in almost every part of the
kingdom ; indeed, its abundance would almost seem to be the cause of this
neglect. Thus, few birds are more cursorily noticed in most ornithological works
than the common House Sparrow, and yet, when we more closely examine its
habits, we find them by no means destitute of interest.

The Coot is not particularly nice in the choice of its habitats, and is almost
certain to be found in moist situations ; it abounds, however, much more in some
localities than in others, and in general prefers large, unsheltered sheets of water,
of considerable depth, and where the weeds, rushes, &c, are not over luxuriant,
to the smaller pools, surrounded by woods, and choked up with herbage, which is
the typically favourite haunt of the Gallinule. The lake which pasess through
Foston, Derbyshire, is of the latter description, and while its surface literally
swarms with Gallinules in the evening, scarce a Coot is to be seen ; whilst in the
beautiful sheet of water behind Sudbury Hall, only two miles from Foston, the
Coot is extremely plentiful, and the Gallinule comparatively scarce. This lake,
though by no means destitute of aquatic herbage, is perfectly open, and only a
very small portion is bordered by trees. It is worthy of remark that the Coot is
seldom or never seen in the sheltered situations ; while, on the contrary, the Gal-
linule frequents the secluded spots, only venturing far from the covert towards
the approach of night. Another remarkable difference in the habits of the Coot
and the Gallinule is, that the former retires to rest at sunset, while the dusk of
evening is one of the favourite times for the sports of the latter ; and I have even
seen several on the water, both summer and winter, many hours after it has
become dark. In summer its shrill voice is sometimes heard at intervals through-
out the night, as I have frequently observed when listening to the charming
melody of the Brake Nightingale.

* Author of the Ornithologists Text Book, British Song Birds, &c.

The Coot is not so often met with in wet ditches as the Gallinule, and the
former is quite as aquatic as any of the duck family (Anatidce). Indeed, so
partial is it to the water, that, during the many years which I have observed its
habits, I have rarely seen one on land, and then only for a short time ; while the
Gallinule is often found at a great distance from any water, on roads, near houses,
&c. In districts where the Coot abounds, it may be seen in considerable numbers
in all seasons, on the water during the whole day, either seeking its food on the
surface of the lake, diving, half- diving, or lazily allowing itself to be wafted by
the winds and waves on the surface of the pure element, with its head buried be-
tween its shoulders, in the manner of the Herons (Ardea) and other aquatic
birds. During the March winds it generally remains in this sulky mood the en-
tire day ; and I have, at such times, frequently seen more than twenty floating
and tossing about on the waves, having all the appearance of inanimate bodies but
for an occasional dart at an insect or fish which had unwarily approached within
their reach. At these stormy periods they are seldom seen to dive, which at other
times they do expertly (although rather a clumsy half-diver) ; but no sooner do
the winds subside and give place to the balmy air of April, than their aquatic
sports commence in full vigour, and they may be observed frolicing on the water,
diving beneath, and testifying their joy in a thousand different ways.

This species cannot be termed gregarious, for although from forty to fifty may
frequent a single sheet of water, yet each individual keeps perfectly distinct
throughout the autumn and winter, and even in the breeding season they are not
very often found in pairs ; this peculiarity has prevented my ascertaining the exact
time at which they pair, which, however, usually takes place in March, though
sometimes later, according as the seasons vary.

The nest is built in a bed of rushes or irises, in an open spot several feet from
the land, and is never situated, like that of the Gallinule, in a thick tuft of herb-
age, with a view to concealment, but may be easily discovered at a considerable
distance. Its composition does not differ from that of the Gallinule, but it is
larger and flatter. The eggs are of a light chocolate colour, marked with thickly-
set spots of brown and purple. Their usual number is seven or eight, but I have
occasionally seen nine, and even ten. The first broods are hatched about the
middle or towards the end of May, but there is a continual succession of broods
through the month of June. My observations lead me to believe that the Coot
has but one brood in the year ; and if two broods are ever raised I should be in-
clined to consider it rather a rare occurrence. The young quit the nest immedi-
ately they are hatched, keeping close to their parents until they can manage for
themselves ; they remain in the immediate neighbourhood of the spot three or four
days, sleeping in the nest at night, and then disappear. If you approach the
newly-hatched brood in the day-time they all disperse, diving underneath the water,
and rising to the surface under cover of the aquatic herbage, and are often con-

ducted to a place of safety by the male bird ; whilst the female remains about the
nest, manifesting as much alarm at your presence as if her brood was actually
there.

The young birds have a very grotesque appearance, with black bodies, red
heads, and white bills ; with yellow down sticking to their heads and necks on first
quitting the nest. When they are in danger the parents swim anxiously round
the object of alarm, uttering low chucks, and sometimes a kind of bark ; in pro-
ducing this latter note the beak is opened as wide as it will permit. The common
call-note of the Coot is a loud, chucking, mournful note, which may at times be
heard issuing from a dozen different parts of the lake. I have likewise known it
emit a noise resembling that of a Fowl before laying.

In general the Coot is rather a shy bird, but in some places, as at Sudbury,
they are extremely familiar ; and if you sit down near the edge of the water, and
remain quiet a short time, they will swim up to reconnoitre you, without the
slightest indications of alarm : and their peculiar habits and attitudes are then
studied with ease. When swimming it never flirts up its tail, like the Gallinule,
but moves its head backwards and forwards, often erecting the feathers of its
whole body, and setting up its wings in the manner of the Swan. The Coot has
a heavy body and short wings, and is, therefore, little adapted for flight. When-
ever it attempts to rise into the air, which is but seldom, the feet are allowed to
trail in the water, as if it were unwilling to leave its favourite element even for a
moment. It always preens its feathers in the water, and occasionally tumbles over
in this element in a most remarkable manner, and apparently with no other view
than for its own amusement. When it has a nest to guard, it seems entirely to
lose all shyness and fear of man, and is by no means easily driven off when sitting,
and will even allow itself to be touched gently with a stick, but with true birdish
wisdom endeavouring to cover its head. If the female is disturbed the male
(which, at that season, remains " within call") immediately swims up, and becomes
so bold as to approach within a few yards of where you are standing. On your
leaving the place the male generally follows to a considerable distance, as if to
attract your attention ; while the female slily enters her nest on the other side of
the patch of herbage in which it is situated. If she is again disturbed she quits
her nest much less reluctantly than before ; but, however often she may be driven
off in the course of a single day, I have never known her desert her charge, as so
frequently happens with the Gallinule.

When the Coot leaves its nest it never covers the eggs ; and I have often
been surprised that the eggs and young of this and other aquatic species are
not more frequently plundered by the Water Rat, with which the aquatic plants
abound, than appears to be the case ; but after many years close observation
of these birds I have never discovered, with certainty, that they were molested
by this quadruped. As the bird often quits its nest for a considerable time,

frequent opportunities are offered to the depredations of these animals ; but as
these favourable occasions seem to pass unheeded we may fairly conclude that the
thievish propensities of which this animal is accused properly belong to another
species, and one, possibly, of rarer occurrence. That the eggs and young of
water birds are occasionally devoured by some four-footed animals is undeniable ;
and I have, probably, erroneously described these and other depredations as apper-
taining to the Water Rat, in the British Song Birds. I believe Mr. Blyth is of
opinion that the Water Rat never feeds on any animal matter ; and that gentle-
man has communicated to me some experiments which certainly go very far to
prove his opinion. I hope the doubt and obscurity in which this point is involved
will be satisfactorily cleared up in Mr. Bell's beautiful work on British Quadru-
peds, now in the course of publication.

The food of the Coot consists of small fish, and various insects, slugs, &c,
which it obtains either on the surface of the water, amongst the weeds at the sides
of lakes and ponds, or by diving. I have occasionally seen it struggling for five
minutes or more to devour an unusually large fish, but it never desists until its
object is accomplished. I never tasted the flesh of this bird, but it is probably
fishy and unpalatable ; at all events its smell is by no means inviting.

The crown of the head and the bill are of an opaque white, and cause the bird
to be conspicuous at a very considerable distance. The feathers of the head and
neck are of a glossy black ; those of the body dusky brown : in swimming the
tail is usually higher than the head. In the neighbourhood of Campsall, seven
miles to the north of Doncaster, both the Coot and Gallinule are comparatively
rare ; a circumstance for which I have not yet been able to account.

THE GREY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea) A SONG BIRD.

No author with whom I am acquainted makes any mention of the song of this
bird, and in the British Song Birds it is stated that, " with regard to vocal
powers, the Grey Wagtail has no claims on our attention." In this, however, I
have since discovered that I was mistaken, having heard the song, for the first
time, about a week ago, in a corn field. The Pied Wagtail is by no means a con-
stant songster ; the present species is, undoubtedly, even less so ; and perhaps the
Oatears (Budytes) have no song at all. The notes of this bird are pleasing, but
cursory, and much resemble those of the Pied Wagtail.

N. W.

July 24, 1836.

CENSUS OF INSECTS.

Dr. Imhoff, of Basle, has made an estimate of the number of insects now
known, and such as, in all probability, may yet be discovered. In the first in-
stance, he establishes a comparison between the number of insects mentioned in
different faunas — and particularly Stephens' Catalogue of British Insects — with
the probable number of insects now known, or yet to be found, in Germany. The
sum total of this comparison gives, according to Stephens, 9,791 for Great
Britain, and for Germany, according to the Doctor, 14,000 species.

To arrive at a general result, Dr. Imhoff does not think it advisable to esti-
mate the number of insects as compared with species of plants, but he has chosen
reptiles, as a class of animals with which the comparison may more fairly be calcu-
lated. Admitting, therefore, that in Germany there exist thirty-five or forty
species of reptiles, and on the surface of the globe 1,500, that is, nearly forty
times the number ' of those in Germany, the application of this system of compa-
rison would give for the insect tribes the number of 560,000, being 14,000 multi-
plied by 40 ; an mount considerably short of the probable number of insects inha-
biting the world, since at least 2,500, or perhaps more, may be added to Stephens'
Catalogue.

To this calculation we add those of some eminent entomologists, in order to
prove, as far as analogous reasoning goes, that something approximating a pro-
bable reality may be inferred by taking a medium or averaged computation.
Linneus, in his Swedish Fauna, 1761, described 1,700 species, and in the
twelfth edition of the Systema Natural the entire number of these animals, in-
cluding the Swedish and exotic species, he was then acquainted with, amounted to
3000. Since his time, however, and more particularly during the last half cen-
tury, the study of entomology has received such an impetus, that Mr. Leay, in his
Hor« Entomological, states that there are certainly more than 100,000 annulose
animals preserved in various cabinets, nearly synonymous with the Linnean insects.

Dr. Burmeister, whose census of insects is the most recent, takes his point of
comparison with known plants, by which it will be seen that Dr. Imhoff's calcula-
tion produces a larger amount of insect creation, though we think even his numbers
short of the reality. In Germany, Burmeister states there are about 6,000 plants,
including Cryptogamia, and upwards of 12,000 insects ; thus, if the proportion
be a constant one, the number of insects known, according to the 60 — 70,000
described plants, will amount to 120 — 140,000 species ; and if the generally re-
ceived opinion of modern botanists is adopted, that only about a third of the col-
lective species of plants is known, the number of species inhabiting the earth
would amount to 360 — 420,000 species of insects.

The venerable Kirby, in his calculation of the number of insect species, as-
sumes that there are, on an average, six species of insects to one phanerogamous

plant ; and considering that there may be 100,000 species of such plants in the
world, the number of insects would amount to 600,000.

In the Royal Entomological Cabinet at Berlin, there are 28,000 species of
Beetles ; and from the presumed superiority in point of extent of the coleopterous
order, Burmeister assumes that the actually known amount of insect species, and
their relative proportions of number, in the different orders, may thus be distri-
buted in round figures : —

Coleoptera 36,000

Lepidoptera 12,000

Hymenoptera 12,000

Diptera..... 10,000

Hemiptera 4,000

Varia 4,000

78,000
Stephens, with his usual accuracy, establishes the following numbers of each
of the Orders, as regards British species of insects : they must, however, be con-
siderably increased by the addition of many minute Hymenoptera and Diptera,
noticed since the publication of his Catalogue: —

Coleoptera 3,300

Lepidoptera 1,838

Hymenoptera 2,054

Diptera 1,671

Hemiptera 605

Varia -. 544

British species 10,012

By a parity of reasoning on this distribution, it is manifest that the numerical
strength of the orders is comparatively far greater than Burmeister calculates :
we need only illustrate the two first, to arrive at a similar conclusion with regard
to the others. Stephens makes the Coleoptera not quite twice the number of the
Lepidoptera, while Burmeister makes the Coleoptera three times more numerous
than the Lepidoptera.

That good christian and excellent naturalist, John Ray, (to whose memory
the equally great Cuvier paid a tribute when he styled him " le premier veritable
naturaliste pour le regne animal"), says, in his Wisdom of God, — with great cau-
tion, however, not to overstep the bounds of truth or the modesty of conjecture —
" supposing, then, there be a thousand several sorts of insects in this island and
the sea near it, if the same proportion holds between the insects, natives of Eng-
land and those of the rest of the world, as doth between plants, domestic and exo-
tic, (that is, I guess, decuple), the species of insects on the whole earth— land and

water — will amount to 10,000, and I do believe they rather exceed than fall short
of this sum." Having afterwards discovered a greater number of English moths
and butterflies, he was induced to imagine the number of British insects might be
increased to 2,000, making the total number of the insect creation on the globe's
surface 20,000 — not so many as are now extant of one order in one collection,
and only twice the number of British species in one catalogue, without the subse-
quent discoveries.

Thus, Ray guessed the total amount of insect tribes to be a quarter of those
now actually known to entomologists of the present day ; and tbis number is
assumed to be less than an eighth of those supposed to exist in the world. From
such facts it requires no extraordinary stretch of imagination to conceive what yet
remains to be discovered in this reign of creation alone, without adding the bound-
less stars of Nature's other works, of which, in some instances, we know but
little more, and in others far less. The strides now rapidly making in the study
of natural history must produce extraordinary results ; but we need only adduce
the present subject as an instance of how far mankind is distant from the point of
general knowledge, even of such things as are tangible and meet the eye, without
embracing a microscopic world of animated beings, not less important in their seve-
ral functions and purposes, and probably far more numerous in all their classes.

CD.

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LEVEL OF HATFIELD CHASE.

By the Rev. F. Orpen Morris.

Journeying from Doncaster in a north-easterly direction, an hour's ride
will bring you to the border of Lincolnshire, crossing which you will soon reach
the village of Wroot. Even those who have never before been in Roger Wild-
rake's " moist county of Lincoln," at this extremity of it, will at once recognize
its peculiar characteristics, although the traveller on the road from Doncaster will
have been gradually prepared for the wild and dreary tract of country which will
here meet his view. I have travelled much, both in England and Ireland, but
never did I before behold so strange and anomalous a region. The naturalist will
visit " the Level of Hatfield Chase" with a spirit of inquiry, at least such was my
case, for I had heard so much of the mystery in which its history is involved that I
embraced the first opportunity of accompanying a friend who had greatly excited
my curiosity by his description of the country. The following observations from
my inspection of this locality are chiefly intended with the view of obtaining fur-
ther information or corroborating my suppositions on the subject. There are three

conclusions with respect to this singular district at which it will be necessary to
arrive with me. First, that the whole of this extensive region has been (at what
remote period I am unable to say) an extensive and tangled forest ; secondly, that
it has been completely covered by fresh water ; thirdly, that it has been entirely
inundated by the sea. The facts from which these conclusions are derived, and
the manner in which I account for them, are as follow : first, that it has formerly
been an extensive forest is evident, for everywhere you meet with roots of trees,
and trunks, and branches ; and you cannot dig below the surface to any depth
without striking against them. I have no doubt that the village of Wroot derived
its name from the roots of trees which surround it on every side ; and it is also
possible that our modern word root may formerly have been thus spelt.* It is
probable the village was originally partly built with these roots, and even at the
present day extensive fences are made of this material, both in the open fields and
in the village. In the less cultivated fields (for the country has been partially en-
closed sdme years) many trunks of trees project above the surface, while in some
of the best tilled enclosures there are none at all apparent, in consequence of their
having fallen under the axe of the husbandman. There is no entire tree re-
maining above the ground ; the action of the wind and weather, and perhaps
the necessities of the inhabitants, having long since destroyed every part, except the
base, and such portions as are under ground. The air being excluded, many roots
and parts of trunks are left uninjured, and indeed unaltered, save that they have
become exceedingly dark, indeed almost black in colour, and are harder than any
modern trees. They make excellent palings, and are sold as such at rather a high
price, requiring no paint, either for appearance or preservation. The whole face
of this county is intersected by dykes of different dimensions, crossing each other
at right angles, at the interval of almost every field. Even with these drains, the
whole surface has, in past years, been completely covered with water, occasionally
for three and sometimes six weeks, to the entire destruction of the crops ; but a
steam engine has been erected for the purpose of emptying the dykes and remedy-
ing this evil. From the observations I made on inspecting the clearing out of one
of these dykes, I am led to my second conclusion, namely, that the region has been,
in past times, covered by fresh water, but whether this was prior to the inundation
by the sea is more than I can, at present, determine. The men employed in clear-
ing out this drain dug down to a depth of about eight feet below the surface, and
two and a half feet below the low water level of the sea. At the greatest depth
they find the roots or parts of the trunks of trees in an upright position, and
exactly as they grew. There are some also, as previously mentioned, growing, or
rather standing, nearer to the present surface, so that the ground must have been
formerly undulating and uneven, to what heighth or depth we can only ascertain as

* Root is derived from the Swedish word rot and the Danish rood. — Ed.

VOL. I. M

far as has been dug down ; at the lowest depth, however, trunks or roots are found
so close together as to justify my former supposition as to the thickness of
the forest; for whilst clearing out the dyke, the whole road was lined with
the fragments of the trees thrown up. Oak is the prevailing kind of timber, but
there are also other sorts whose species I cannot ascertain, though birch and alder
are, I think, among them. With the trees, at even the lowest depth, are found,
here and there, very many species of shells, not fossilized, but in a recent state ;
and it is from many of these being land species that we must infer, as I have before
observed, the inundation of the plain by some river ; Helices, and a great variety
of other land shells, being found among them. If left on the bank as they are
thrown up, the atmospheric influence soon destroys them ; but I have several pre-
served in my collection which are unlike any I have ever seen, and relative to
which I should be glad to have the opinion of some more able conchologist. In
other places nuts and acorns are dug up, from various depths, in a perfect state,
though apt to crumble to pieces after two or three days exposure to the air. The
present extremely level state of the surface has evidently been brought about by
the action of water (probably when receding), filling up or smoothing down the
inequalities which I have before shewn to have existed. The tide is still kept
from floating the present surface of the country by embankments on the Trent,
and even at low water it is still above the level where these sea-shells and nuts
and acorns are found in deepening the dykes, which might probably be discovered
even still lower, if the soil were cleared away to a sufficient depth.

It would appear, then, that the question must be asked, whether the sea has
risen on the eastern coast, since the washing in of these shells ; and also whether it
must not have ^r^ fallen to allow of the present surface (so much above the for-
mer deposit left by the sea) becoming high and dry ? It also requires some ex-
planation to account for the great accumulation of soil, to the depth, as I have
shewn, of at least eight feet, over every part of the plain ; although this is partly
accounted for by the upper inequalities of surface filling up the hollows, when sub-
jected to the washing of so great a body of water.

With regard to the former of these two suppositions, the sea has certainly,
even of late years, made great inroads on this eastern coast, and some suppose that
this is partially accounted for by its gradual rising above its accustomed level, inde-
pendent of the crumbling nature of some of the cliffs, which leaves them an easy
prey to the ceaseless dashing of the mighty ocean. With respect to these lands
having been also formerly covered by the sea, this is abundantly evidenced by
the numerous species of sea-shells, muscles, and other shells, with which they
abound. Whether the anomaly of sea-shells being found by the excavators in
some parts of the Levels at a similar depth to that at which, in other parts, they
discover acorns and nuts, may be explained by supposing a slight inaccuracy of
measurement, and that one or the other may lie in a stratum an inch or two more

elevated — (the mistake as to depth, if any, cannot be greater) — I have not, at
present, the means of ascertaining.

There are various theories entertained with regard to this singular region ;
but the most reasonable supposition appears to be this : that, in the olden times,
some vast stream must have flowed through these tracts ; that its course, on some
occasion, must have been impeded by an accumulation of fallen trees, (whether a
sudden or a gradual accumulation it is now difficult to determine, though probably
impetuously carried down by some storm and flood) ; its outlet being thus obstruct-
ed, the natural consequence was the overflowing of the low land in its vicinity ; and
the water was, in all probability, prevented from running off into the sea again by
such low eminences as still exist and now are useful to keep out the tide in the Trent
from forcing its way, in its turn, over the land inside. The deluge of this river
probably remained for some considerable time, until, at length, some obstruction was
removed from staying its onward course ; and when it retired it left an accumula-
tion of soil, such as a river will always bring down, upon the previously levelled
surface which the action of the sea (u e. on the supposition that the sea was the
first invader) had already prepared for its reception. Whether it was the sea
that prepared it thus, as I have supposed, for the overflowing of the river — or the
overflowing of the river for the irruption of the sea — is more than I can take upon
me to assert.

All the substratum of this tract is a very black and rich looking soil, and is no
doubt an amalgamation of vegetable matter ; but it, as well as the superjacent
earth, is poor and unproductive ; though, with plenty of manure, when well culti-
vated, it will produce a very fair average crop. Much of the wood below the
surface has a thin coating of a bright indigo-blue colour. I am entirely at a loss
even to guess as to what it can owe its formation.

The Level of Hatfield Chase, was first drained by a Dutchman, on the plan of
the dykes used in the low countries of Holland for keeping out the sea. I have
in my possession some bones of animals, which were dug out of one of these
dykes, which I have not alluded to, doubting whether, though found at con-
siderable depth underneath the slough, they might not have sunk gradually into
it, having been cast in there at some comparatively recent period. One is a large
thigh-bone, apparently of a horse ; the other, I imagine, the skull of a deer. On
inspecting the latter again rather more minutely, I discovered, in one of the orifices
for the arteries, a beautifully perfect shell, nearly hidden in the hollow, but which
I safely extricated in an entire state. This probably may, in some measure, cor-
roborate the original supposition, as to their having been deposited coeval with the
inundation of water. I will only add, that the word Chase signifies a forest,
which is in favour of my first conclusion, that this tract formerly wore a similar
appearance to Cranborne Chase, in Dorsetshire, and many others.

m 2

ON THE CULTIVATION OF NATURAL HISTORY.

Mr. Coquand, whose residence and scientific labours in the Pyrenees are so
well known and so much admired, has opened a gratuitous course of lectures on
Natural History, at the college of St. Bertrand, under the direction of Mr. Cabal.
The ardour which his young pupils already begin to exhibit in collecting and
learning the names of the different natural productions met with in their walks,
and the emulation which this delightful pursuit imparts to all their other studies,
sufficiently demonstrates the great utility to be derived from establishing, in every
public or private seminary, similar elementary courses for young persons. But
let the heads of these establishments carefully avoid the danger that may arise and
frustrate all their best and most earnest intentions, if the professor to whom this
instruction is confided does not avoid all theoretical considerations of me-
thod and of classification, which, at the outset, would inspire repugnance, disgust
them from a study apparently surrounded with insurmountable difficulties, and
make a laborious task of that which may be rendered a mental relaxation for the
young or old. Let him, on the contrary, confine himself to instructing his pupils
in the technical and common names of the objects they meet with — let him point
out the strong indications nature always furnishes, more or less distinctly, of her
own undeviating system — let him, so far as he can, at the same time furnish his
scholars with the most familiar facts regarding the uses and applications of natural
objects to domestic economy, the arts, &c. Let him point out, as a constant guide,
the natural affinities of creation, so as to enable the young student to approximate
and class together, from his own ideas, the genera and families of animated crea-
tion— let him describe the cheapest and simplest method of forming an infant
Hortus siccus, of displaying and preserving the first capture in entomology, or
arranging the pupil's geological specimens ; and this study will soon present daily
increasing charms, more fascinating, more varied, than any other of their juvenile
pleasures : they will imperceptibly acquire that love of observation — of order — of
research — and above all, when properly directed, that reverence of the great archi-
tect of nature — which will influence their future lives, affording them a source of
consolation and mental enjoyment in the midst of the anxious cares of life, and
their relative future positions in civilized society ; it will also, at an early period
of life, prevent the fatal consequences of idleness or ill-spent leisure, but too fre-
quently, morally and physically, exhibited in large schools.

These remarks may not, probably, be considered novel ; but why has no atten-
tion been paid to them ? Eminent men concur in advising such a step. The
system of present education fully sanctions the introduction of the study of Natural
History, as being instructive to the youngest person ; yet no measures are generally
taken to promote it in our juvenile schools or colleges, where, if it is adopted, it
is only recommended to pupils of a certain age, whose advance in learning has

already developed well-defined propensities, too late to be checked if bad ones, too
confirmed to be guided into another channel, and most frequently derived from
any other source than that every day presented by nature's inexhaustible store-
house. It is also true that, with boys somewhat advanced, they, to a certain ex-
tent, disdain the first principles of natural science, as only worthy their junior's at-
tention : they would, as it were, acquire natural history per saltum, and begin
where they should end, in forming or embracing a particular system. It is, there-
fore, with the younger classes that a study of this nature is most likely to pro-
duce beneficial results, a lasting moral impression, and obviate infallibly many
vicious propensities or opinions so much to be deplored in youth, so difficult to
correct in after years. The present time is most fruitful in elementary works for
the instruction of youth, but they are all founded on subjects too difficult to ac-
quire without making a labour of that which may be learned without fatigue in the
book of nature ; and there are always opportunities afforded to do so, without the
study wearing the appearance of a task. It has been urged tbat, with children,
some branches of Natural History could not be taught, as it involves a degree of
cruelty incompatible with the benefit attempted to be imparted ; and the child who,
in infancy, could deliberately pin a butterfly to a piece of cork, might, at a more
advanced age, feel disposed, with the same sang froid, to stab a fellow creature.
Bad, indeed, must be the instruction that could lead to such a conclusion — to such
a perversion of the first principles of humanity. Let every species of philosophi-
cal cruelty be avoided, as it readily may be ; confine the pupil's study to such ob-
jects as present a vegetable existence, or are merely of inorganic formation, leaving
to the result of time the peculiar taste that may arise for the investigation of other
portions of creation when the mind is capable of acquiring information at the
smallest sacrifice of humanity, and when such knowledge may conduce to the ge-
neral benefit of mankind rather than to the peculiar gratification of any one's

individual taste.

C. D.

UNUSUAL LOCALITY FOR THE NEST OF THE COMMON
GALLINULE (Gallinula chloropus).

I have seen the nest of this bird situated in the upper branches of a middle-
sized Portugal laurel, overhanging the water, and at several feet from its surface.
I had previously met with more than one instance where it was built in bushes,
but never before at so considerable a height from the ground. It would have
been interesting to have observed the manner in which the newly-fledged young
were conveyed from the nest ; but this, unfortunately, I had not an opportunity of
doing. — -N. W.

REVIEWS.

Transactions of the Geological Society of Pennsylvania. Vol. I., Part 2.
Philadelphia : James Kay and Brother.

Our brethren across the Atlantic, with that shrewdness and foresight which
enters largely into their national character, are wisely anticipating the advantages
which, as a flourishing commercial people, they will derive from an intimate
acquaintance with the geological history of their own country. In many of the
United States, geological surveys are going forward, encouraged by the immediate
sanction, or even active co-operation of the legislature ; and judging from what
has already been effected, the completion of these important undertakings will not
be retarded by any lack of spirit and energy on the part of the government, or
from a want of competency among those who have volunteered their services in
the cause. Three or four years hence, and a considerable portion of the new world
will be before us with its geological relations familiarly laid down in colours, or as
minutely detailed in black and white, as are now (thanks to the industry and per-
severance of British geologists) those of our own island.

There is something at first almost startling to the imagination, in contemplat-
ing a task so arduous as that of working out the geological features of the vast
continent of North America. Difficult, however, as the attempt may appear, the
undertaking is not one beset with insurmountable obstacles. The ground, it is
true, may be untrodden, but he who ventures to explore it is not without a beacon
to direct his steps. The American geologist has a course of investigation before
him, in which the modus operandi is already determined. On entering the field of
inquiry, a track that has been beaten elsewhere points out to him the line of
research which he must adopt. The rocks in this country will be, as it were, the
stepping-stones to the mountain-ranges in his own ; and while traversing the deep
ravines and boundless plains of that extensive region, he will not be unmindful of
the benefits conferred on science through the patient industry and unflinching
zeal which animated Smith, or fail to appreciate the true spirit of philosophy
which prompted the labours of Coneybeare or Greenhough.

The work now before us is the second part of the first volume of transactions,
published by the Geological Society of Pennsylvania : a Society established in
1832, at that time consisting of only seven individuals, but which now enrolls on
its list of supporters more than 200 resident or corresponding members.

It is with feelings of the most lively interest that we observe the name of
our countryman, Richard Cowling Taylor, as one of the leading contributors to
the present volume. Six years have now elapsed since this enterprising geologist

quitted England for America, carrying with him that indefatigable ardour in the
promotion of scientific objects which, being united to the happiest qualifications
for the services on which he was engaged, could hardly fail to rouse a spirit of
philosophical research among those into whose society he might be thrown. The
name of Featherstonehaugh is as well known for his enthusiasm in the cause of
science, as for the possession of talents which enable him to exert that enthusiasm
so powerfully in her behalf. He has been one of those most actively engaged in
geological surveys in several of the States, and the result of some portion of his
labours has been laid before the public at the express desire of the American
government. The following passage is from the pen of Mr. F. He is describing
the travertin deposited by the waters in the valley of Sweet Springs, Alleghany
county, Virginia, and proceeds to relate a highly interesting phenomenon connect-
ed with them : —

" I was one day returning to my cabin with some specimens of this travertin,
when I met Mr. Rogers, the landlord of the establishment at the Sweet Springs,
an old inhabitant of this part of the country and a very intelligent and worthy
person. He assured me that, some years ago, when hunting deer in the hills, he
had seen some rocks exactly resembling them. As he is a man of very good
judgment, I proposed to him to accompany me there, and he cheerfully consented.
Mounting his horse and accompanied by myself on foot, we went about six miles
in a north direction ; but so many years had elapsed since he had casually ob-
served the place, and the deep dells and hills, clothed with their everlasting woods,
resembled each other so much, that we passed an entire morning wandering about,
climbing one hill and descending another, till I began to think he had been mis-
taken, and told him so ; but he proposed trying another hill side called Snake
Run Mountain, and there I followed him. Being in advance of me, I heard him
holloa, and I immediately knew that the game was found. He approached me
holding in his hand a piece of very ancient travertin, which I recognized at once ;
and leading me to the brow of a hill, at least three hundred and fifty feet above
the level of the Sweet Spring, I saw, to my great surprise, a huge mural escarpe-
ment of travertin, skirting the brow of the hill, with the weather-worn remains of
old stalactites ; whilst the body of the rock resembled, in every particular, the
recent one at the cascade, abounding in large pipes of calcareous matter, which
had formerly enclosed logs and branches of wood. The pendant stalactites con-
sisted of concentric circles ; and there was the complete evidence that a stream of
mineral water of great breadth, containing carbonate of lime, had, for a great
length of time, passed over this brow, and formed the rock. The surface of the
rock, in many parts, was interspersed with what are vulgarly called pot-holes,
being circular perforations made in rocks by pieces of rock and gravel, kept
whirling in them by streams of water similar to those which I have seen at the
summit of the lofty hills of Lake George, in the State of New York. This Snake

Run Mountain stood, as I found by compass, N. N. E. by E. from tbe Sweet
Springs ; and Peter's Mountain, of which I could get a peep through the trees,
bore east of the place where I stood.

" Here was an extraordinary phenomenon ! an immense deposit of travertin,
lying three hundred and fifty feet above the level of the spring from which it
probably was derived. It seems to be susceptible of no other explanation than that
the level of the valley was, at some remote period, much higher than it is now,
and that the springs were, at least, at this level. The Snake Run Mountain is a
large limestone outlier from Peter's Mountain, such as are constantly found in the
valleys. Before these were scooped out by the retiring currents, it is probable
that the whole surface of this now deeply-sulcated region was continuous, and that
the springs issued from the bottom of the ocean. When the valleys were swept
out, these knobs, hills, and spurs, being hard, compact, transition limestone, re-
sisted, and were left ; whilst the conglomerates, shales, and sandstones, were car-
ried away : since that period the softer parts of the formations, occupying that
part of the valley where the springs now are, have been gradually worn down, and
a new direction given to the stream ; whilst the old travertin remains a monument
of the ancient level, and one of the strong geological proofs of the process of
denudation."

A considerable portion of the communications now under consideration relate
to subjects more or less connected with the mineral resources of some parts of the
United States, and which, though of the highest importance, naturally possess a
more local interest than other parts of the volume. The contributions relating
to organic remains contain some new and valuable information ; but the limits of
our present article will not admit of extending our analysis to them, and we must
therefore refer our readers for points connected with their history to the work
itself.

There is certainly one subject upon which we cannot help expressing our
regret, and that is, that the present volume should be so destitute of information
upon the tertiary geology of America. With the exception of a short notice, by
Mr. Conrad, upon a portion of the Atlantic tertiary region, we find no allusion
whatever to the supra-cretaceous deposits, which are so largely developed in some
parts of the United States. The important results which have attended the exa-
mination of the beds above the chalk in England and the adjoining continent ; the
wide field which has been opened for theoretical inquiry into the causes of pheno-
mena which are there presented to us ; and the connection existing between the
newest rocks of this period and those deposits which are accumulating from the
operation of agents now in activity, give a degree of interest to facts bearing upon
the history of that epoch which does not attach itself to any other department of
geological investigation.

We are not, it is true, entirely without sources of information upon the ter-

tiary formations in America. Mr. Rogers's report recently laid before the British
Association for the Advancement of Science, gives a general outline of their ex-
tent, besides furnishing much valuable matter respecting them. No one, we pre-
sume, will dispute the talent and ability which he has displayed in the execution of
the task, but he has performed it under a conviction of the soundness of the new
principle in the arrangement of tertiary strata. He can infer, with precision, the
exact comparative age of a deposit by comparing its fossil shells with existing spe-
cies ! If we may hazard an opinion with reference to this subject, it would be
that the new principle, however beautiful in theory, or apparently simple in appli-
cation, as it at present stands, is as much a stumbling-block on the one hand as it
may be an assistance on the other. Mr. Conrad, it would appear, does not always
see his way so clearly as could be wished in making out his formations upon the
new system ; the per centages do not always tell up exactly as they ought. At
page 340 he observes, " I have rather too hastily supposed that the equivalent of
Mr. Lyell's miocene period occurred in this country ; but I am now convinced
that all above the eocene may more properly be termed older and newer pliocene.
There is no gradual transition from the older to the newer tertiary, but so vast
has been the change in the period of time which elapsed between them that a
single species of testacea has alone survived it ; besides, so many recent species of
the Atlantic coast of North America occur in every deposit of the tertiary above
the eocene, that although the amount varies considerably in different localities,
from fifteen to thirty per cent., yet I believe the discrepancy to have been caused
by different depths of water, or peculiarity of situation, not difference of time in
which the species existed. These remarks, however, do not apply to those depo-
sits which are composed almost exclusively of existing species ; they are certainly
entitled to the appellation of newer pliocene, and occur chiefly in Maryland, North
Carolina, and South Carolina."

We cannot help wishing that Mr. Conrad had been a little more explicit in his
observation respecting the variation in the per centage of extinct fossil shells. As
the passage now stands it is involved in considerable obscurity. Every one must
be aware that in order to ascertain what proportion of fossil mollusca are identical
with existing forms in any one deposit, the comparison is made with species from
all depths and situations. The explanation given by Mr. Conrad is only applica-
ble upon the supposition that the recent types to which the fossil ones are referred
are exclusively littoral, or have all existed under similar physical conditions.
Then, indeed, we might reasonably infer that, in our examination of a fossiliferous
deposit, those localities would furnish us with the greatest number of recent spe-
cies in which the conditions which formerly existed most closely resembled those
from whence the living testacea had been obtained, and vice versa.

If Mr. Conrad can bring forward evidence proving that deposits of the same
geological age exhibit a variation of fifteen per cent, in the number of extinct spe-
VOL. I. n

cies which they contain, he will undoubtedly have established a limit of error to
that amount in the application of the new principle.

It may, perhaps, be urged that, in the present instance, no serious error could
have arisen from the application of the new principle, because fifteen per cent,
forms the maximum of variation ; there being every intermediate degree from one
to that number. This consideration, however, does not at all modify the bearing
of Mr. Conrad's statement, with reference to the per centage test ; because
those localities which have furnished the intermediate proportions, and so connect-
ed the whole together, might have been destroyed by denudation, or might not
have been accessible. Had this (which is by no means an unreasonable surmise)
been the case, part of what Mr. Conrad now considers older pliocene would,
under those circumstances, have been miocene.

We are rather surprised that Mr. Taylor should not have directed his atten-
tion to the tertiary formations in America. The Transactions of the Geological
Society of London, and the pages of the Philosophical Magazine, bear ample
proofs of the interest which he felt in those of England. It is true that, at Phila-
delphia, he is not exactly in the tertiary district ; but fifty or a hundred miles are
nothing in America, and even the crag at Bramerton, the favourite resort of
cabinet collectors, will not bear competition with the bank of the Potomac.

We must not draw our observations to a close, without adverting to the valu-
able paper, by Dr. Harlan, on the remains of the Basilosaurus. As the descrip-
tion of this animal is before the public in another form,* we shall only allude to
its prodigious length, which far exceeds that of any other saurian.

" We understand from Mr. Conrad, that he was informed by Mr. Creagh,
that on his first settlement in that portion of the country, a train of vertebrse
belonging to this animal was observed on the surface of this rock extending in a
line much over 100 feet in length. This statement agrees with that made by
Judge Bree ; 150 feet in length being attributed by him to the Arkansa skeleton."
—p. 350.

Had the Basilosaurus been discovered anywhere but in America, we should
have thought the above statement exaggerated ; but we are already familiar with
the history of the great Sea Serpent, to which reptile we should, a priori, imagine
it to be allied.

We wonder what Mr. Hawkins, of saurian notoriety would say to this monster
of the "pre-Adamite epoch." He compares some of his specimens to Moloch,
Satan, and Abaddon ;f but they surely must yield the palm now.

One more extract and we have done ; it is from the Miscellaneous Intelli-
gence : —

* Dr. H. has published this paper, with many others, in a separate volume Ed.

-f- Memoirs of Ichthyosauri and Plesiosauri, by Thomas Hawkins, F.G.S., &c, &c, &c.

" We insert the following letter, which has just been received from Dr. John-
son, of Louisville, Kentucky, without further comment, at present, than merely
observing that we place entire confidence in the author's statements, whose obser-
vations were made on the spot. Specimens of the substance in question have been
placed in the cabinet of the Geological Society in Pennsylvania, and in the private
collections of Messrs. Taylor, Harlan, and Wetherill. It is the intention of Mr.
W. to analyze these grains, which appear, in some instances, to display, when
fractured, a shining surface. Exposed to the blow-pipe, they are reduced to a fine
white ash, and yield neither smoke nor flame. The grains represent the true In-
dian variety of corn.

" Louisville, July, 1835.

"My dear Sir, — I now send you, by Mr. Frazer, the fossilized corn of which
I spoke when I last saw you. It is found in the alluvial bank of the Ohio River,
about twenty-five miles below Wheeling, both above and below the mouth of Fish
Creek, and extending up the creek some distance, and four or five miles on the
Ohio ; it may extend farther, but it shews itself only that distance by the washing
of the river against the bank. The stratum is generally from eight to ten inches
thick, and from five to six feet below the surface, and contains nothing but the
corn grains closely impacted together with the black dust which you perceive
among the corn, filling up the interstices. No cob or stock of the corn has ever
been found with the grains. The same stratum has been met with in places
distant from this, in digging below the surface. This is all that I could
learn relative to this unaccountable and interesting deposition. Why or how did
the corn get from the cob ? It certainly must have been charred, or it would not
have been thus preserved. It could not have been reduced to this black cinder,
like the loaves of bread and grains, of different kinds, found at Pompeii, or rather
it could not have resulted from a like cause. I do believe if all the corn raised
on the Ohio, and all its tributaries above this point, were collected in one mass, it
would not amount to one-tenth of this deposition.

" Most truly your's,

" R. Harlan, M.D." « J. C. Johnson.

There is a disposition in England to give credit to our fellow labourers in
America for occasionally making " mountains of mole-hills" in their investigation
of natural phenomena. This credulity on our part is certainly not without foun-
dation, and until we are fully satisfied that the causes in which it has originated
no longer exist, all relations emanating from the new world which border upon
the marvellous will be received here with some degree of scepticism, unless sup-
ported by evidence of a most explicit and unexceptionable character. As an illus-
tration of the very limited insight into some branches of natural science which
its cultivators possessed on that continent, even within a comparatively recent pe-
riod, we would refer our readers to a catalogue published a few years since, of the

objects contained in the Museum of Natural History, at the Lyceum, New York.
This catalogue is drawn up by one of the leading members of that institution, and,
as an indication of his competency for the task, we find ten or twelve honorary titles
and three or four et cetera s attached to his name. The writer, after giving a list of
numerous Buccinums, Venuses, Turbos, vertebra? and teeth of sea-serpents, &c,
notices a flint-stone from England containing two Echinites, one of which is "fast
in its hole," while the other, mirabile dictu, " can be made to revolve upon its
own a.vis /" This remarkable phenomenon appears to have amazingly puzzled
the learned compiler of the catalogue, who does not presume to attempt any solu-
tion of the problem.

With regard to the statement respecting the fossil corn, we are by no means
disposed to question its authenticity, notwithstanding the apparently anomalous
conditions attending its deposition. These, perhaps, may be explained when a
more minute investigation has been made of the locality in which this singular
stratum has been discovered. The only instance at all analogous to the present,
with which we are acquainted, is the prodigious accumulation of fruits and seeds in
the London clay of the Isle of Sheppy. It is not at all beyond the limits of pro-
bability to imagine that, under some circumstances, the clay might, by aqueous
agency, be removed, and a continuous stratum of seeds left. We are, however,
unwilling to enlarge upon so novel a fact as that related by Mr. Johnson until we
have all the circumstances connected with its history before us.

In closing the present volume we cannot help expressing the gratification we
have derived from its perusal, and the sincere hope that this year will not pass
away without the publication of a second.

A History of British Quadrupeds. By Thomas Bell, F.R.S., F.L.S., Lecturer
on Comparative Anatomy at Guy's Hospital. Illustrated by a Wood-cut of
each Species, and numerous Vignettes. 8vo. London : Van Voorst. 1836.

Of all the Vertebrata of the British Islands, the Mammiferous, or Masto-
zoary,* animals have been the least frequently and efficiently delineated by the
artist. While the birds have been figured with various degrees of ability and suc-
cess, by Pennant, Lewin, Donovan, and the lamented Bewick ; and a highly re-
spectable work, by Meyer, on British Ornithology, is in active progress ; and our

*• To the newly-introduced term, Mammal, we have an insuperable objection ; and the
hybrid compound, Mammalogy, is not to be, for a moment, tolerated by an educated ear.
There is, in fact, no such term in the Greek, as (tuppa, signifying teat or dug : and, even
were it so, what would Mammalogy express, but dug-discourse, — not, as it is meant to im-
ply, the doctrine of teated or Mammiferous Animals. Maslozoology, although not exactly
to our taste, is surely far preferable, as compounded of ij.u.otos, a dug or teat, {juoi, an ani-
mal, and x'oyoi, a discourse, to the spurious, unscientific, and unmeaning " Mammalogy"

fishes have been iconographically displayed by Pennant and Donovan, and re-
cently, in a style of surpassing excellence, by Yarrell, we have, at present, no il-
lustrated publication on the British Mammalia at all comparable, in extent and
comprehensiveness of design, or in correctness of execution, with them. The
British Zoology, of Pennant, contains indifferently drawn figures of only seven-
teen species of animals belonging to this Class : the History of Quadrupeds, by
Bewick, not more than thirty-four species. Of the shewy and expensive History
of British Quadrupeds, by Donovan, — the only monograph on the subject with
which we are acquainted, — justice forbids us to speak in any other terms than
those of unqualified reprobation and contempt. Contemplated either as a work of
Science or of Art, it is alike disgraceful to its author, and unworthy of the age
and of the country on which it has been obtruded. Under these circumstances,
we hail, with no ordinary feelings of gratification, the appearance of the first two
Parts of the History of British Quadrupeds, some time since announced by
Mr. Bell. Our expectations, highly as they have been excited by a knowledge of
the character, talents, and opportunities of the author, even a cursory inspection
of the commencement of his work has completely satisfied. It is quite worthy
to occupy the same shelf, in the zoological library, as Yarrell's British Fishes :■ a
more eloquent eulogium than this, we are unable to pronounce. If the illustrated
works on British Birds, Reptiles and Amphibia, Crustacea, and Zoophytes, re-
cently announced for publication, correspond as closely in correctness and beauty
of execution, as is contemplated in form and style, with the two productions
already before us, a new and most auspicious era will have dawned upon the
hitherto obscure and entangled paths of British Zoography.

Parts 1 and 2 of Mr. Bell's work exhibit a description of the genera and spe-
cies belonging to the Vespertilionidce and Rhinolophidce, of the Order Cheirop-
tera, and the Hedge-hog and the Mole, respectively arranged under the Erina-
ceadce and Talpidce, of the Order Insectivora. The notices of the internal struc-
ture, of the generic and specific characters, and the habits and economy, of the
various animals are singularly accurate and luminous, frequently original, and
always interesting. The figures of the bats are, moreover, without one solitary
exception, uncommonly spirited and characteristic : and those of the hedge-hog and
the mole, in particular, so powerfully executed that they would make our old
favorite Bewick, were he allowed to behold them, " start from the dreamless
slumbers of the grave." If the volume be completed in the spirit, and with the
zeal and talent, which the opening parts display, it will prove to the student of
zoology in general, and more especially to the British naturalist, a most instructive
and delightful work.

Until the appearance of Dr. Fleming's valuable History of British Animals,
six species only of the Bat-Family were recognized by systematic writers, as na-
tives of the British islands. To this scanty catalogue, a seventh species, the

Vespertilio emarginatus, was added by Fleming. Aware, or, at least, suspecting-,
from our own cursory observation, that some few still remained undistinguished
and undescribed, still we were little prepared for the acquisition of ten new species
of British Cheiroptera. Such, however, is absolutely the case : seventeen species
are now enumerated as inhabiting Great Britain ; and so clearly characterized,
both by Mr. Jenyns and Mr. Bell, as to leave no shadow of a doubt upon the
zoologist's mind, of their perfectly distinct nature.

This large addition having rendered necessary a new systematic distribution of
the British Cheiroptera, we propose, in our next Number, to present a Synoptical
Sketch of the Families, Genera, and Species, according to Mr. Bell's principles of
characterization and plan of arrangement. To this, we shall prefix a cursory view
of the anatomical structure of the Order to which these curious and interesting ani-
mals belong : sincerely hoping that the little information which our confined limits
will allow us to communicate, may spur on many of our readers to a deeper study of
this yet unexhausted subject, and to a profitable use of the abundant sources from
which our own supplies will be principally drawn — the admirable History of
British Quadrupeds, by Mr. Bell ; and the Article, Cheiroptera, in Dr. Todd's
excellent Cyclopaedia of Anatomy and Physiology.

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS.

1. — M. De Blainville has published, in the Nouvelles Annates du Museum
de VAcademie des Sciences, an account of the Dodo, or Dronte (Dipus ineptus,
L.). This remarkable bird, only at present known by an oil painting of a dried foot
preserved in the British Museum, and a head and foot in the University of Oxford,
has occupied much of the ornithologist's attention. It is, in fact, a remarkable
circumstance that a bird of such magnitude should no longer be found, and that
it should, as it were, have passed away from the face of nature. Besides
the reflections that may attach to this and other circumstances, de Blainville has
principally directed his researches towards establishing the zoological position of
this strange bird. In 1497 and 1499, the Dodo was abundantly found by the
Portuguese in an island beyond the Cape of Good Hope. The Dutch, in 1598,
also found it in the same island, now called Maurice Island (Mauritius), Isle de
Bourbon, Isle de France. Clusius, a Dutch author, in 1605, gave a description
of this bird, under the name of Walgh-Vogel, or a disgusting bird, on account of
its tough and bad-scented flesh. In 1634, Herbert describes this bird under the
name of Dodo, which it still retains : he describes it as weighing upwards of fifty

pounds, very fat, and possessing a melancholy look. The portion of this bird now
extant in the Oxford Museum came from the collection of Tradiscant, where it
had existed prior to 1681. The bird was even intact in 1700 ; in 1755 the com-
mittee threw the greater part away, merely retaining the head and two feet. The
oil portrait in the British Museum appears to have been painted in Holland, from
a living specimen brought from the Mauritius. Collecting all the facts relating
to this bird in original documents, it may be concluded that the Dodo is a
massive bird, very large, not at all graceful, with short feet, and thick legs;
the body oval, somewhat resembling that of a large Duck whose posterior part
is not pointed ; the neck is thick, short, and curved in the form of an S. The
head is very large, particularly the beak ; the tongue appears pointed, the leg is
feathered to the knee : the toes are four in number, short, thick, and armed with
strong nails, without any trace of interdigital membrane. The back is of a black
colour, the head greenish gray ; the feathers of the wings of the tail are white.
But little is known of its habits, it appears to have possessed no powers of flight,
and the stones found in its gizzard lead to a conclusion that it is graminivorous.
With respect to its place in an ornithological series, ancient writers placed it
near to the Swan, or the Echassiers. Temminck places it, as a genus of a parti-
cular order, after the series of birds : Mc Leay approximates it to the Gallinacece,
and, on account of its short wings, it has also been classed with the Ostriches.
De Blainville combats all the opinions of previous writers, and finishes by con-
cluding that it is more nearly related to the birds of prey than any other order.;
adding also that he is by no means satisfied that this bird has positively become
extinct ; and so little being hitherto known of the natural productions of the Mau-
ritius, it is hoped some traces may yet be discovered to throw a further light on
the history of this most singular bird.

2. — M. de la Saussaye, secretary to the next scientific congress of France,
which is to be held at Blois, on the 1 1th of Sept. next, has published a programme
of questions relative to history and natural sciences ; among them are many of
high interest to the antiquary and naturalist. One of these is to determine the
precise spot mentioned by Caesar as the site of the great annual meeting of the
Druids, and to examine if those places in which the greater number of Druidical
monuments are to be found are not also those in which Christianity first founded
its religious establishments. Another question of general importance is, to give
the rise and progress of printing in the different localities of France. In agricul-
ture— to examine the origin of the diseases in wheat, their effect on the animal
economy, and their best mode of cure. In natural science — to determine whether
it is not possible to create a mineralogical classification presenting the advantages
resulting from the natural methods followed in zoology and botany. To pronounce
if there exists among animals a primitive type in which all the creations of that

great class of organized beings are more or less combined. To inquire if external
circumstances can so modify the organization of animals and plants as to change
their specific, or even generic, characters. To examine if it is well demonstrated
that the cellular tissue of plants presents a nervous system analagous to that of
animals, and to indicate in what that physiological analogy consists. If there is
any transformation of the cellular tissue of plants into vessels, or have the vessels
an individual existence from the first instant of their manifestation. Are bota-
nists agreed on the mode of formation of the ligneous strata in dicotyledonous
vegetables.

3. — Three new species of South American Pheasants are added to the Parisian
Menagerie; their familiarity and gentleness are remarkable. The cry of the
male bird distinctly utters the three syllables ca tra ca ; the name by which they
are recognised in their native localities, and that now scientifically adopted.

4. — M.de PARAVEYhas communicated to the Academy of Sciences a memoir on
slate found in the primitive formations of the Meuse ; in which it is observed that
it possesses the property of dividing into plates, according to the given direction of
the longitudinal fibres, called, by the workmen, longrain, according to whom no
slate is good not presenting this constant and regular division. Therefore slate
of a more modern formation, such as that of St. Anger's, which breaks, like glass,
into irregular fractures or splinters, never lasts more than about thirty years, while
that of the Ardennes exist uninjured during a lapse of two centuries ; a fact
proved by inscriptions on the green slates with which the roofs of some ancient
monuments in Belgium are covered. It is to this peculiar property of separating
lengthwise, according to the parallel direction of the fibres — which supposes a
species of crystallization — that M. de Paravey wishes to draw the attention of
geologists.

5. — Geologists in France appear to be in a complete state of uncertainty respect-
ing the supposed impressions of bird's feet in the sandstone of Hildburghausen. Do
they belong to terrestrial or marine mammals — to reptiles — to saurians — to birds —
or are they impressions of vegetables ? The zoologist declares they are not the
foot-marks of animals or reptiles, the ornithologist assures us he can trace no re-
semblance whatever to the feet of birds, and de Jussieu denies positively that they
can be vegetable impressions. These and other contradictory opinions on geolo-
gical subjects keep alive that interesting science, and must ultimately produce the
most satisfactory conclusions, as well as much able discussion in the learned world.

ORNITHORHYNCHUS PARADOXUS

ORDER. PALMATA. FAMILY. BRUTA.

By Frederick Ryland.

This singular animal has excited the attention of naturalists in a very great
degree, from the peculiarities of its organization, which, until they were more
minutely investigated, caused some doubt as to whether it could properly be
arranged under any of the existing classes of vertebrata, and hence the name
Ornithorhynchus paradoxus was assigned it by Professor Blumenbach, and has
been retained to the present day.

The body of the animal is rather flattened horizontally, and partakes of the
characters of the Otter, the Mole, and the Beaver.* Its length, measured from
the extremity of the mandible to the end of the tail, varies, in full-grown speci-
mens, from sixteen to twenty-three or twenty-four inches ; the male is generally
found to be, in a slight degree, larger than the female. The body is covered
externally with long silky hairs of a dark-brown colour approaching to black,
underneath which is a very fin^bft fur of a greyish colour, the latter being thick-
er and softer on the under sdft^ce of the animal. In the possession of these two
kinds of hair, the Ornithorhynchus resembles many of the amphibious quadru-
peds,' as the Otter and the Beaver. The tail is flat afcd broad, and varies in
length from four and a half to six inches ; the hair covering its upper surface is
longer and coarser thaa»Aat of any other part of the body, and projects a little
distance beyond the termination of the tail.

The legs are exceedingly short ; the hinder ones rather shorter than the fore
legs ; the feet have each five toes, connected with each other by a strong mem-
branous expansion, like the feet of a Duck ; in the fore feet, which are the largest
and most powerful, the web extends a little distance beyond the extremities of the
claws, whilst in the hinder feet it attains only to the roots of the claws. The
claws on the fore feet are strong and blunt, and well adapted for burrowing, those
on the hind feet are sharp and curved backwards. The fore feet, with their
membranous web are, when expanded, four inches across, and that part of the web

* See an account of the structure and habits of the Ornithorhynchus, in the Transactions
of the Zoological Society of London, vol. i., part iii., by Mr. G. Bennett, to which the author
is indebted for most of the facts contained in the present article.

VOL. I. O

which projects heyond the extremities of the toes, is loose, and can, therefore, fall
back when the animal burrows. Owing to this arrangement, the Ornithorhyn-
chus has the full benefit of its broad foot as a paddle when swimming ; and when
making its way into the earth, where strength more than breadth is requisite, the
falling back of the web increases the power of resistance in the foot, and, at the
same time, allows the strong blunt claws to come into operation. The male has a
moveable spur upon the posterior and inner surface of the hind leg, a little dis-
tance above the claws.

The head, like the body, is compressed horizontally ; the eyes of a light brown
colour, very small, but brilliant, are placed rather backwards. There is no pro-
jecting external ear, but the orifice of the auditory canal is situated behind and
external to the eye, and the animal has the power of opening and closing it at
pleasure. The mouth or beak is the most characteristic part of this curious quad-
ruped ; it is formed of two flat projecting lips or mandibles, of a cartilaginous
structure, and slightly serrated at the sides ; altogether bearing a very strong re-
semblance to the beak of the Shoveller Duck. It is of a dirty greyish black
colour, and covered with innumerable minute dots. At the base of each mandible
is a loose projecting fold of skin, of the same dark colour as the beak, and to this
different uses have been assigned. Mr. Bennett is of opinion that it affords pro-
tection to the eyes when the animal is engaged in burrowing or seeking its food
in the mud ; Sir Everard Home* considers the use of these folds to be, to prevent
the beak from being pushed into the soft mud beyond this part, which is so broad
as completely to stop its further progress.

The possession of cheek-pouches is the only other structural peculiarity to
which it is necessary to refer in the description of "this animal. When recently
captured, they generally contain mud and small stones mixed up with the animal-
culae on which the creature feeds ; and it is supposed that in these pouches the
food undergoes trituration and other changes, preliminary to its digestion in the
stomach.

The Ornithorhynchus is ovoviviparous, but suckles its young, after birth, like
most other quadrupeds.

From the singular organization of this creature, we can scarcely wonder at the
indicision of naturalists, in the first instance, as to what place it ought to occupy
in the animal series. To increase the dilemma, it was always believed, till very
recently, that the Ornithorhynchus propagated its species by means of eggs, but
the investigations of Mr. Bennett and Mr. Owen-f- have completely set that ques-
tion at rest. In its mode of generation, it resembles the reptile tribe ; its want
of bony teeth, the singular formation of its duck-like bill, and the possession of

" Philosophical Transactions for 1800.
■f Philosophical Transactions, for 1834; and Zoological Transactions, vol. i., p. 221.

webbed feet, seem to ally this animal to the family of the water-fowl ; whilst its
general appearance, its hairy covering-, and internal structure prove indisputably its
title to be ranked amongst the mammalia.

The Ornithorhynchus is an inhabitant of Australia, and is found both in New
Holland and in Van Dieman's land. The race is very numerous ': they frequent
the rivers of those countries, and form their burrows in the banks. They are
called by the colonists Water-Moles, from a resemblance they are supposed to
bear to the common European Mole. Their shyness and timidity are extreme ;
so that " on seeing them," says Mr. Bennett,* who had many opportunities of
observing them in their native haunts, " the spectator must remain perfectly sta-
tionary, as the slightest noise or movement of the body would cause their instant
disappearance, so acute are they in sight or hearing, or perhaps in both ; and they
seldom re-appear when they have been frightened. By remaining perfectly quiet
when the animal is " up," the spectator is enabled to obtain an excellent view of
its movements on the water ; it seldom, however, remains longer than one or two
minutes playing and paddling on the surface, soon diving again and re-appearing a
short distance above or below, generally according to the direction in which it
dives. It dives head foremost with an audible splash." They swim very low, so
that the upper part of the back and the head only are seen above the surface of
the water ; and when their fur is wet, they resemble a mass of dirty weeds
rather than a living animal, on which account they often escape observation.

Their food consists of river insects, small shell-fish, and other animalculae,
which they obtain for the most part by inserting their beaks into the soft mud on
the sides of the rivers, and particularly at the roots of the various aquatic plants
that grow in such situations. Their mode of seeking food in the mud or water
is very like that of a Duck when feeding in similar places ; immediately after
withdrawing the beak from the mud, they raise the head, and masticate the prey
they have obtained by a lateral motion of the mandibles one upon the other.

Their habitations are formed by burrowing in the banks of the rivers which
they frequent. The burrows are generally about twenty feet long, but they have
been found as much as fifty feet in length ; they have two entrances, one of them
situated three or four feet above the surface of the river, and the other a short
distance below the level of the water. At the commencement they are capacious,
but immediately afterwards become contracted to a size little more than sufficient
to let the body of the animal pass ; they proceed upwards, rather in a serpentine
direction, and terminate just beneath the surface of the ground in a kind of cham-
ber large enough to contain the mother and three or four young ones. The nest
is made of dried weeds, bark, and small fibrous roots. The entrance of the bur-
row is so placed as to be concealed from observation by surrounding grass, weeds,

* Loc. Cit., page 234.

100

and shrubs, and no heaps of dirt are found near it ; so that Mr. Bennett suggests
the probability of the animal carrying away the loose mould collected during the
excavation, in order that the heap, which would otherwise be formed, may not
point out the situation of the burrow.

Mr. Bennett succeeded in capturing two full-furred young Ornithorhynci, in
one of the burrows that he examined. He conveyed them to Sidney, and was in
hopes of sending them alive to England ; but, though they were at first very ac-
tive and sprightly, in a short time they became meagre, their coats lost the sleek
glossy appearance indicative of health, they ate little, and at length died, about five
weeks from the period of their capture. As his opportunities of observing these
animals were considerable, and his account of their habits is the only one of much
value that we possess, I shall not hesitate to transcribe, in his own words, some of
the observations he made upon their proceedings.

" The young animals sleep in various postures, sometimes in an extended posi-
tion, and often rolled up like a hedgehog, in the form of a ball." The latter pos-
ture, which is a favourite one with them, " is effected by the fore paws being
placed under the beak, with the head and mandibles bent down towards the tail,
the hind paws crossed over the mandibles, and the tail turned up ; thus complet-
ing the rotundity of the figure. They usually reposed side by side, like a pair of
furred balls, and awful little growls issued from them when disturbed ; but when
very sound asleep, they might be handled and examined with impunity. One
evening, both the animals came out about dusk, went as usual, and eat food from
the saucer, and then commenced playing one with the other like two puppies,
attacking with their mandibles, and raising the fore paws against each other. In
the struggle one would get thrust down, and at the moment when the spectator
would expect it to rise again and renew the combat, it would commence scratching
itself, its antagonist looking on, and waiting for the sport to be renewed." They
were very fond of combing themselves with their hind feet ; an operation they
generally performed after being in the water, and before retiring for the night.
" It was most ludicrous to observe these uncouth-looking little beasts running
about, overturning and seizing one another with their mandibles, and then, in the
midst of their fun and frolic, coolly inclining to one side, and scratching themselves
in the gentlest manner possible. After the cleaning operation was concluded,
they would perambulate the room for a short time, and then seek repose." Their
mode of climbing to the summit of a book-case, or any other elevated piece of
furniture, is very surprising, because the opportunity of exercising such an in-
stinct or propensity could scarcely have occurred to them when in a state of na-
ture ; it reminds one of a late celebrated escape from Newgate. " This was at
last discovered to be effected by the animal supporting its back against the wall,
and placing its feet against the book-case, and thus, by means of the strong cuta-
neous muscles of the back, and the claws of the feet, contriving to reach the top

101

very expeditiously. They performed this mode of climbing often, so that I had
frequent opportunities of witnessing the manner in which it was done."

As far as we are at present acquainted with the disposition of the Ornitho-
rhynchus, it is free from vicious propensities ; its extreme timidity induces it to
seek for solitude, and to haunt only the most unfrequented parts of rivers ; when
handled or disturbed, it evinces its impatience and dislike by a low growl, but
never shews a disposition to bite or scratch. It has been asserted that the spur
with which the hind leg of the male is armed is perforated, and that through it a
poisonous secretion is discharged, when the animal is irritated.* Mr. Bennett
endeavoured to ascertain the correctness of this, by seizing the hind leg of the
male animal, and roughly handling him ; but he could not perceive that any effort
was made to avail himself of the spur in his defence, and he appears to think,
therefore, that the statement touching the use of the spur is entirely groundless.

This animal, though not strictly amphibious, appears to spend as much of its
time on the water as on the land ; its short legs and webbed feet are better adapted
for urging the body through the former element than over the surface of the
latter. In the water it finds its food, in the immediate vicinity of the water it con-
structs its habitation. Mr. Bennett generally indulged his captives with an occa-
sional swim, in which they seemed to take great delight. When placed near the
water (a cord having been fastened round the hind leg to prevent escape), they
would instinctively find their way into it, and travel up and down the stream, at
the same time shewing a partiality for those places that most abounded in aquatic
weeds. After swimming and feeding, they laid themselves down on the grassy
bank, combing and cleaning their coats with the claws of the hind feet.

I am not aware that this animal has, as yet, been made, in any way, serviceable
to the human race. The natives of Australia use them as food, but as they
devour, with equal avidity, frogs, snakes, and rats, this cannot be considered as
any very great recommendation of their edible qualities.

Besides the name of Ornithorhynchus, this animal is commonly known by the
name of Platypus, which was given to it by Dr. Shaw ; and it is still more fre-
quently called the Duck-billed Animal, from the peculiar form of its beak.

* History of Austral-Asia, by R. M. Martin, F.S.S., page 111.

ON THE MORAL ADVANTAGES OF THE STUDY OF NATURE.

Though it may seem superfluous to offer any observations on this subject in
a work not likely, in the present stage of its career, to fall into the hands of
readers not already devoted to the pursuit of Natural History, yet we are induced
to do so in the hope that, if they should approve our remarks, they may point
them out to their friends, and so perchance increase the number of the cultivators of
natural science. It is more particularly with a view to excite the attention of
parents and teachers that we throw out these suggestions, since it is more espe-
cially in their power to give them effect. These influential persons would we
intreat in favour of those interesting beings, the members of the rising generation,
committed to their care. We would appeal to every feeling and principle of their
better nature, in their behalf. Few parents can be charged with neglecting the
bodily health of their children, though some err in the choice of the means by
which it is to be promoted ; but many, very many, are either indifferent to- the
mental and spiritual welfare of their offspring, or err grievously in the choice of the
means by which they are to be secured. The education which is necessary to fit an
individual for the discharge of the social duties of his station, and for forwarding
the interests of the community, it is undoubtedly right that he should receive.
But man lives not for society alone, but also for himself ; he lives not for time only,
but for eternity : and an education is required for these too, which, in many cases,
he never receives, or at least never has provided for him by his parents.

Let us not be misunderstood, nor let it be supposed that we undervalue or
would dispense with classical learning, or the kind of learning necessary to carry
on mercantile affairs. Far from it : our wish is that they should have that, and
much more. While some of their time is devoted to acquire those languages by
which man has held, or still holds, intercourse and sweet communion with his
fellow men, improvement and enlargement of their minds must follow. But while
we teach them many tongues, and enable them to read many books, shall we leave
them ignorant of the signs and characters of the book of nature, or give them no
opportunity of perusing the bright volume of creation, the pages of which are
daily and annually unrolled before us, containing the autograph of its mighty
author, and which, to use the impressive words of Lord Bacon, " is written in the
only language that hath gone out to all the ends of the earth, unaffected by the
confusion of Babel."

Alas ! that we should teach them to read what will only enable them to
" heap up riches, while they know not who shall gather them" and fail to teach
them how to commune with their God, and to acquire a portion of that treasure
which they, and not another, shall inherit throughout eternity.

Those who are born and bred in large cities are rarely permitted, still less
purposely led out, to see the face of nature, to trace her lineaments, and feel the
influence of her smiles. They are not taught to regard her as the common mother

103

of all organized beings, nor to look upon her with the eyes of affectionate children.
The case is not altered when they are sent to any of the schools, whether suburban or
remote from the city of their birth ; for in the walks which are then taken, as a part
of the system, they are made to march, during the stated period, only for the health
of the body, in formal columns, and not allowed to delay to examine any natural
object, nor even to turn their eyes either to the right side or the left. And thus
they quit these seminaries as ignorant of the operations of nature as if they had
continued to dwell in the centre of the most crowded metropolis, or had been
denied all use of the organ of sight. This important period of life, when they are
so susceptible of receiving beneficial impressions from the examination of the
works of creation, being allowed to pass unimproved, the parent imagines he has
discharged his duty to his children if he then places them at the entrance of the
paths which lead to wealth, to honour, to glory, or to power. But the fondest
hopes may be disappointed, the best laid schemes for arriving at distinction may
be frustrated, and the unsuccessful candidate may be compelled to retire from the
busy mart, and to close those books and correspondence which he trusted would
have proved the instruments of his gain, and betake himself to an obscure or soli-
tary abode, far from the smoke of cities and the hum of men. How irksomely
must pass his days, what a dreary and desolate void must be his existence, if, from
ignorance of its alphabet, the book of natural wisdom lies open before him in vain,

" where, beneath the white-armed beach,

By valley's stream, or hillock's verdant crown,
Her simple lesson nature waits to teach."

But suppose the greatest success to have attended his efforts, and that he has
become the possessor of " woods, and lawns, and long-withdrawing vales." His
bosom may dilate when his eye surveys the fruit of his toil and his gratified ambi-
tion, and his ear may be regaled with the lowing of his cattle on a thousand hills ;
but all these he must leave to another, nor can it be said that while in possession
of them his mind was more improved, or even as much, as that of the ploughman
who tilled his acres, or the herd who tended his flocks, if the latter, and not the
former, saw and understood, and traced to their source, the operations of nature
continually taking place around them, and which could alone render his lands pro-
ductive, and his position an object of vulgar envy.

An able divine (the Rev. W. Jones, of Nayland) has well observed — " Let a
man have all the world can give him, he is still miserable, if he has a grovelling,
unlettered, indevout mind. Let him have his gardens, his fields, his woods, his
lawns, for grandeur, plenty, ornament, and gratification : while at the same
time God is not in all his thoughts ; and let another have neither field nor gar-
den, let him only look at nature with an enlightened mind — a mind which can see
and adore the Creator in his works, can consider them as demonstrations of his

104

power, his wisdom, his goodness, and his truth : this man is greater, as well as
happier, in his poverty, than the other in his riches. The one is but a little
higher than a beast, the other but a little lower than an angel."

The very leisure for which the wealthy merchant sighed may prove his great-
est bane, and, finding time hang heavy, and deprived of the excitement connected
with his former pursuits, he may, as a substitute, betake himself to debasing and
ruinous ones — to gambling, or dissipation, and perchance impair, if not lose, his
fortune, and, to meet the consequences of his extravagance, may oppress his
tenants whom he should befriend, and, becoming morose and selfish, introduce
misery and distress into his domestic circle.

" But," says Dr. Drummond, in his excellent Letters to a Young Naturalist,
" who are these men to whom time is a burden ? Are they geologists, or astro-
nomers, or chemists ? Are they botanists, or landscape painters ? Are they en-
tomologists, are they naturalists or philosophers of any kind ? We may safely, I
believe, answer in the negative. No one who pursues science is likely to com-
plain of the ennui of modern times ; and I feel convinced that science, in union
with natural religion, is the pursuit best of all calculated to make our time pass
happily, and the world we inhabit seem a paradise."

Another writer (Dr. Boot) has eloquently said — " There is a mysterious com-
munion between the mind and heart of man and the sights and sounds of natural
objects. A voice, descending from heaven, and borne upon the breath of morn, is
heard along the enamelled mead, or through the mazes of the dark forest, which
penetrates to the sources of our thoughts and affections, and which kindles a spirit
of devotion to light and warm our own bosoms, to be thence reflected upon all
around us. Listen to its instructions in the delightful solitude of your occasion-
ally secluded hours, far from the contaminating influence of worldly ambition ;
and you will return to society with feelings better adapted to the discharge of your
duties there, and in possession of a mean for happiness of which no adversity can
rob you, and with a refinement of mind which no prosperity can vitiate."

Nor is it only in the joyous morn or active noon of life that these things
should engage our attention, or are capable of yielding pleasure, and bringing
with them their reward. For after a long period of usefulness to ourselves and
others, when the sun of our day begins to cast lengthened and prophetic shadows
along the vale of life, we naturally feel anxious to retire, to repose and meditate
awhile, ere we quit this for another scene of being. Then what occupation can
be found so calm and tranquil, so befitting the evening of life, as the contempla-
tion of the objects of nature? In observing and considering "the lilies, how they
grow," we at once comply with the divine injunction and reap the benefit of our
compliance, in finding our minds gradually purified from those stains of earth
which even the best of us contract during a lengthened intercourse with the
world, and so become progressively prepared for the change which awaits us* — Z.

HISTORY OF THE COMMON DIPPER, (Cinclus aquaticus).
By William Mac Gillivray, A.M., F.R.S.E., M.W.S., &c,

CONSERVATOR OF THE MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF EDINBURGH.

The Dipper is, in many respects, one of the most interesting of our native
birds. Residing chiefly in the wild glens of the mountainous districts, it now and
then presents itself to the wandering naturalist as it flits along the streams, or is
seen perched on a stone in the midst of the water ; the white patch on its breast
rendering it conspicuous at a great distance. Even the mere collector of plants —
who, of all men, seems to be the least capable of comprehending the harmonies of
nature — pauses to gaze upon it, as it shoots past him in its rapid and even flight ;
the solitary shepherd, wending his way to the mountain corry, meets it with
delight ; and the patient and contemplative angler, as he guides his tackle over
the deep pool, smiles upon the tiny fisher whose frequent becks have attracted his
notice. The singular circumstance of its obtaining its food under the surface of
the water, although in form and structure it is allied to the Thrushes and other
land birds, has especially drawn the attention of ornithologists to it ; and the
explanation of its mode of progression in that element has exercised their ingenu-
ity, although very few have based their conjectures on actual observation. Lastly,
the land-proprietor or his factor, too much occupied with other pursuits to inquire
for themselves, and trusting to the reports of prejudiced persons, direct their
gamekeepers and shepherds to destroy the lively and harmless creature whenever
an opportunity occurs, because it has been supposed to destroy the eggs and fry
of the salmon.

This bird having, in a particular manner, attracted my attention in the course
of my many rambles, I have been enabled in some measure to trace its history,
which I now have the pleasure of presenting to the readers of The Naturalist,
assuring them that it contains nothing but the results of long-continued observa-
tion. In the first place, however, I shall give the generic characters of Cinclus,
of which only three species are known to me : C. Pallasii, found by Professor
Pallas, in the Crimea ; C. Americanus, which inhabits Mexico and the Rocky
Mountains ; and C. aquaticus, found in most parts of Europe.

Cinclus, — (Bechst). Dipper.

Bill rather short, slender, slightly ascending, deeper than broad at the base,
much compressed towards the end. Upper mandible, with the dorsal line, slightly
arched, the ridge rounded, the sides convex, the edges sharp and inflected, with
an obscure notch close to the narrow, somewhat deflected, tip. Lower mandible
slightly bent upwards, the angle medial and very narrow, the crura having the

VOL. I. P

10G

sides sloping outwards, the dorsal line slightly convex, the ridge narrow and
rounded, the tip rather acute. Mouth very narrow ; upper mandible internally
narrow, concave, with a central depressed line ; palate nearly flat ; aperture of the
posterior nares linear, margined with acute papillae ; lower mandible concave, with
a central prominent line. Tongue slightly extensile, sagittate, narrow, grooved,
serrulato-setose towards the end, and terminated by two bristle-points. (Esopha-
gus of nearly uniform diameter; proventriculus with oblong simple glandules.
Stomach muscular, compressed, with two roundish central tendons ; its cuticular
coat dense, tough, and rugous. Intestine of nearly uniform diameter ; two very
small vermiform coeca.

Nostrils linear, direct, with a bare margin above, in the lower and fore part of
the nasal membrane, which is covered with very short feathers. Eyes rather
small ; eyelids densely feathered. Aperture of external ear round, of moderate
size.

Head oblong, rather small, compressed, the forehead low. Neck rather short.
Body compact, rather deeper than broad. Legs strong, of ordinary length ; tar-
sus compressed, covered anteriorly with a long undivided plate and four inferior
scutella, posteriorly with two long plates united at a very acute angle, and several
transverse rugae below. Toes rather large and strong, covered above with a few
plates, papillar beneath ; first, second, and fourth nearly equal, third much longer ;
second slightly connected at the base, by a web, with the third, which is connected
with the fourth by a longer but narrower web, as far as the second joint of each.
Claws short, bluntish, much compressed, slightly margined, laterally grooved, that
of the hind toe considerably larger.

Plumage ordinary, rather compact, the feathers oblong and rounded ; those
about the base of the bill very short and somewhat velvety, without bristly points.
No bristles at the base of the bill. Wings rather short, broad, rounded ; primary
quills ten, the first very short and narrow, the third longest, and, with the next
three, slightly cut out on the outer web towards the end ; secondary quills nine,
long, broad, rounded ; all the quills much decurved. Tail short, even, of twelve
broadish feathers, which are slightly decurved. Legs feathered to the tibio-tarsal
joint. The whole body closely covered with down, as in the diving sea-birds.

Cinclus aquaticus, — (Bechst). The Common Dipper.

The Dipper, Water Ouzel, or Water Crow, is remarkable for the compact-
ness of its form, in which respect, as well as in some of its motions and attitudes,
it bears more resemblance to the Kingfisher and the Common Wren, than to any
other British bird. Among foreign birds, the species of the genus Pitta, are
those which approach nearest to it in form. Its plumage is of ordinary length,
soft, rather compact, slightly glossed, very short on the fore part of the head,

107

where it resembles that of the diving palmipede birds. The wings, when closed,
reach one-third down the tail, and when expanded are of a semi-ovate form, broad
and rounded. The first quill is very short and narrow ; the third longest, but
the second and fourth are scarcely shorter. The quills are all much curved down-
wards, the secondaries slightly bent inwards, all rounded. The tail is short and
even. ,

The bill is blueish-black, tinged with brown at the edges ; the inside of the
mandibles blackish ; the palate white ; the tongue blackish anteriorly, yellowish
behind. Iris pale brown, with a ring of black in the middle. Tarsi and toes
blueish grey, tinged with brown ; claws dusky. Head and hind-neck deep brown ;
both eye-lids with a white speck. The general colour of the upper parts is dark-
grey, each feather broadly margined with black. First row of coverts and all the
quills slightly tipped with pale grey ; the quills and tail dark brown, tinged with
grey. Throat and fore- neck pure white ; breast chestnut-brown, that colour gra-
dually blended with the deep grey of the abdomen. Sides and lower tail-coverts
of a lighter grey, the latter slightly tipped with pale-brown. The down and the
downy parts of the feathers, are dull dark-greyish-blue, the concealed part of the
shafts whitish.

The oesophagus is two inches long, its glandular part five-twelfths. The sto-
mach is oblong, compressed, muscular, the cuticular coat hard and rugous. Intes-
tine twelve inches long, diminishing a little in diameter towards the coeca, which
come off at the distance of about an inch from the extremity, and are only ^ of
an inch in length.

The entire length is 7| inches ; bill |- along the ridge, 9-8ths along the edge ;
extent of wings 12£ ; wing from flexure 3| ; longest quill 2|- ; tail 2£ ; tarsus 1£,
middle toe 1^-.

The female differs very little from the male in external appearance, the brown
of the head being merely a little lighter, the brownish-red of the breast less
intense, and the white of the fore-neck of somewhat less extent. Length 1\ ;
bill } ; extent of wings 11 ; tarsus 1^; middle toe 1 and l-16th inches.

Adult individuals vary chiefly with respect to the tints of the breast, that part
having more or less of the red or chestnut colour, and sometimes a white band
down the centre. The changes that take place in the plumage, as it becomes old
and worn, are not very remarkable. The tail-feathers and primary quills are
those which suffer most from rubbing.

The Dipper frequents the sides of rivers and streams of inferior magnitude,
especially such as are clear and rapid, with pebbly or rocky margins. I have met
with it in every part of Scotland, as well as in the hilly portions of Cumberland
and Westmoreland ; and it is said, by Montagu, to occur in Wales and Devon-
shire. In Scotland, it is not peculiar to the mountainous regions, being found in
the lowest parts of the Lothians, as well as on the alpine rills of the Grampians,

108

and other elevated tracts ; but it is generally more abundant in hilly ground, and,
although never common in any district, is nowhere more plentiful than on the.
Tweed and its tributaries in the pastoral counties of Peebles and Selkirk. It is
also a well-known bird in all the larger Hebrides. It is not only a permanent
resident, but seldom shifts its station to any great extent, excepting during con-
tinued frosts, when it descends along the streams, and is seen flitting about by the
rapids and falls. On lakes having a muddy or peaty bottom I have never observ-
ed it ; but it may sometimes be seen on those which are shallow and pebbly at the
margins, as on St. Mary's Loch, where I have shot it.

The flight of the Dipper is steady, direct, and rapid, like that of the King-
fisher, being effected by regularly timed and quick beats of the wings, without
intermissions or sailings. It perches on stones or projecting crags by the sides of
streams, or in the water, where it may be seen frequently inclining the breast
downwards, and jerking up the tail, much in the manner of the Wheatear and
Stonechat, and still more of the Wren ; its legs bent, its neck retracted, and its
wings slightly drooping. It plunges into the water, not dreading the force of the
current, dives and makes its way beneath the surface, generally moving against
the stream, and often with surprising speed. It does not, however, immerse itself
head foremost, like the Kingfisher, the Tern, or the Gannet ; but either walks out
into the water, or alights upon its surface, and then plunges like an Auk or Guil-
lemot. I have seen it moving under water in situations where I could observe it
with certainty, and I readily perceived that its actions were precisely similar to
those of the Divers, Mergansers, and Cormorants, which I have often watched
from an eminence as they pursued the shoals of Sand-eels along the sandy shores
of the Hebrides. It, in fact, flew — not merely using the wing from the carpal
joint, but extending it considerably and employing its whole extent, just as if mov-
ing in the air. The general direction of the body in these circumstances is
obliquely downwards ; and great force is evidently used to counteract the effects of
gravity, the bird finding it difficult to keep itself at the bottom. Montagu well
describes the appearance which it presents under such circumstances i — " In one
or two instances, where we have been able to perceive it under water, it appeared
to tumble about in a very extraordinary manner, with its head downwards, as if
picking something ; and at the same time great exertion was used, both by the
wings and legs." When searching for food, it does not proceed to great distances
under water ; but, alighting on some spot, sinks, and soon reappears in the imme-
diate neighbourhood, when it either dives again, or rises on the wing to drop some-
where else on the stream, or settle on a stone. The assertion of its walking be-
low the water, which some persons have ventured, is not made good by observa-
tion nor countenanced by reason. The Dipper is by no means a walking bird :
even on land I have never seen it move more than a few steps, which it accom-
plished by a kind of leaping motion. Its short legs and long curved claws are

109

very ill adapted for running, but admirably calculated for securing a steady foot-
ing on slippery stones, whether above or beneath the surface of the water.

My first opportunities of observing this bird moving under water were in
Braemar, in 1819 ; since which time I have had much pleasure in taking notice of
it in various parts of the country. In September, 1832, I watched a Dipper for
some time, on a part of the Tweed, where the current was very rapid. It flew off
from the shore, and alighted in the middle of the stream, where it immediately
dived. Re-appearing a little way farther up the river, it floated for a few seconds,
dived, emerged, and flew to the opposite bank, on reaching which it again disap-
peared under water for a short time, and thus continued its exertions. When
perched on a stone near the shore, it usually makes short incursions into the
water, apparently for the purpose of procuring food, and returns to its station.
On these occasions it is not difficult to approach it, provided due precaution be
used ; but in general it is shy and easily alarmed.

In August, 1834, while ascending White Coom, the highest mountain in
Dumfriesshire, accompanied by a boy, I observed a Dipper retreating beneath a
large stone, over which the water fell, in the midst of a streamlet that flowed
along the bottom of a narrow scar or rut. Imagining that its nest or young
might be concealed there, we went up to the place, and, on seeing the bird behind
the little waterfall, endeavoured to catch it, on which it sallied forth, plunged into
a pool, and attempted to escape down the stream, but without success, for we met
it at every turn, and it was obliged to betake itself again to its retreat. We now
turned off the water from the stone, when it again plunged into the pool, and
after some turnings, at length effected its escape. This bird on emerging at some
distance, flew off: and I considered it strange that it had not used its wings from
the beginning, as it certainly could have more easily escaped through the air than
through the water. The chace afforded another rare opportunity of viewing its
subaqueous flight, which, in all probability, was caused by excessive alarm.

On being wounded, it commonly plunges into the water, flies beneath its sur-
face to the shore, and conceals itself among the stones or under the bank. In fact,
on all such occasions, if enough of life remains, it is sure to hide itself, so that one
requires to look sharply after it. In this respect it greatly resembles the Com-
mon Gallinule, or Water-hen. In the winter of 1829, 1 shot one on the Almond,
which flew to the other side, walked deliberately out into the water, disappeared,
and slowly emerged under a bank at some distance, where I found it after cross-
ing the stream. Another had just strength sufficient to fly into a deep hole under
a bridge on the Yarrow, partially filled with water, on which it was found floating,
dead. In August, 1834, I shot a Dipper on Mannor Water, in Tweeddale, when
it flew off, dived, and hid itself under a bank, on which I forded the stream and
endeavoured to secure it, but it slipped out under water, swam down the current
twenty yards or so, and got under a large stone, where it was traced. The intro-

110

duction of the gun-rod only caused the persecuted bird to retreat as far as it could,
and when I was employed in removing some pebbles and gravel from behind the
stone, it slipped out under water, and proceeded down the stream a considerable
way before it rose to breathe. I noticed the place where it dived in under the
bank, and it being at length obliged to come up to respire I met the bird with my
hand, and so secured it.

Men are not much accustomed to regard with interest or compassion the suf-
ferings of animals, especially of the smaller species ; and although the death of an
Elephant at Exeter 'Change, or a Giraffe in Windsor Park, may make a great
noise — that of a Mouse in a trap, or a Snipe in a springe, is as little considered as
the fall of a leaf or a flake of snow. The most melancholy ornithological exhibi-
tion that I remember to have witnessed, was that of a wounded Dipper, which
was shot through the lungs, above Cramond Bridge, near Edinburgh. It stood
still without attempting to fly off, apparently insensible to all external objects, its
legs bent, its wings drooping, its head declined. The blood was oozing from its
side and gurgling in its windpipe, which the poor bird made ineffectual efforts to
clear. At intervals, a convulsive heaving of the chest took place, followed by an
effort to vomit ; and in this state the sufferer stood for five minutes until I got
over the stream to it, when it expired in my hand. In the agony of death, the
pupil became contracted to a mere point, and presently after dilated; when the
lower eyelid gradually rose and covered the eye. This is commonly the case
in birds, which do not expire with the eyes open, like man and most quadrupeds.

I may here remark that there are two very expeditious modes of killing a
wounded bird : one, first shewn to me by my friend Mr. Audubon, consists of
squeezing with the finger and thumb the sides of the bird against its heart, which
in a very few seconds ceases to act : the other, which is still more rapidly effec-
tual, is to introduce a pin between the occiput and atlas, and thus lacerate the
spinal cord.

When wounded and caught, the Dipper struggles hard, grasping firmly with
the feet, but does not attempt to bite. I mention this circumstance as common
to certain species of birds, such as the Fieldfare, Blackbird, and Starling, which,
without possessing the power of annoying their enemy, yet do not tamely suffer
themselves to be destroyed, but struggle to the last, undismayed and ready to use
the slightest chance of escape. Other species, equal in strength, such as the
Snipe, the Golden Plover, and the Lapwing, do not struggle so vigorously, but
meet their fate in a quiet and apparently stupid manner. Some birds, again, such
as the Titmice and some Sylvice, although evidently extremely frightened on being
seized, watch every opportunity of biting. I need scarcely add that some, as the
Kestril and Sparrowhawk, grasp and bite with as much good will as effect. These
diversities of character may in general be traced to differences in organization ;
but the general rules or laws to which one might attempt to reduce them are not
easily detected.

Ill

The food of the Dipper is said, by authors, to consist of small fishes, roe, and
water-insects ; and there is nothing incredible in this, although these persons have
not asserted that they have observed fish or their eggs in the stomach of this spe-
cies. I have opened not a few, at all seasons of the year, and have never found
any other substances than Lymnece, Ancyli, Coleoptera, and grains of gravel.
As to the ova and fry of the Salmon, there is no evidence whatever that the Dip-
per ever swallows them ; and, therefore, the persecution to which this bird has
been subjected in consequence of the mere suspicion, ought to cease until the fact
be proved. With respect to the sand and gravel, which many birds, insectivorous
as well as granivorous, swallow, I may here remark that none of it, so far as I
have observed, ever passes into the intestines, excepting in the tribe of Geese and
Ducks.

The Dipper is generally seen in pairs, sometimes singly, and, at the breeding
season, in families, but never in flocks. To the naturalist, its occurrence along
the streams of our wild and mountainous districts is peculiarly delightful. Even
shepherds and labourers take special notice of it ; the Water Crow, as it is com-
monly named, being familiar to the inhabitants of such districts as it frequents.
Its song is short, but lively, and continued at intervals. It bears no resemblance
to that of any species of Thrush, excepting the Redwing, but is not unlike the
subdued song of the Starlings. This gentle warble is not confined to any period
of the year, but may be heard during sunny weather at all seasons. Its common
note, which it frequently utters while perched on a stone or while flying along the
stream, resembles the syllable, chit.

Early in spring the Dipper begins to form its nest, so that its first brood is
abroad at the same time with that of the Blackbird. The nest is bulky, composed
of mosses, grass, and roots, lined with dry leaves and covered with an arch of the
same materials. It is placed among the moss on the bank of a stream, or among
the roots of a tree in a concealed place overhanging the water, sometimes in a
crevice of the rock, or under a bridge. The eggs, five or six in number, are of a
regular oval form, rather pointed, pure white, generally eleven-twelfths of an inch
long, and nearly nine-twelfths in their greatest breadth.

The general colour of the upper parts of the young bird when fledged is dull
grey, lighter than that of the adult ; the head and hind-neck are of the same colour
as the back, all the feathers being margined with brownish-black. The wings are
brownish-black ; the quills, alula, and larger coverts margined with grey, the latter
slightly tipped with greyish-white. The throat, fore-neck, and breast are of a
delicate pale-buff or cream colour intermixed with blackish, the margins of all the
feathers being of the latter colour. The upper and hind part of the sides, the
abdomen, and lower tail-coverts, are dull grey, mixed with cream colour, and the
proximal tail-coverts are chiefly of the latter. The tail is like the wings, but
tipped with brownish-white. The bill and eyes are as in the adult ; but the tarsi

112

are paler anteriorly, as are the toes, and the claws are hair-brown, margined with
whiteish.

At the first autumnal moult, which takes place in September, the young
assume nearly the appearance of the adults : the fore-neck becomes white, the
breast dusky, with more or less red, and the head brown ; but it is not until the
second change that the colours are completed.

Several curious circumstances are observed with respect to the bill of the
Dipper. In the first place, when the bird is young, it precisely resembles that of
the genus Turdus, being merely a little more slender ; but when the bird is
advanced in age, it is not merely proportionally, but actually much shorter, and
the tips, by being rubbed, become similar to those of the bill of the Woodpeckers,
although less neatly wedged. In this respect, the Dipper resembles the Oyster-
catcher ; and the change in the form of the bill is caused by the same action in
both species. Again, in old birds, the thin edges of the mandibles become marked
with parallel cuts, similar to those of the mandibles of the Gannet, although gene-
rally perpendicular, as in the Jabiru.

The Dipper, which in the form of its bill and feet, and in the structure of its
digestive organs, is allied to the Thrushes, Pittae, and Chamaezae, is singular in
respect to its plumage, which is in a great measure that of an aquatic bird. The
parts of the body which in these birds are bare of down, are in it closely covered ;
bristles are entirely wanting at the base of the bill ; the feathers on the fore part
of the head are very short ; the wings and tail are also short ; and the body being
nearly as broad as deep, the adaption for floating and diving is obvious, although
the feet are not webbed, and the claws rather large, compressed, and curved.
These latter circumstances shew that the bird is not fitted for pursuing fishes
under water ; and, as I have remarked, although authors conjecture that fish
forms part of its food, none of them assert that they know this to be the case from
actual observation.

The digestive organs are entirely analogous to those of the Thrushes, and
other allied genera, but bear no resemblance to those of the piscivorous birds,
the oesophagus being narrow and the stomach a true gizzard. The bird is destin-
ed to feed upon aquatic insects and mollusca, which adhere to the stones under
the water. It is, therefore, fitted for making its way to the bottom at small
depths, and maintaining itself there for a short time — a minute or more ; in con-
formity with which design, its plumage is short and dense, its tail short, its wings
short, broad, and strong, its bill unincumbered by bristles and of the proper form
for seizing small objects. Having its feet constructed like those of a Thrush, but
proportionally stronger, the Dipper thus forms a connecting link between the
slender-billed passerine birds and the diving palmipedes, as the Kingfisher seems
to unite them with the plunging birds of the same order, or perhaps with the
Herons.

113

In this account of a bird with which I have been in some measure familiar for
years, I have refrained from all poetical embellishment, and confined myself entire-
ly to the results of observation ; judging that histories of birds constructed on the
plan of a fashionable romance are not such as can gratify the taste of the real lover
of nature. And in truth the realities of existence are much more admirable than
the creations of the most unbridled imagination.

ON THE SILURIAN AND OTHER ROCKS OF THE DUDLEY
AND WOLVERHAMPTON COAL-FIELD,*

FOLLOWED BY A SKETCH PROVING THE LICKEY QUARTZ ROCK TO BE OF THE
SAME AGE AS THE CARADOC SANDSTONE.

By Roderick Impey Murckison, Esq., F.G.S., V.P.R.S.

The author having previously shown that the coal-field extending from Dud-
ley into the adjacent parts of Staffordshire is surrounded and overlaid by the lower
member of the new red sandstone, laid before the Society an Ordnance map, geo-
logically coloured, and then proceeded to give, 1st, A. general sketch of the struc-
ture of the coal-field in descending order : 2ndly, Detailed accounts of the Silu-
rian rocks which protrude through the coal measures or lie beneath them : 3rdly,
A sketch of the quartz rocks of the Lickey : 4thly, A description of the trap
rocks : 5thly, General remarks upon the dislocation of the stratified deposits ; and
the dependence of these phenomena upon the intrusion of trap rocks.

1. Coal measures. — In most parts of the productive coal-field the coal mea-
sures are covered by a considerable quantity of detritus, the greater part of which
has been derived from the breaking up of the new red sandstone which once
overspread this tract, with which are mixed, especially in the northern part of the
field, a few boulders of northern origin and some from the surrounding region.

General and detailed sections are then given of the regular succession of the
carboniferous strata ; for the greater part of which in the neighbourhood of Dud-
ley, and for much valuable information, Mr. Murchison expresses great obliga-
tion to Mr. Downing ; the best sections of the Wolverhampton field having been
afforded by Mr. J. Barker. The principal points of novelty consist in drawing a

* The following Paper, which was read before the Geological Society of London, on the
11th of May, is published with the permission of the author. — Ed.
VOL. I. Q

114

clear distinction between the upper or thicker measures, which contain the ten-
yard coal, generally known as the Dudley coal, and the underlying carbonaceous
strata, or ironstone measures. The latter, rising from beneath the ten-yard coal,
range to the N.N.E. from Wednesbury and Bilston, in a long tract between the
parallels of Walsall and Wolverhampton, extending to Cannock Chace. At the
southern end of the field, emerging from beneath the ten-yard coal, they occupy
the district between Stourbridge and Hales Owen, containing the well-known
" fire clay ;" though some of the most valuable of the Wolverhampton iron-stones,
beneath those called the " New Mine," are here wanting, viz. the " Gubbins,"
and " Blue Flats." This poverty in the lower coal measures extends over all the
district south of Dudley. In the northern and southern end of the district, these
lower measures represent the whole carboniferous system ; and in various natural
sections near the Hagley and Clent hills, the author has detected them, in very
feeble bands, passing upwards and conformably into the lower new red sandstone.
Besides the open works formerly alluded to by him in previous memoirs, Mr. M.
now states, that his former conjectures respecting the passage of the ten-yard coal
beneath the new red sandstone which flanks it on the east and west, have been
verified by the efforts of the Earl of Dartmouth, who, after sinking to a depth of
151 yards through strata of the lower new red sandstone, has very recently suc-
ceeded by further borings, carried down to the depth of 290 yards, in discovering
the one-foot, two-foot, and " Brooch" coal seams, which overlie the ten-yard coal
throughout the Dudley field. These operations have taken place at Christchurch,
one mile beyond the superficial boundary of the coal field.

Besides the plants so common in all carboniferous tracts, the author has ob-
served the presence of animal organic remains. Unio3 of several species are
abundant ; and in the northern or lower part of the field he has extracted frag-
ments of fishes, which have been named by Professor Agassiz, Megalichihys
Hibbertii, M. Sauroides, and Diptodus gibbus ; together with scales, coprolites,
&c, proving an identity between the animals deposited in these coal measures and
those of Edinburgh, described by Dr. Hibbert. The same species, it will be
recollected, have been pointed out by Sir Philip Egerton, as occurring in the N.
Staffordshire coal-field, and one of them has been observed by Mr. Prestwich in
the coal-field of Coalbrook Dale. Mr. Murchison, however, remarks that he has
not yet observed any marine remains in these coal measures similar to those of
Coalbrook Dale ; and nothing yet found can invalidate the inference that the coal
of Dudley and Wolverhampton may have been accumulated exclusively in fresh
water,

b. Silurian rocks. — The mountain or carboniferous limestone and the old red
sandstone, which in so many other parts of England form the support of coal tracts,
being wanting, this field reposes directly on rocks which Mr. Murchison proves to
consist of the two upper members of the Silurian system, viz., the " Ludlow

115

rocks," and " Wenlock limestone."* As, however, these rocks rise up irregu-
larly, like separate islands, through the surrounding coal measures, and not in
their regular order of superposition, so it was obviously impracticable to have
determined their relative age by any local evidences ; and hence no attempts
could have been made to distinguish the younger from the older deposits, until the
structure and organic remains of the different members of the Silurian system had
been fairly worked out in other districts, where these types were fully and clearly
displayed in their regular order.

2. Ludlow rocks. — These rocks appear at the surface in three detached
points in this coal-field, viz., Sedgeley, Turner's Hill, and the Hayes. At Sedge-
ley they are thrown up in an elongated ellipse, very much resembling a large
inverted ship, of which Sedgeley Beacon, 630 feet above the sea, may be consider-
ed as the keel. The upper Ludlow rock, though not thick, is plainly marked by
containing the Laptcena lata, the Serpula gigantea, &c, and by overlying a
limestone which is in every respect identical with that of Aymestrey or the middle
member of the Ludlow rocks, presenting the same lithological structure, i. e. a
dull argillaceous grey limestone, which among other well-known shells, such as
the Terebratula Wilsoni and the Lingula, contains also the beautiful Pentame-
rus Knightii so entirely peculiar to this stratum. As at Ludlow and Aymestrey,
this limestone of Sedgeley, known here as the " black limestone," forms an excel-
lent cement under water.

Turner's Hill, a small elevation between Gornals and Himley, is composed of
Ludlow rocks ; and the Hayes is a narrow short tongue of the same, with a cen-
tral baud of limestone, which rises at a high angle from beneath the coal mea»
sures, on the main road from Stourbridge to Hales Owen, a portion of the lower.
Ludlow rock being also well exposed.

2a. Wenlock limestone. — This limestone formation is much more largely
developed than that of the Ludlow rocks, constituting several ellipsoidal masses
near the town of Dudley, which have been long worked and extensively known
among collectors, from the number and beauty of their organic remains. Hence
the rock has been usually termed the " Dudley limestone." As, however, it was
impossible to have ascertained in this district the relative age of these rocks, their
different members being independently in contact with the coal measures, the nor
menclature of the Silurian system already selected is adhered to, because in
Shropshire the Wenlock limestone, in its fullest standard, rises out regularly from
beneath the Ludlow rocks, and the latter passing beneath the old red sandstone
and carboniferous limestone (both of which are wanting at Dudley) complete the
proofs required. The author, therefore, entreats geologists not to employ the

* There is one spot, however, within the author's knowledge where the underground
works reached a thick mass of red shale or marl beneath the coal-field ; but the works hav-.
ing been long abandoned, no correct knowledge of these red rocks can be now obtained.

116

term Dudley limestone, except as the synonym of Wenlock, with which he pro-
ceeds to show its lithological and geological identity. This limestone is described
in detail at the Castle Hill, Wren's Nest, and Hurst Hill, in all of which it forms
ellipsoidal elevated masses, 500 to 650 feet high, protruding through the coal
measures in lines parallel to similarly shaped masses of Ludlow rock at Sedgeley,
&c; i. e., tending from 10° E. of N., to 10° W. of S. Two strong bands of
limestone occur in these hills, overlaid and separated from each other by shale,
charged with numerous small concretions of impure limestone, the " bavin" of the
workmen. The limestone having been quarried out from these bands, which have
been raised up from a common centre, and disposed with a quaquaversal dip at
high angles, it is evident that the hills themselves would ere now have been demo-
lished, had they been composed throughout of calcareous masses of equal purity ;
but the " bavin" or refuse composes the framework of these perforated hills, and
preserves their outline. The Wenlock shale, or underlying part of the formation,
constitutes the nucleus of the Wren's Nest, the largest and most perfect of these
ellipsoids, and of this the author gives a detailed plan. These ellipsoids usually
feather off at one extremity with a broken-down margin, and thus complete their
resemblance in physical features to ancient craters of eruption.* The greatest
superficial extent of the Wenlock formation is in the neighbourhood of Walsall,
where it rises both in dome-shaped masses and in rectilinear ridges, running from
S.S.W. to N.N.E., parallel to the axis of the Wolverhampton coal-field, of which
one of these ridges forms the eastern boundary, the limestone plunging beneath
the coal-field at a rapid angle. The other ridge is continuous with the new red
sandstone of the Bar-beacon, and is known as the Hey Head lime. In the Dud-
ley, or ten-yard coal tract, few works have yet proceeded downwards beneath the
lower coals, and hence the subjacent Silurian rocks are little known to the miners.
A remarkable and accidental discovery of a mass of limestone took place recently,
near Dudley Port, on the rise side of a great fault, which bounds the downcast of
the coal, called " Dudley Trough." Having worked out the coal on the upcast
side, a shaft was sunk in and upon the southern side of this fault, when, at a depth
of 208 yards, and about 100 yards below the exhausted coal strata, a mass of lime-
stone was met with, which proved to be near seven yards thick, and of very good
crystalline quality. Being found to extend in a form more or less horizontal, ex-
tensive works were promptly opened in it for the extraction of a rock so precious
in the heart of the coal-field. When the author visited it, a considerable cavity
had been formed, in which no trace of moisture was discernible, whilst it was
known- that copious streams of water were flowing in the coal measures overhead.
He accounts for this mass of limestone being hermetically excluded from the per-

* See account of Valley of Woolhope for similar phenomena on a larger scale, and with
a greater number of concentric and enveloping formations. — Proceedings Geol. Soc., vol. ii.,
p. 15.

117

eolation of water, by the impervious nature of the Silurian shale which separates
the coal measures from the limestone, and by the shafts being sunk in the fault
itself, which, like other lines of fissure, is filled up with clay and other materials,
so closely compacted as to form complete dams to water. At the north-western
edge of the subterranean excavation, the fault was stripped, and the materials of
which it is composed having thinned out, the limestone was found in contact
with a bed of coal, the edges of which appeared bent, both the coal and the lime-
stone having a slick ensides polish. By boring through the limestone, a second
calcareous stratum was found, thus completing the proofs of identity between this
underground mass and that which rises to the surface in the hills of Dudley Castle
and the Wren's Nest.

In the northern or Wolverhampton field, where the whole of the coal mea-
sures, even to beneath the lowest beds of ironstone, (the blue flats), are traversed
by shafts not exceeding 120 yards in depth, the field has been proved at several
points to rest on shale and impure limestone, the equivalents of the Ludlow and
Wenlock formations. For lists of the fossils in this group of Upper Silurian
rocks, the author refers to previous memoirs, announcing that more perfect lists
will shortly be laid before the public in his large work upon the Silurian system.

3. Lickey Quartz rock, Caradoc sandstone, (Lower Silurian rocks).—'
Dr. Buckland first called the attention of geologists to the Lickey quartz rock ;*
and, showing that it had been one of the principal magazines of the quartz peb-
bles in the new red sandstone and diluvium of the southern counties, he further
compared it with certain rocks in situ in the neighbourhood of the Wrekin. The
Rev. J. Yates has also clearly described the lithological structure of this rock, and
has briefly touched upon some of its fossils.-]- Mr. Murchison undertakes to prove
the true geological position of these rocks. He shows that they lie in the direct
prolongation of the Silurian rocks of Dudley, and that, being partially flanked and
covered by thin patches of coal, they emerge through a surrounding area of the
lower new red sandstone and calcareous red conglomerate (described in previous
memoirs). Unlike, however, the succession in the Dudley field, there are here
no traces of the Ludlow rock and Aymestrey limestone. Nor are there masses of
any size of the Wenlock limestone ; but shreds only of the shale or lower part of
this formation, with some of its well-recognised fossils (Colmers).

The lower Silurian rocks rise from beneath the Wenlock shale in thin courses
of bastard limestone, alternating with red and green courses of sandstone and
shale, the equivalents of those bands which, at various places in Shropshire and at
Woolhope in Herefordshire, constitute the top of the formation of Caradoc sand-

* Transactions Gcol. Soc, 1st Series, vol. v., p. 507.
■f Transactions Geol. Soc, 2nd Series, vol. iL, p. 137-

118

stones. Like these, they are here underlaid by flag-like sandstones, sometimes
rather more argillaceous and approaching to clay slate, the whole passing down into
silicious sandstones, both thick and thin bedded. In the latter are casts of sever-
al fossils of the Caradoc formation, such as Pentameri of two species, and corals
peculiar to it. These fossiliferous strata are well exposed on the eastern side of
the hills by recent cuttings, where the new road from Bromsgrove to Birmingham
traverses the ridge. The ridge itself, however, consists essentially of quartz rock,
which the author shows is nothing more than altered Caradoc sandstone, precisely
analogous to that which he has on former occasions pointed out on the flanks of
Caer Caradoc, the Wrekin, Stiper Stones, &c. In those districts the passage
from a fossiliferous sandstone to a pure quartz rock has been accounted for by the
latter being in absolute contact with eruptive masses of igneous origin ; and here
it is suggested that the same cause may have operated, though the contact is not
visible, because the line of quartz rock is precisely upon the prolongation of the
trappean axis of the Rowley Hills, whilst the southern end of the parallel outburst
of the Clent Hills is but little distant. Notwithstanding their highly altered con-
dition, it is shown that all the quartz rocks throughout this ridge of low hills are
uniformly stratified, the dip being either to the E.N.E. or W.S.W., i. e. at right
angles to the direction ; and the parallelopipedal fragments into which the rock
breaks are shown to be produced by fissures more or less at right angles to the
planes of stratification ; these fissures being so numerous where the mass is much
altered, as almost to obscure the true laminae of deposit.

4. Trap. — The composition and characters of the trap rocks and basaltic
masses of the Rowley Hills are first described, together with the manner in which
they are supposed to rise through and cut off the coal upon their flanks. Rocks
of similar origin occur at various detached points to the west of Dudley, of which
Barrow Hill is the principal, affording the most convincing proofs of the volcanic
mass having burst through the carboniferous strata, since the latter are not only
highly disturbed and broken, but fragments of coal and coal measures, in highly
altered conditions, are found twisted up upon the sides, and even mixed with the
trap itself. In the Wolverhampton or northern coal-field, the chief vent of erup-
tion is at Pouk Hill, two miles west of Walsall, where the greenstone is arranged
in fan-shaped columns. After pointing out distinct evidences of the intrusion of
similar rocks at Bentley Forge and the Birch Hills, in some of the old open
works near which the trap is seen to overlie the coal, the author gives various sec-
tions of subterranean works, which prove the existence of greenstone, in bands
more or less horizontal. As these bands of trap have jagged edges, are of limited
extent, of exceeding irregularity in thickness, and often produce great alteration
upon the inclosing carbonaceous masses, the author has no hesitation in expressing
his belief that they are not true beds, but simply wedges of injected matter which

119

have issued from central foci, and have been intruded laterally amid the coal
strata ; an opinion formerly expressed by Mr. A. Aikin in an able memoir.*

Although these lateral masses of greenstone in the Wolverhampton field are
of origin posterior to the accumulation of coal strata, the author does not deny
that the tufaceous conglomerates of Hales Owen, which have a strong analogy in
composition to a certain class of volcanic grits described in former memoirs, may
have been formed contemporaneously with the carboniferous deposits.

The trap of the Clent Hills is then briefly described, and is shown to be iden-
tical with that of the Abberley Hills, also mentioned in previous memoirs.

5. Principal lines of dislocation. — The whole of this carboniferous tract has
been upcast through a cover of new red sandstone, the lower members of which
are frequently found to have been dislocated conformably with the inferior carbon-
aceous masses, proving (as formerly expressed by Mr. Murchison) that some of
the greatest of these movements took place subsequently to the deposits of the
red sandstone. In describing the faults along the boundary of the new red sand-
stone, he directs particular attention to that of Wolverhampton, where the coal
measures dip slightly inwardsirom the line of fissure, along which they are conter-
minous with the overlying strata, a fact, perhaps, without parallel in this or the
adjacent coal-fields (including Coalbrook Dale), the usual phenomena being that,
however disrupted, the carbonaceous or upcast strata always incline outwards, as
if they would pass eventually beneath the lower new red sandstone on their flanks.
This exception is supposed to have been caused by the upheaving of a subjacent
mass of Silurian or trap rocks close to the edge of the line of fault.

Having next described the effect of the great longitudinal faults produced by
the upcast of the Wenlock limestone of Walsall, he shows that the subterranean
mass at Dudley Port, is upon the same parallel, i. e. from N. E. to S.W., if not
directly on the same line of fissure. This line of eruption is strongly marked on
both edges of the northern half of the coal-field extending to Cannock Chace.

Another great axis of elevation which affects the Dudley field, diverges at a
considerable angle from the former. It is prominently marked by the line of the
Rowley Hills, and after concealment for a certain distance beneath the red sand-
stone to the S. of Hales Owen, re-appears in the ridge of the Lickey quartz rock.
The lofty trappean ridge of the Clent Hills is parallel to this last-mentioned axis.
It is further pointed out as remarkable that at the angle formed by the confluence
of these diverging lines of elevation, the Silurian or fundamental rocks of the tract
are raised in inflated ellipsoidal forms from common centres, the strata having a
quaquaversal dip, in one case completing the outlines of a very perfect valley of
elevation. The author infers that such curvatures are exactly what might be ex-
pected at the point of greatest flexure in the axis of the coal-field, where the volca-

• Transactions Gcol. Soc, 1st Series, vol. iii., p. 251.

120

nic matter, unable to find issue, has produced these inflated masses. There are
numberless faults in this coal-field to which no reference is made, it being stated
that much additional labour is required to give a complete history of them ; but
attention is called to the Birch Hill, Lanesfield, and Barrow Hill faults, which are
the principal transverse faults, and which the author conceives may be explained
upon the principles of the theory of Mr. Hopkins, or as cross fractures which
have resulted from elevation of the coal-field en masse.

The memoir concludes with referring to the importance of one of the problems
to which the author has been directing public attention during the last few years,
viz., the probable extension of carboniferous tracts of the central counties beneath
the surrounding new red sandstone ; and he rejoices that the deductions which
necessarily follow from his observations in this and the adjacent coal-fields, have
recently been so ably supported by the masterly observations of Mr. Prestwich
upon Coalbrook Dale, with whose opinions he entirely coincides.

The quantity, therefore, of unwrought coal beneath the new red sandstone of
Shropshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, &c, though previously omitted in sta-
tistical data, must form an element in all calculations concerning the probable
duration of the carboniferous wealth of the empire.

NOTES OF A BOTANIST.

Medicinal Plants applied to Vegetation.

There is an expression used by Gardeners ; namely, that " plants draw up
plants," which would seem to indicate that plants do reciprocally affect each other,
and that the fact is admitted. A gentleman once told me that a choice exotic,
exposed sub die, flowered in winter, and though surprised by frost, suffered no
injury; but this resistance he attributed to a dose of brandy which he administer-
ed to the plant ! Be this as it may, there is one extraordinary fact which I have
verified by direct experiment : I had read somewhere of the sanative or healing
effects of Chamomile on some particular plants ; but I confess I treated the state-
ment as fanciful. The remarkable effects of the revivification of a plant, appa-
rently dying, by placing two small pots of Chamomile beneath its branches, and
pointed out to me in a gentleman's garden at Leicester, induced me to apply the
curious remedy to several plants, as China Roses, a shrubby Calceolaria and

121

Malva, &c, all sickly and apparently dying ; I however succeeded in restoring
every one of them to health and vigour. It is also a very curious circumstance
that the Chamomile is materially affected, and suffers in its turn ; indeed generally
dies. Some systematic action supervenes, and the question is altogether one, not
merely curious in itself, but promises a new field of observation. How far other
odoriferous or medicinal herbs, as Feverfew, Sage, Tansy, &c, may affect particu-
lar plants, it would certainly be interesting to inquire.

Plants sometimes Plant their own Seeds*

This is emphatically the case with the Arachis hypogcea, or " ground nut."
When the seed is fully formed, and partly mature, the branches which clutch the
seed-vessels begin to curve toward the earth ; and in process of time the pod disap-
pears, having been forced into the earth by the plant, where it lies buried, there to
vegetate at a depth of about one to two inches. This plant, therefore, provides for
its perpetuity in a singular manner ; the offspring is kept at home, and not suffered
to wander vagabond, or the seeds become like other seeds, " as a rolling thing
before the whirlwind." The chances of the breeze are, in this case, deprived of
their prey. I have watched this curious provision in the Arachis hypogcea with
much interest. In the Nasturtium something similar may be observed : the spi-
ral coils contiguous to the seeds seem concerned in the office of immuring them,
which may occasionally be noticed to penetrate a sandy soil. This phenomenon,
however, is more apparent in the Cyclamen, where the seeds will often disappear
about the period of their maturity, the plant having hidden them in the earth, and
the coils may be sometimes observed to form a complete plexus or sheath round
the seed-pod.

Plants sometimes Water their own Roots.

The most remarkable example of this extraordinary phenomenon, occurs in the
Raining or Fountain Tree, or the Spartium nubigenum ? in Ferro, one of the
Canary Islands, forming the only source of water in the whole Island, and at
which living stream all are supplied, " themselves, their little ones, and their cat-
tle." The water is dispensed to the inhabitants by the insular authorities. In
this case, the atmospheric aqueous vapour is condensed by the branches and foliage,
and trickles from them into the excavation at the base of the tree, said to be
allied to the Laurus indica. Of the same description is the Cobea pluviosa of
the American Continent, and another in the same hemisphere, of which we have
only an imperfect account, but said on the slightest touch to emit a copious
shower.

There are other plants, however, which are supplied with a distillatory appara-

VOL. I. R

122

tus connected with their organization, for they are true alembics. The stem of a
particular kind of Bamboo, and also of a Cissus, or wild Vine, have been found
charged with limpid and wholesome water, grateful to the weary and thirsty tra-
veller. In these last, it is obvious the liquid is an elaboration of the plant. This,
too, is the case with the Agapanthus umbellatus, or African Lily, which often
distils water from its gracefully pendant leaves ; and in one instance this distilla-
tion was so copious during the night, as nearly to destroy a work-box, accidentally
left beneath its foliage : hence the intention is obviously to enable the plant to
water its own roots. It belongs to the parched and sandy desert of Africa. The
Calla cethiopica is another instance of the same kind : it is a native of the Cape.
We almost esteem it as a half-aquatic ; and yet it is found a denizen of the desert
— its natal soil an arid sand. I am informed, however, that an individual who
communicated the fact, and brought a magnificent specimen to this country, which
I have seen, has found this plant where the ground around it was as wet as if it
had been saturated with a heavy dew or a gentle shower of rain. The Calla
wthiopica, like its congener, the Agapanthus umbellatus, distils water from the
tips of its leaves, and in both cases the process takes place during the night.

Not the least singular among the phenomena of the vegetation of the desert,
is the existence of succulent plants ; precisely where we should least of all expect
to find them ; such as the Cactuses, Mesembryanthemums, and the Stapelias ;
the last of these being emphatically called " the Vegetable Camel." The curious
berry met with by Mr. Campbell, in the desert, full of limpid water, and which
some little mice were observed to treasure up in their retreats, will also be remem-
bered, and suggest a train of singular and useful reflections.

But the most curious of all is, certainly, the Tillandsia, or Water Withe, of
Jamaica, belonging to the curious tribe of Epiphytes — dwellers on trees, though
they do not live upon their kind, like parasites. The Tillandsias are associated
in their port and habit with the Bromelias and Silbergias. The Tillandsia has
what may be called a hollow stem ; it is, in fact, a tank or cistern, formed by the
leaves which overlap each other in an imbricated arrangement, and in ordinary
conditions of the atmosphere constitutes an envelope alike impervious to air and
moisture. This tank catches and retains the condensed dews — very copious in
tropical countries — or the early and latter rains, retaining the supply when that
which falls upon the ground is promptly absorbed by the thirsty and porous soil.
Here, then, is a living well where insects and birds may slake their thirst, and
quadrumana and others among the Scansores may apply to as containing a cool
and refreshing beverage. So far there is much to admire in the beneficent pro-
vision : but the tale of interest is not half unfolded. In Earl Fitzwilliam's exten-
sive conservatories, at Wentworth House, there were two plants of the Tillandsia,
and being in different compartments were subjected to varied temperature. In the
one, the temperature of the external atmosphere was 71° Fah., and in the other

123

8 degrees higher. I was surprised, however, as well as delighted to find that the
temperature of the water in the " stem" in both cases was 68° Fah. It is obvious,
therefore, that this equable temperature, of which the plant must necessarily par-
take, is maintained by the equal ratio of evaporation, which will necessarily cor-
respond with the measure of temperature in the atmospheric medium. It is thus
that the plant will possess a medium temperature amid the vicissitudes and transi-
tions of a fluctuating clime ; having a remarkable correspondence with that com-
pensation by which the animal machine is enabled to maintain a temperature of
98°, whether traversing the snows of Lapland, or the sands of Nigritia. The
overshadowing foliage of the tree, among the branches of which the Tillandsia
takes up its abode, will contribute to the check of the cooling effects of radiation.
There is, however, another fact, which I have experimentally ascertained, still
more wonderful : as soon as the external air becomes dry and parched, the leaves,
previously even air-tight at their junction, relax and open, and the water may be
seen to trickle down the stem to moisten the roots. The Tillandsia, therefore,
literally waters its own roots.

Opening and Shutting of Flowers.

At first sight, these phenomena would appear perplexed and somewhat difficult
of solution ; but, in some cases at least, I have found that the question may be
determined by experiments. The characteristic feature of the opening and shut-
ting of the flower, is its dependence on hygrometry — the moisture or dryness of
the atmosphere. Towards evening, the flowers of the Ranunculus acris and
Daisy gradually close and droop. The Anagallis arvensis is specially sensible of
the coming shower, and multitudes among the numerous tribes of vegetation obey
the same law, and must be familiar to all, — for instance, the blossom of Esch-
scholtzia californica. If the common Everlastings, or the flowers of the Xeran-
themum lucidum or proligerum, the Gnaphalium faetidum, or the shrubby Gna-
phaliums of the Cape, the Ammobium alatum, and others be plunged into cold
water, they will slowly close ; but when immersed into hot water, the petals
instantaneously collapse. When the moisture evaporates in a dry and warm
atmosphere, these flowers will as regularly open — experiments which I have often
repeated with all of them ; and so far the question seems sufficiently clear, namely,
that the opening of the blossom is connected with a warm and dry state of the
atmosphere, and its closure with a humid condition of the ambient air.

But " non fades omnibus una;" there are not only exceptions, but the cases
are numerous. When many plants go to sleep, some there are just awake ; of
this description is the Evening Primrose and its nocturnal associates. The Cereus
grandiflora, and Stelis micraniha are exotics of a kindred character. So that
beings are wakeful during the ordinary season of repose, both in the animal and

124

vegetable kingdom. The physiology of these nocturnal flowers, it is evident, must
be of a different character from those that unfold by day and repose at night.
We have parallel phenomena which may be adverted to and adduced in illustra-
tion ; and, as in the cases previously cited, may be made the subject of direct ex-
periment. If an orbicular mass of the Lycopodiurn circinale be introduced into
warm water it will unfold. The same thing occurs with the seed-vessel of the
Fig-marigold ( Mesevnbryanthemum ) of the Cape when put in water. In the lat-
ter case, the seed-vessel expands, and the seeds are scattered when moistened with
the tropical rains, and under circumstances which ensure the germination of the
seeds. That curious plant, the Rose of Jericho^ ( Hierochuntica anastatica ) ,
which inhabits the borders of the wilderness or the desert, is constructed with a
similar design, and presents analogous phenomena ; for the same agency that shuts
the flower of the Xeranthemwm, and closes the imbricated calix of the Centurea
montana, contrariwise unlocks its tiny branches. Accordingly, when it is intro-
duced into warm water, a little above the junction of the branches with the stem,
these branches gradually open, — another feature of the same beneficent arrange-
ment apparent " in the length and breadth" of creation. The blast of the desert
uproots the tiny plant, and flings it on the waves of the Nile or the Red Sea —
the branches open and scatter the seeds that they previously enclosed on the sur-
face of the stream, where they can alone germinate. In the meanwhile the
withered plant is carried towards the Delta of the Nile, or the embouchure of the
Red Sea ; and having fulfilled its office and provided for the perpetuity of its
kind, is engulphed in the ocean. The little seeds, floating hither and thither, bud
and begin to grow ; the wave at length lands them on the banks of the river, and
a friendly breeze wafts them back to the soil of their ancestry, where they take
root and spring up under the influence of tropical dews by which they are refresh-
ed every night. I have a specimen of the Rose of Jericho, a great part of a cen-
tury old, which has not lost its- susceptibility of opening when introduced into warm
water.

My next communications will embrace the subjects of " The Vital Principle
in Plants," " Monphology," and " Spontaneous Production."

J. Murray.

ON THE CIRCULATION IN THE INVERTEBRATA.
By Langston Parker.

All animals possess a series of organs by which the fluids which are the
product of digestion are distributed to the various parts of the body, to serve the
purposes of nutrition and support. The sum of the actions of these organs is
termed circulation ; and the aggregate of parts by which it is performed, the vas-
cular system. In the whole animal series the organs of circulation are infinitely
varied, bearing a strict relation to the degree the animal holds in the scale of
being, to its mode of life, and the number of internal organs it possesses. In the
lower animals, we find their bodies everywhere impregnated with fluids which are
not contained in distinct canals, but pervade every part. In a higher grade, the
fluids are contained in distinct canals ; in the course of these canals are situated,
in certain classes, organs which receive and propel the circulating fluids, for the
purpose of giving them an activity and force of movement not impressed upon
them by their mere containing vessels. In vertebrate animals, these organs are
termed hearts, and are variable in the four orders of vertebrate animals in their
number, their situation, and mode of action. In this paper I shall notice the dis-
position of the vascular system, and the peculiarities of the circulation in the inver-
tebrate classes of animals ; tracing them from the simple Zoophyte through the
numerous families of molluscous and articulated animals, which are comprehend-
ed in the system of Linneus, in the two grand classes of insects and worms, and
by Cuvier in the three classes of articulata,* mollusca,f and radiata.^

In the zoophytes there is no true circulating system. In the infusoria, polypes,
and the inhabitants of corals and sponges, the uniform gelatinous granular mass of
which the body is composed, is universally impregnated with fluids, and the func-
tions of composition and decomposition, in the opinion of Carus, are performed by
mere elective attraction and repulsion dependant on organic laws. In the medusae,§
echinodermata||, andholothuriae,^ a rudimentary class of vessels has been described
by Cuvier, which opening from the intestines, pass either towards the organs of
respiration, or towards the surface of the body, which in these instances is probably
a respiratory organ as the skin is, in some degree, in certain reptiles.

* Animals in which the general envelope of the body is divided, by transverse folds, into
a certain number of rings.

■f Animals with a soft contractile skin, destitute, as the articulata, of a skeleton.

X In which the organs of motion are disposed as radii round a centre.

§ Sea-blubber.

|| Prickly-skinned zoophytes ; from 1%!**, a hedgehog, and St^«, the skin.

% The Portuguese man of war.

126

In the acephalous* mollusca we have distinct organs of respiration, in the
shape of rudimentary gills, and into these organs the veins returning the blood
from the body enter. From the gills the blood is sent to the heart, and thence to
the body at large, from whence it is again returned to the gills or organs of respi-
ration. In the ascidiae there is but one sac, which fulfils the office of a heart ;
in the teredo navalis there are four : the whole order of acephalous mollusca pre-
sent great varieties in the number of hearts, as also in their form and position.
The teredines alone have red blood, probably owing to the excessive stimulus
required by the muscles which move the boring shells. In molluscous animals
generally, the circulation is double ; the blood passing through the gills, or lungs,
or whatever name the respiratory organ may bear, as well as through the body.
The passage of the blood through the body is assisted by a muscular heart placed
in the course of the blood ; the heart is generally single and aortic, that is, the
single ventricle sends the blood to the body, after having received it from the or-
gans of respiration : the circulation of fishes, on the contrary, is different, though
performed by a single heart, which is termed pulmonary, because it receives the
blood from the body and transmits it to the lungs. When the heart is single and
sends the blood first to the lungs, it is termed pulmonary ; when the fluid is trans-
mitted first to the body, it is termed aortic. The veins in the cephalopodousf
orders of mollusca have numerous glandular appendages, which appear to absorb
fluids from the abdomen and pass them to the blood.

The annelidae;): have an arterial and venous circulation, consisting of a central
dorsal vessel, which is the artery, and two lateral vessels, which are veins ; there
are no hearts placed in the course or centre of the circulation ; the movement of
the nutritive fluid is extremely slow, and performed either by the power of its con-
taining vessels, or the pressure of the surrounding parts. In these animals the
blood is uniformly red but does not exceed in temperature the medium in which
they live. In the crustaceae there is an elongated sac upon the dorsal surface of
the body, which is the heart ; this organ which receives the blood from the organs
of respiration and propels it to the body, approaches in its appearance the dorsal
vessel of insects ; it is, in fact, merely a dilated vessel, of which the coats are
thicker and more powerful than those of the other parts of the circulating system.

In the arachnidae§ the circulation does not differ materially from the crustaceae,
the function is performed by a dorsal vessel, which is a rudimentary heart sending
out blood vessels which are arteries, and receiving others which are veins.

* Mollusca without apparent head, which is concealed under the mantle in the centre
of the body.

•f- In which the organs of motion, feet or tentaculse, are supported by the head.

$ Red-blooded worms.

§ The Spider genus, differing from the Insecta in many particulars, and forming the
third class of articulated animals in the Regne Animal, of Cuyier.

127

If the back of the silk-worm be attentively examined, we shall observe upon it
a dark coloured line continually in a state of oscillatory movement. This organ is
analagous to the heart of other animals ; and although much discussion has arisen
among naturalists, with regard to its nature and use, the researches of Carus have
established beyond doubt, that it is the central organ of the circulation, and both
sends out and receives fluids. Cuvier considered the dorsal vessel of insects as
the mere rudiment or vestige of a heart, and supposed that nutrition was effected
by mere imbibition, as in the lower orders of zoophytes. That a distinct passage
of fluids from the dorsal vessel does, however, take place, is certain, from the mi-
croscopic researches of Carus, which were first made known to the German natu-
ralists in 1826. The first observations of Carus were made upon the larva of the
Agrion Puella ;* subsequently upon that of the Ephemera Vulgata, and at length
upon many insects, both in the larva and imago state. In the first mentioned insect
which swims with great velocity by means of three vertical laminae attached to the
caudal extremity of the body, and in which there are at first no traces even of the
rudiments of wings, Professor Carus found the blood entering by single globules
from the dorsal vessel into the caudal lamina?, passing through them and return-
ing again to the central organ of the circulation. These laminae are composed of
a granular substance (resembling boiled sago) enveloped by folds of the common
covering of the body. Into this granular substance the blood passes by single glo-
bules, which are not contained in distinct vessels, but form for themselves a pas-
sage through the homogeneous structure of the body. The path or channel thus
formed in the midst of the granular substance is perfectly transparent ; its sides
are not strictly defined, nor formed by any thing like the coats of a vessel. This
extra vascular circulation in the permanent state in insects, is found to exist in the
embryo state, at the first commencement of organization, in many of the higher
classes of animals ; thus the first appearance of circulation in the incubated egg is
the movement of a few red globules at points separate from each other, when,
as yet, no vessels are formed.-f- In the aquatic " ephemera vulgata" the circula-
tion is distinctly visible, with the microscope, in the three last segments of the
body, in the upper phalanges of the legs, in the head, and in the posterior roots of
the antennae ; it consists, as in the Agrion Puella, of two streams, an excurrent
and a returning one ; the blood passing through the various parts of the granular
substance of the body, unconfined in vessels resembling either arteries or veins.
In 1827, M. Carus discovered the circulation in the fully-developed insect, and
subsequently Ehrenberg and Hemprich, travellers in Africa, have observed similar
currents of blood in the wings of a Mantis.

• A species of Dragon-fly.

■f For a full and most interesting account of the formation of the ovum in various ani-
mals, and the development of its several structures, see Breschet's translation into French
of the German work of Baer — Sur la Formation de FCEuf. Paris, 1829.

128

In reviewing, for a moment, the disposition of the organs of circulation in those
classes of invertebrate animals we have noticed, we shall find the confirmation of
a law in the formation of the internal organs of animals which has been noticed
and promulgated by Serres, Geoffrey-St.-Hilaire, and Meckel ; viz., that the vari-
ous degrees of development which an animal, high in the scale of being, passes
through from the first moment of conception to a period of full maturity, corres-
pond to the permanent states of development in the lower grades of the animal
series. Thus, in relation to the vascular system, we find at first but one system of
vessels in the embryo. This condition of the vascular system resembles the per-
fect state of these organs in the medusae and other zoophytes which have but one
system of vessels ; and the resemblance is the more striking, since in both in-
stances, the vessels are not distinct from the general mass of the body. At a
more advanced stage of development, the central organ of the circulation presents
a mere dilated oblong canal, hardly possessing muscularity. In this stage we have
the analogy with the greater part of the annelidae, or red-blooded worms, where
the heart is a mere dilated tube. In the arachnidae and some Crustacea;, the heart
is a thin elongated sac, from the extremities of which the blood-vessels arise. In
the primitive state of the development of the heart in higher animals, there exists
but one dilatation, as in the arachnidae and Crustacea?, when perfect. In a sub-
sequent degree of development, where a second dilatation is produced by the sepa-
ration of the auricles, or receiving cavities of the heart, from the general system of
veins returning the blood, we have the analogy of the embryo state of the higher
animals with the perfect formation of the mollusca, fish, and the lowest orders of
reptiles.

We shall trace the remaining analogies between these states, when speaking,
in a subsequent paper, of the circulation in vertebrate animals. At present we
have followed it as far as the invertebrate classes will permit us.

LEECHES.

It is stated by Mr. Gay, in a letter from Chili, that Leeches there inhabit the
woods, and never are found in water. He has frequently had his legs wounded by
them in traversing the country. Only one aquatic species is known to him at
Valdivia, and one at Santiago. Another interesting fact indicated by him, is the
tendency of reptiles in these southern regions to become viviparous ; an anomaly
which Mr. Gay has observed in a great number of Ophidians, Iguanas, and even
in one species of Frog.

ON THE NESTS OF BIRDS.

It is stated by a correspondent, at page 68, in alluding to the Blackcapt Fau-
vet (Ficedula atricapilla), that " touching the nest, or even looking at it, before
the eggs are laid, almost invariably causes the birds to desert." I have, however,
known several instances to the contrary. Last summer, seeing a bird of this spe-
cies with a piece of wool between its mandibles, I traced it to the nest, which was
situated in a wild, retired hedge, overgrown with brambles, and other shrubs of
the Rose family (Rosacea). From this time I daily visited the nest, in which
the eggs were deposited, one by one, notwithstanding my repeated visits ; and I
never found the birds absent. The male was on the eggs almost as frequently as
his helpmate, and would allow me to come within two or three yards ; but on a
nearer approach would fly off to a neighbouring elm, with evident signs of impa-
tience.

The same correspondent, at page 75, says — " The nest of the Coot is built in
a bed of rushes or irises, in an" open spot, several feet from the land, and is never
situated, like that of the Gallinule, in a thick tuft of herbage, with a view to con-
cealment, but may easily be discovered at a considerable distance." With this
statement I cannot agree. I am well acquainted with the localities of the nests
both of the Coot and of the Gallinule, and have found them generally in similar
places. I have often found the nest of the Gallinule six or seven feet from the
ground, in a bush, and that of the Coot in a similar situation ; overhanging the
water, but not so high up, and frequently closely concealed in the rushes and flags.
Neither can I concur in the remark that " the young quit the nest immediately
they are hatched." That this is often the case I do not doubt, as Selby, in his
British Ornithology, states it from his own observation ; but I have known them
remain in the nest several days.

The most curious instance of eccentric nest building which has fallen under
my observation, was that of an Ivy Wren's ( Anorthura troglodytes) within the
nest of a Chimney Swallow ( Hirundo garrula, Blyth). The Wren's nest was,
in all respects, as perfect as usual, with the sole difference of being encrusted by
the procreant cradle of the Swallow. I shall be very glad if the readers of The
Naturalist can bring forward any parallel instances. It is well known that several
species of Falcon build in the nests of different species of Crows, and I have also
heard of the Garden Tit (Parus hortensis) building in the prickly castle of the
Common Pye (Pica varia) : this latter circumstance is, I believe, very rare.

C. T. Wood.
Campsall Hall, near Doncaster.

ON THE HABITS OF THE RING PIGEON (Columba
palumbus, Linn.)

By Neville Wood, Esq.*

Of the situation of the Ring Pigeon in the systematic arrangement, it will be
sufficient, on the present occasion, to mention that it belongs to the third order of
birds, Rasores, to the first family of this order (which, I believe, has not hitherto
been divided into its five tribes), Columbidce, and to the typical genus, Columba.

This beautiful bird is the largest of the British species, and, being indigenous
and extremely abundant in this country, is perfectly familiar to the most superficial
observer, under the various names of Wood Pigeon, Ring Dove, Stock Dove, &c.

It is a favourite among individuals who have no personal interest in agricul-
ture, on account of its plaintive melancholy cooing, which sounds so delightful
amid the thick groves, in a still summer's evening. But by the farmer it is pro-
scribed as vermin, and destroyed with relentless pertinacity. Although common
in every part of England, it abounds most in wooded districts, where it may be
seen in flocks of hundreds, feeding during the day in turnip and rape fields, and
retiring at night, in immense numbers, to thick and gloomy woods, always pre-
ferring those most distant from the habitations of man. It generally retires rather
early to roost, most frequently selecting the same spot, which it flies over and
around several times before settling on the trees. If disturbed when about to
roost, it will fly off to a considerable distance, and return ; but if scared away a
second or a third time, it will select another wood for that night's repose (espe-
cially if the evening be far advanced),* where it will sometimes continue for several
nights together.

The flight of the Ring Pigeon is straight, rapid, smooth, and lofty, being
effected by quickly-repeated strokes of the wings. In rising out of a thicket, how-
ever, or when surprised on its nest, its action is extremely heavy and clumsy until
it has gained an open space and full command of its volar powers, when it glides
along in a beautiful manner. Although well adapted for long-protracted flight, it
does not commonly remain long on the wing — usually passing only from field to
field, or from wood to wood. Indeed it is only when food becomes scarce in one
district, and the species is thus compelled to seek its sustenance by a partial migra-
tion to another, that its wings are exercised for any length of time. In autumn
and winter it is mostly met with in flocks ; but early in the year they disperse in
pairs over the country. When a pair of Ring Pigeons is started in a wood, espe-
cially if they have a nest, one of them invariably pursues a course diametrically
opposite to that of the other ; but after flying some little distance, they wheel

* Author of British Song Birds, &c, &c.

131

round, and meet at some well-known rendezvous, where the male often commence*
his delightful note as soon as he has settled.

This note, if I remember rightly, invariably consists of three strains, and a
short note at the end. The whole ditty may be written thus : coo coo ; coo cod
coo ; coo coo coo, coo coo ; cod. The stress is laid on the second syllable of
each strain, which consists, musically speaking, of but one note. Delightful as
the Ring Pigeon's love-song sounds at a distance, it is astonishing how rough and
hoarse it becomes on a nearer approach. The Ring Pigeon begins to coo about
the middle, or towards the end of February, when the flight of the male is diversi-
fied in a most curious manner. This mode of flight ceases as soon as the nest is
commenced, or perhaps somewhat before.

The Ring Pigeon begins to build in March, and forms its nest of sticks and
twigs, usually selecting the oldest and most brittle for the purpose. The sticks in
the interior of the structure are somewhat smaller than those on the exterior. The
shape of the nest is that of a platform, placed in the fork of a branch ; and though
sometimes sufficiently substantial, at other times is so slightly constructed as to
allow a practised eye to detect the eggs through the interstices. The nest is ge-
nerally found near the tops of tall trees, particularly the fir, but I have observed
it in nearly all the other common trees and shrubs which grow in sequestered
woods. From its naturally shy habits, the Ring Pigeon is rarely known to build
near houses ; but in places where the feathered tribes are not disturbed, I have
met with instances of its breeding in the immediate neighbourhood of the abodes
of men. Mr. Waterton pointed out a nest in an elm tree, within a few yards of
Walton Hall, wherein both birds were sitting : so exceedingly tame will almost
any bird become when unmolested. Last year a pair of Ring Pigeons built their
nest in a laurel bush in the gardens at Foston Hall, Derbyshire, and hatched their
young, though, for some reason I cannot explain, they deserted their progeny
when about ten days old. This bird rears two or three broods in the season.

The eggs are never more than two,* one being laid two or three days after
the other ; which causes a corresponding difference in their times of hatching.
The eggs are oval, but nearly elliptical, of a pure white, and remarkably smooth.
The first egg is hatched in sixteen days, the other in nineteen, and hence the rea-
son of one of the young birds being invariably so much larger than the other.
They are at first scantily provided with yellow down, but the feathers of the wings
soon begin to shoot forth. In about three weeks they are ready to fly ; and in
Derbyshire the peasants are accustomed, about this period, to tie them to the nest
by one leg, in order to allow the parents to feed them until they have become

* The domestic Pigeon (which is descended from the Rock Pigeon, C. livia) also lays
only two eggs ; but almost every extensive breeder of Pigeons must be aware that they
will occasionally lay three. Instances of this have fallen under my own notice.

s 2

132

sufficiently large and plump to afford a good Sunday-dinner. They are then
what epicures would call " excellent eating," but become very tough and tasteless
after a few years have passed over their heads.

Persons little conversant with the habits of birds would climb up to every nest
they saw, in order to ascertain whether or not it contained eggs or young ; but if
the slightest portion of the egg-shell is to be seen under the tree, neither will be
found in the nest ; should it, however, contain the latter, the droppings of the
young birds are mostly to be seen, either outside the nest, or on the ground.
After a few days, these become formed into a solid crust, which prevents the
young from falling out, at the time when they begin to be restless. When we
consider the flat formation of the nest, it becomes evident that without this " won-
derful provision of Nature," the young birds would frequently be precipitated to
the ground.

The impossibility of taming this bird and of domesticating it, in the manner of
the Rock Pigeon, has been often mentioned, but I should imagine this statement
has either been copied from other authorities, or the experiment has not been pro-
perly tried. Two years ago I reared a male Ring Pigeon from the time when it
would have left the nest, always supplying it with green peas, beans, &c, until it
was able to feed itself. When full grown, I turned it out and fed it with my other
dovecot Pigeons, with which it constantly remained several months, except on one
occasion, when it flew off to a considerable distance, but returned, to my surprise
after an absence of a few hours. It found some difficulty in keeping up, on the
wing, with the tame Pigeons (several of which were tumblers), as wild Pigeons are
not accustomed to turn rapidly and frequently in the air. This bird sickened and
died after I had possessed it six months, and I have not since had an opportunity
of renewing the experiment ; but doubt not it would succeed with common care.

The Ring Pigeon is an extremely handsome bird, the metallic hues of the
head and neck contrasting finely with the white patches on either side of the neck.
The feathers of the tail are considerably spread when the bird rises from the
ground. The colours of the Ring Pigeon are so well known, that I shall not
fatigue the readers of the Naturalist with a recital of them.

THE SWIFTFOOT.
Extract of a Letter from James Wilson, Woodville, Edinburgh.

I have derived both pleasure and instruction from the perusal of the first
number of The Naturalist, which contains some interesting facts accurately
stated. From the favourable impression the work has produced upon me, I am

133

induced to offer an emendatory note to the first article, that on the Swiftfoot
( Cursorius isabellinus ) , by Dr. Palmer. The author has followed an excellent
plan in joining to his interesting sketch of that beautiful and graceful species a
brief notice of the remainder of the genus. He errs, however, in supposing that
these are only two in number, viz., the Coromandel Swiftfoot ( C. Asiaticus) and
the double-collared species ( C. bicinctus). It is true that when M. Temminck,
about sixteen years ago, published the second edition of his Manuel d" Ornitholo-
gie, the three birds above named were all that had been discovered of the genus
in question. But several years have elapsed since Mr. Swainson (in his Zoolo-
gical Illustrations, plate 106) figured and described a fourth species, under the
name of C. Temminclcii ; and more recently the Dutch ornithologist himself has
described a fifth species, under the name of C. chalcopterus (Planches Enlum.,
268). Both of these are said to be natives of Western Africa. Thus the genus
Cursorius, though more noted (as its name implies) for its running than its
flying powers, occurs in countries not only widely distant from each other, but
separated by an intermediate ocean of some thousand miles. In regard to the
species which is figured in the first number, it might have been as well to
have added, as a synonym, the title of Cursorius Europceus, which it bears in
Mr. Latham's work (Index. Orn., ii., 751). Dr. Palmer is, however, quite
right in adopting, as the specific title, that of isabellinus, bestowed by Meyer (in
his Tasschenbuch Deut., ii., 328). The appearance of the bird in question in our
division of the globe is entirely casual, and the application of Europceus is most
inapplicable to a species which never voluntarily abandons the warmer regions of
more sunny climes. It has never been known to breed in Europe, and is so rare
in Britain that one of the only three recorded captures was purchased, by Mr.
Donovan, at the extraordinary price of eighty-three guineas. It has been only
once taken in France, and once in Austria. Sig. Ilanzani makes no mention of its
having ever occurred in Italy. In Africa it is said to be more abundant in Abys-
sinia than elsewhere ; and you may judge of the vast extent of its geographical dis-
tribution when I inform you that several specimens were received by Professor
Jameson, some years ago, from the southern base of the Himmalah Mountains.
The geographical relations, then, of the genus Cursorius, and its amount of spe-
cies, I conceive to be as follows : —

1. Cursorius isabellinus. Africa and Asia : accidental in Europe.

2. C. asiaticus. Asia and Africa.

3. C. bicinctus. Africa.

4. C. Temminckii. Africa.

5. C. chalcopterus. Africa.

Scarcely anything is known of the habits or natural history, properly so called,
of any of these birds.

THE OSCILLARIA PHARAONIS.

[From a Foreign Correspondent].

M. de Bribisson has communicated to the last meeting of the Academical
Society of Falaise, an interesting account of a rare and but little known species of
Alga — the Oscillaria Pharaonis. The coloured liquid formed by its prompt de-
composition, presents a remarkable phenomenon, hitherto not sufficiently studied.
The water in which this hydrophite has been deposited immediately after its being
gathered, assumes a tinge of deep red, either ochreous or blood-coloured, when
examined in a deep place or in an opaque vessel : but, on the contrary, if this
water is placed between the eye and the light, in a thin diaphanous vessel, the
colour assumes a beautiful indigo-blue tinge. A bottle filled with this liquid
appears, in the sun, blue on one side and red on the other ; thus it may be said
that this liquid in decomposing the rays of light, only permits the blue rays to
pass, and reflects the red only. White paper plunged in this liquid always takes
an azure colour, and never a red tinge.

Bovy de St. Vincent, was the first naturalist who has described this singular
hydrophite, in the Diet, classique a" Histoire Naturelle. He says of the Oscilla-
ria Pharaonis, " we are indebted to the learned Mougeot for a knowledge of this
singular species, which, in February and March of the year 1825, presented on
the Lakes of Neufchatel and Morat, a phenomenon which recalled the idea of one
of the plagues of Egypt, by which the waters were changed into blood. De Can-
dolle published some account of this Oscillaria, proposing to call it Oscillaria
purpurea — a name which would have created considerable confusion, since other
Oscillaria possess a purple colour. The present species is not itself coloured ; but
possesses the property of giving out a coloured matter. Its filaments, whose
structure has not yet been examined under a microscope, are excessively fine, at
first invisible to the naked eye, but become visible by a careful separation in fluid,
when they resemble minute undulated tufts, similar to those of the Orgyrosa, to
which, also, the Pharaonis we examined presents another resemblance, that of
being curled and shining, though the colour is quite different. A red tinge is given
by it to paper. It appears that this Oscillaria, while living, was of a fine red
colour, which, on dessication, passed into shades of lilac, more or less distinct."
De Bribisson remarks that the above description would lead us to imagine that
the Oscillaria found in France was of a different species, if it were not that St.
Vincent had given it from a dried specimen.

This Oscillaria is not of a red colour ; its filaments are extremely delicate,
being scarcely the hundredth part of a millimeter in diameter. They are long, of
a shining blackish -green colour, often as if fasciculated ; growing from a mucous
base, thick, and yellowish. It grows in considerable tufts, sometimes more than

135

six inches in length, attached at the bottom of the water to stones or aquatic
floating plants : examined under the microscope, these filaments present segments
nearly as wide as they are long. After the emission of the colouring matter, the
filaments become of a clear green ; a portion of the tube is emptied of the endo-
chroma which filled it, forming masses of a certain consistence, often separated at
small distances. In the empty portions, no traces of the segments can be distin-
guished on the external tube.

The singular coloration produced by this Oscillaria takes place almost instantly
on its being gathered ; and it is impossible to transport any mass of it without
their becoming immediately decomposed. If specimens preserving their original
colour are required, they must be prepared on mica, or paper, in the water in
which they were found at the moment of their being gathered. In all cases, on
their becoming dried, it colours paper with blue zones ; it also exhales a sharp
ammoniacal odour, very different from its congeners.

De Bribisson and Lenormand discovered this Oscillaria in the month of Sep-
tember, 1825, in the River Orne, near Falaise ; it reappeared in 1826, since
which it was vainly sought for, when again this year it was abundantly found, in
the month of July, in the same river.

Specimens have been forwarded to Mr. Duby, while publishing his Botanicon
Gallicum, mentioning the phenomenon of coloration above stated, which his de-
scription does not correctly convey in these words : — Filamentis : demum lilaci-
nis aquam purpurio et violaceo tingentibus.

Other Oscillaria? imgart the purple or blue tinge or water on their decomposition,
but we have never observed the two shades existing at the same moment, as in the
species now described.

Mr. Leclencher has addressed de Blainville on the subject of the Spi'
rula. He has succeeded in taking, on the Bar of Senegal, the animal inhabiting
that mollusc, in a sufficiently perfect state to enable him, by a comparison with
others possessing the mutilated parts, to complete a description of the whole. He
has observed that the Physalioe feed commonly upon these animals, which ac-
counts for the number of their shells and the rarity of the animal in a living state.
In addition to the description already given by naturalists, Mr. Leclencher adds,
that, independent of the lateral lobes which terminate the animal, two fins may be
distinguished, so placed that only a small portion of the shell is exposed. The
eyes appear large, and enclosed in a cartilaginous orbit. The lower part of the
neck presents the funnel shape usually seen in cephalopids.

REVIEWS.

A History of the Rarer Species of British Birds. By T. C. Eyton, Esq.
Intended as a supplement to the History of British Birds by the late Thomas
Bewick. Illustrated with Wood-cuts. Longman and Co., London. Three
Parts, 8vo. 1836.

The Ornithologist's Text-Book. Being Reviews of Ornithological Works, with
an Appendix containing Discussions on various Topics of Interest. By
Neville Wood, Esq. Small 8vo., pp. 232. Parker, London. 1836.

British Song Birds. Being popular Descriptions and Anecdotes of the Cho-
risters of the Groves. By Neville Wood, Esq., &c. Small 8vo., pp. 408.
Parker, London. 1836.

If the length and rapidity of the stride be at all commensurate with the stir
• which the science of Ornithology is, at present, making among us ; if the quality
of the information which they are destined to impart, bear anything like a fair
proportion to the number and costliness of the works that are monthly, weekly,
and almost daily, issuing from the press of Britain, the luckless birds will hence-
forth have but a very sorry time of it. Their domiciles and their haunts will,
more than ever, be broken in upon by the reckless hand of the oological plunderer,
and the prowling foot of the ornithological spy. The march of intellect will speed-
ily achieve, among the feathered tribes, the work of ruin and dispersion which the
march of population has long since begun. The Eagle will be finally driven from
her eyrie in the precipice. There will no longer be a wilderness for the Owl, nor
marsh for the " booming Bittern." Our hedge-rows will cease to be a place of
secure deposit for the bright-blue eggs of the elegant little Dunnock : our eaves,
to afford their wonted sanctuary to the faithful and confiding Swallow. Amid the
rapidly increasing taste for ornithological pursuits on the one hand, and the daring
encroachments of gas and steam and the ceaseless extension of human enterprize
and dwellings on the other, our nocturnal and diurnal birds will seek in vain,
throughout the land, for their congenial darkness and solitudes : and amid the uni-
versal rise of the waters of Science and the spring-tide of advancing population,
the dove of Britain will find no spot whereon to rest her weary foot.

In addition to the three new works, whose titles are transcribed at the head of
this Article, several others have already been published during the present year ;
many are in course of publication ; and yet more have been announced. Of the
works which have actually appeared since the commencement of 1836, the Ra-

137

pacioiis Birds, of Mac Gillivray, and the Second Edition of the Feathered Tribes
of the British Islands, by Robert Mudie, are principally entitled to attention. The
former of these is, more especially, a master-piece of ornithological description and
research. We hope to see, ere long, other Orders of our British Birds delineated,
and, in the true signification of the word, illustrated, by the same powerful, deli-
cate, and experienced hand, and in language of the like commanding eloquence and
perspicuity. Mr. Mac Gillivray's wood-cuts, representing the heads of the various
species of Birds of prey, are uncommonly spirited and striking : his delineations of
the internal structure of the Buzzard and the Owl, admirable studies for the orni-
thological inquirer, and models for the artist. Would that anything we can say,
might induce Mr. Mudie, in the future editions of his deeply interesting work, to
substitute for the painted figures, with which it is, at present, infested, some such
accurate and impressive sketches of the external configuration, or internal anato-
my, of the Feathered Tribes, as really adorn, because really illustrating, the feli-
citous and masterly descriptions of Mr. Mac Gillivray. To this list may be added,
although not, strictly speaking, a British publication, the third volume of Audu-
bon's fascinating Ornithological Biography.

The more important works, in progress of publication during the current
year, are the magnificent and yet unrivalled Birds of Europe by Mr. Gould ;
Meyer's Illustrations of British Birds, a very respectable, although, assuredly,
not a first-rate production ; and the accurate and beautifully executed British
Oology, of our friend, Hewitson. The intellectual and enterprizing Mrs. Perrott
has been so rudely, — we had almost said unrighteously — assailed by certain litera-
rary shrikes, in whose crania the organs of combativeness and destructiveness
sadly predominate over those of benevolence and attachment to the softer sex,
that we really apprehend she must have quitted, in disgust, the field of competi-
tion.* The most valuable and interesting periodicals, of which Ornithology conr
stitutes an essential portion, are Partington's British Cyclopaedia of Natural
History ; and the masterly Cyclopaedia of Anatomy and Physiology, by Dr.
Todd. The third and fourth numbers of the latter contain an article upon Birds
(Aves) which must elevate its profound and accomplished author, Mr. Owen, to
the first rank in the phalanx of living zoologists. The Outlines of Comparative
Anatomy, by Dr. Grant — a third Part of which has recently appeared — will be
found to supply information, alike luminous, accurate, and minute, upon the struc-
ture of the Bird-Class.

A new edition of the valuable Ornithological Dictionary, of Colonel Mon-
tagu, wherein the original structure will, doubtless, be cleared from the rubbish

* Since this sentence was written, we have received the distressing intelligence of the
death of the accomplished and highly-gifted Mrs. Perrott, under circumstances of deep
affliction.

VOL. I. T

138

and incongruities with which it has been encumbered and defaced by the impotent
yet daring hand of Professor Rennie, and extended and adorned by the real dis-
coveries and improvements of modern ornithological science ; — a new periodical on
the Smaller British Birds, by Messrs. Blythe and Fowler, whose names alone
constitute a sufficient pledge for the accuracy and value of such a book ; and —
what is still better than all — a complete systematic work on British Ornithology,
corresponding, in form and execution, with the British Fishes, of Yarrell, and
the British Quadrupeds, of Bell, — may be selected as the most promising pro-
ductions which, during the present year, have been announced for publication.
Of the execution of the latter, we cherish the most sanguine expectations : we feel
the deepest interest in its character and fate. Instead of the useless, although
amusing, and frequently indelicate tail-pieces exhibited in the popular work of
Bewick, we earnestly recommend the author of the projected volumes, whoever he
be, to introduce cuts illustrative of either the internal or external peculiarities of
structure, or the habits, of the individual bird under discussion. Ornithology will
never attain the requisite precision to constitute a science until we have accurate
delineations of the internal anatomy of almost every species of bird which traverses
the desert, haunts the marsh or shore, or floats in air or water. In illustration of
our views on this subject, we recur, with peculiar pleasure, to the elaborate and
scientific volume of Mr. Mac Gillivray on the Rapaces.

The title of Mr. Eyton's supplementary work, to which we, at length, revert,
sufficiently indicates its character and objects. The three Parts, of which it con-
sists, exhibit pleasing, well-executed, and generally accurate representations on
wood, of more than forty of the rarer species of British Birds. A few of these,
however, it should seem, have been given in the last edition* of Bewick's interest-
ing volumes ; and consequently ought not to have made their appearance here.
The tail -pieces of Mr. Eyton are ordinarily quite as irrelevant to the subject which
they follow, and, of course, quite as useless, as those of Bewick ; with but a very
sorry sprinkling of the spirit and humour which characterize the execution, and,
in some measure, expiate the sins, of their predecessors. The whole is terminated
by a copious Catalogue, with a tolerably full and correct Synonymy, of British
Birds.

Of the two productions of Mr. Neville Wood, both highly valuable and in-
structive, we greatly prefer the last. It is a delightful volume ; full of living por-

* It has generally been believed that the 1826 edition of Bewick's work is the last pub-
lished. This was long our opinion ; and our reiterated inquiries, among the London and
provincial biliopoles, served only to confirm the erroneous impression. Another edition,
with several additional figures of the rarer or newly-discovered British Birds, it now ap-
pears, came out in 1832. This edition, we naturally infer, must have been small, and
speedily bought up ; as all our efforts to obtain a copy, or even the inspection of one, have,
hitherto, been unavailing.

139

traits of our native Song-birds, evidently traced by the hand of a man of genius
and an enthusiast, — an original and an indefatigable observer ; and truly refresh-
ing to the spirit of the thorough-bred ornithologist, whom the stale and vapid per-
formances of the hireling compiler have too frequently served only to nauseate
and disgust. Deeply do we marvel how an individual, so little advanced in years,
as Mr. Neville Wood really is, could have produced a work of which any natural-
ist, however aged or experienced, might well be proud ; and which all, who aspire
to the character of a British ornithologist, must possess ; and, once possessing, will
frequently peruse.

The Text Book is, on the whole, an odd and rambling work : yet, like many
very odd people and odd things, there is, about it, a spirit of indescribable fascina-
tion and allurement. It consists, principally of short Reviews, with occasional ex-
tracts from them, of all the more important Ornithological works which have ap-
peared, both in Britain and upon the continent, from the time of the celebrated
Willughby, of Middleton, to the present day ; and will form an useful guide to
the ornithological student in his selection of works of reference and illustration.
Mr. Wood's criticisms on the writings and researches of other men, are generally
correct, candid, and impartial. Sometimes, however, as in the cases of Professor
Rennie and Mrs. Perrott, they are surely uttered in a tone of unmerited and un-
becoming asperity : nor, in our opinion, has full justice been done to the exalted
genius and labours of our illustrious Ray. On the other hand, Mr. Wood is oc-
casionally lavish of his praises, where, from the worthless and contemptible cha-
racter of the subject, eulogy is converted into the deepest satire. Unmerited
praise, like a strong light thrown upon a crazy edifice, serves only to render more
conspicuous the defects of that object which it seeks to illustrate. After all that
Mr. Neville" Wood has said, or can say, upon the subject, the trumpery work of
Lewin on British birds will be trumpery still.

The Second Part of the Text-book, entitled " Synopses of Systems," contains
elucidations of the Ornithological Systems of Willughby, Linneus, Brisson, La-
tham, Lacepede, Dumeril, Meyer, Illiger, Temminck, Cuvier, Blainville, Vieillot,
Vigors, Lattreille, Lesson, and Fleming, with the respective periods of their an-
nunciation or development. It would require more time and examination than we
can, at present, bestow upon the subject, to discuss their characteristic merits and
defects. To the ornithological student, this portion of Mr. Wood's work will
prove exceedingly acceptable and instructive. The remnant of the volume, under
the head of " Supplement" is occupied with " Hints for a new and complete work on
General Ornithology ; and, as the title-page expresses it, " discussions on various
topics of interest."

We cannot terminate these imperfect notices without formally and earnestly
recommending an attentive perusal of the Text-book, and Song Birds, of Mr.
Neville Wood to our ornithological readers : and we must add that he, who can

140

read the animated and glowing1 descriptions of the Garden Thrash and the Brake
Nightingale, contained in the latter, without experiencing those emotions of pure
and ineffable delight which the contemplation of the works and the wonders of
Creation can alone or best awaken, — without catching a portion of the enthusiasm
which inspires the ardent and highly-gifted author, and gives an indescribable
charm to the productions of his pen, — has not a heart " instinct with Nature's
love ;" and most assuredly possesses no real claim to the character of an Orni-
thologist.

The Naturalist's Library. Conducted by Sir William Jardine, Bart., F.R.S.E.,
F.L.S., &c. Entomology. Vol. IV. British Moths, Sphinxes, &c. By
James Duncan, M. W. S.. pp. 268. Edinburgh, 1836.

" This volume presents to the Public the continuation and completion of the
British Lepidoptera, and is confined almost exclusively to the nocturnal
portion of these beautiful and interesting objects of Creation ; the former volume
having embraced the natural history and illustration of the diurnal tribes. It is
enriched with seventy-six figures of various species, most of them characteristic of
distinct genera, accompanied in many instances with the Chrysalis and Caterpillar,
the latter generally placed upon the plant on which it feeds ; and they make in all
ninety-nine figures. The two volumes are calculated to form a Manual of
British Lepidotera, complete in relation to the Diurnal and Crepuscular
tribes, and presenting a considerable selection from the Nocturnal ; they are illus-
trated by no fewer than two hundred and forty-six figures, drawn, engraved, and
coloured from the natural objects with an accuracy which will bear comparison
with the best works on the subject. The copiousness of pictoral illustration may
be safely asserted to have no parallel, particularly when the small price of Six
Shillings per volume is considered, and it could only be accomplished by the
great number which are sold of this popular series, and the economy and care
practised in every department of its details."

The preceding is an extract from the Advertisement prefixed to the fourth
volume of Entomology, of the Naturalist's Library : and we can conscien-
tiously bear evidence to the accuracy of the statement, and the justice of the eulo-
gy which it conveys. Rarely has it been our lot to peruse a more pleasing and
instructive work. It is, moreover, got up in a stile of extraordinary neatness and
elegance ; and, even in this prolific age of cheap publications, we have seen nothing
at all comparable, in moderation of price, with this. The figures of the various in-
sects in their perfect and caterpillar states, are commonly drawn with great accu-
racy and spirit ; and often coloured with equal truth and delicacy. To the justice
of our eulogium in the last respect, there are, however, some exceptions. In the
large Emei-ald Moth, Hipparchus papilionarius, Fig. 3, Plate xxvii., the " two

141

rows of whitish spots extending- across both wings," and the " obscure crescent-
shaped spot of a deeper green than the rest on the disk of each," are not distinctly
expressed : and the naturally bright and gay colouring of the Gooseberry Moth,
Abraxas grossulariata, Fig. 1, Plate xxviii., has been, by no means, successfully
imitated. Yet these defects, of which we are surprized to find so small a number,
and for the removal of which a little attention in the getting-up of the future edi-
tions will suffice, are amply atoned for by the general excellence and beauty of
the volume. It is, in fine, a work with which every student of the British Lepi-
doptera should be conversant ; and to which even the veteran Entomologist
may refer with pleasure and advantage.

The volume is headed by a very nicely engraved Portrait, and a Biographical
Memoir, of Maria Sibilla Merian, the celebrated authoress of divers interesting
works on Natural History ; of which the most important are the Metamorphosis
Tnsectorum Surinamensium, Folio ; and Erucarum Ortus, Alimentum et Para-
doxa Metamorphosis, etc., Quarto. She was born at Frankfort, 1647 ; and closed
a life of ardent and unwearied devotion to the cause of natural science, at the age
of 70. The countenance of this distinguished lady, as represented in an Engrav-
ing prefixed to her work on Caterpillars, strikingly confirms an observation which
we have frequently made, that Nature loves to conceal her brightest gems in a
disfigured or unsightly casket. By the magic touches of the British artist, how-
ever, the unprepossessing visage of Madame Merian has been transformed into a
somewhat fair and goodly face. Would to Heaven that the moral delinquencies,
which too frequently form the characteristic and the curse of genius, were thus
easy of reparation as its personal deformities and defects ! The hand and arm of
the Lady, however, as delineated in the English portrait, are coarsely and clum-
sily fashioned ; and could never, we confidently assert, have been associated with
a head of such fair dimensions, and a brain of such untiring energy, as Madame
Merian evidently possessed.

German Periodicals.

We have received the first three Numbers of a Journal, in Quarto, entitled
Isis. Encyclopadische Zeitschrift, vorzilglich fur Naturgeschichte, Vorglei-
chende Anatomie und Physiologie (The Isis, an Encyclopedian Journal of Na-
tural History, Comparative Anatomy and Physiology) for the year 1836. The
First and Second Numbers contain, each with three illustrative Engravings, a
very long and important paper on Physiology, the matter of which it is impossible
to condense within any reasonable limits. The Third is principally occupied by a
Report of the Meeting of Naturalists at Stuttgard on the 18th of September, 1834.
It is equally insusceptible of analysis or condensation.

The Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, of which the first three monthly Numbers

142

for 1836 have,also,reached us, contains many interesting and important commu-
nications on various subjects connected with Natural History. Of those which
strike us as most practically useful, we shall render an account in the next --Num-
ber of the Naturalist. The work is edited by Dr. Wiegmann ; and published
at Berlin. It is, at present, only in its second year. The three Numbersbefore
us are enriched by eight very delicate, and apparently most accurate engravings.

EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS.

1. — On the Silex of Plants. Mr. G. A. Struves, of Dresden, has
recently published a dissertation on the silex found in some species of plants. He
assumes as a principle that lime is necessary to the animal kingdom, and silex to
the vegetable ; that certain localities are the more abundant in the different
species according to the prevailing nature of the soil. Silex being almost insolu-
ble, and not able to penetrate vegetables which are not aquatic, necessarily exists
in larger proportions in those species circulating water. Mr. Struves concludes,
from his experiments, that the silex discoverable in plants owes its presence to the
action of the water absorbed by the plant, that it is not combined either with an
acid or an alkali, and so far predominates over the other chemical components as
to determine the form of plants.

The following are the numerical results of Struves's analyses : —

Silex. Alum. Salts. Calcareous. Manganese.

Equisitum hyemale 97,52 1,7 0,69 0,0

Equisitum limosum 94,85 0,99 1,57 1,69

Equisitum arvense 95,48 2,55 1,64 0,0

Spongia lacustris 94,66 1,77 0,99 2,0

Calamus Rhodan ? 99,20 0,0 0,54 0,0

We beg leave to observe that the plants above experimented upon all belong
to the class rwonocotyledon, long known to secrete silex, if we may be allowed the
expression ; but Mr. Struves appears to think the same circumstance may be
traced throughout the vegetable kingdom : in which we cannot concur, it being
well known that a very small portion of silex can be detected in the cfc'cotyledonous
class. We also confess no small astonishment at finding the analysis of a sponge
classed with vegetables, its animal claim having long since been clearly established.
We have placed a query to Calamus Rhodan, not knowing the plant by that name.

143

2. — Enormous mass of Malachite. In June, 1835, a mass of ma-
lachite was discovered in the mines of P. and A. Demidoff, at Nischnei-Tagilsk,
in the district of Jekaterinburg, measuring 16,2 feet, French measure., in length,
7,5 in width, and 8,6 in heighth ; it weighs, therefore, by admeasurement, 350
ponds of Russia, each pond being equal to rather more than 16 kilogrammes,
French weight : making this enormous mass upwards of Jive tons and a half,
English weight. No cracks or imperfections had been discovered so far as the
examination had then been made. The largest block of Malachite previously dis-
covered in Russia weighed 90 ponds : it was discovered in the mines of Furchami-
noff, and is now deposited in the museum of the corps of miners, at St. Peters-
burgh.

3. — M. Engelhart, professor at Dorpt, appears to have been the first person
to suggest, from geognostic appearances observable in the mountains of the Oural,
that they contained diamonds. From the indications he furnished, the Russian
government directed measures to be taken in order to ascertain that fact : they
were not, however, attended with success. Count Polie, the proprietor of the
land, on which is established gold and platinum works, was more fortunate ; and
the first Russian diamond was brought to light by his unwearied perseverance, at
the period of M. de Humboldt's voyage in Asiatic Russia. The number of these
precious stcnes found, only amounted to thirty-five ; and the expense attending
their discovery being immensely beyond their intrinsic value, it is more interesting
in a scientific, than profitable in a commercial, point of view.

4. — M. Jacquin has given an interesting paper on the pneumasticity of birds,
which was read at the French Academy of Sciences, April 25th, 1836. He
states that all the shoulder bones have their pneumatic perforations grouped round
the scapular extremity, and receive air from the sub-scapular sac : it is transmitted
to the bones of the fore-arm by the external cellular tissue, and even by the cavity
of the humerus, from whence it is conveyed to the digits. An analagous arrange-
ment exists for the inferior member, in which the cavities are always more extend-
ed as the species of bird possesses the greater powers of flight. The cervical ver-
tebrae have numerous small perforations in the channel formed by the transverse
apophyses : this conducts the air from the pectoral sac. The subcostal sacs fur-
nish air in a similar manner to the ribs and dorsal vertebrae ; and the sacral sacs
to the vertebrae so called, and the basin. Air to the sternum is derived from the
sternal sac, which sends it to the sternal apophyses of the ribs.

5 — Osmya Bicolor, (Latreille). — Mr. Bobineau Desvoidy, who is well
known to the French naturalists, by his interesting researches respecting dipterous
insects and Crustacea, particularly those of the neighbourhood of St. Sauveur, in

144

the department of Yonne, France, has recently furnished some details of the habits
of the Osmya Bicolor and the Osmya Helicicola. These insects are nearly allied
to the Bee, but form their nests in the deserted shells of the Snail ; he has divided
them into two species, the first is only found nidified in the Helix nemoralis, and
the second most frequently in the Helix pomatia. The O. bicolor, lays two eggs
in each shell, the female egg being always placed uppermost ; above these are con-
structed three or four cells of sand, separated from each other by a membranous
partition. The Osmya helicicola deposits ten or twelve eggs separated from each
other by distinct partitions, each being provided with a magazine of honey ; but
they do not wall in the different strata, either with sand or any other earthy
matter placed above the domicile of their progeny. They sometimes form their
nest in the Helix nemoralis, in which they lay several eggs, closing the entrance
with a thick division formed of minute fragments of leaves, triturated with the
salivated excretion of the insect, and arranged in successive layers.

Mr. Desvoidy has also found in the nymphae of those two species of Osmya
a parasitical insect, which he, in the first instance, considered an Ichneumon, but
has since determined it to be a pupivorous hymenoptera, of the genus Eulophus,
hitherto undescribed ; he has, therefore, named them Eulophus osmiarum. These
larva? change into nymphae without spinning a coccoon, or quitting the place of
their birth.

Another insect is found inhabiting the vacant shells of Snails ; it is the Sopy-
ga punctata : which passes its two stages of metamorphose in the cells of the
Osmya, and are themselves sometimes tormented by the Ichneumon.

The same entomologist observes that the Asylus diadema — a species of insect
hitherto only found in France, near Marseilles — is also met with at St. Sauveur,
and may be classed with the enemies of the domestic Bee, which they seize with
their feet, and bury in holes excavated for that purpose. This appears to be the
only instance of dipterous insects being grave-diggers, which renders Mr. Des-
voidy's discovery highly interesting. Of several examples of the Asylus diadema
which this naturalist took in the act of carrying off their prey, all proved, on exa-
mination, to be females, and the Bees were doubtless buried to serve as a future
provision for the larvae of its ravisher.

Another interesting fact is mentioned of a species of dipterous insect, the
Conops auripes, which torments the Bombus hortorum, as Mr. Desvoidy ima-
gines, for the purpose of depositing its eggs on the surface, or between the annular
segments, of that insect's body. The genus Conops are, at present, the only insects
described as living even in the bodies of other insects which have attained an adult
perfect state ; other analagous species only living on the larvae, and still more
generally on the nymphae. Mr. Desvoidy adds that the apodous larva found in
the body of a Bombus, and described by Messrs. Audouin and Lachat, most
probably is a species of the genus Conops.

MELIT^A DIA.

ORDER. LEPIDOPTERA. FAMILY. NYMPHALIDiE*

PURPLE-UNDERWINGED FRITILLARY.
By J. C. Dale, Esq.

This butterfly has, for some time past, held a situation amongst the doubtful
natives of this kingdom, but has never been well authenticated till the captures
made at Sutton Park (?), by Mr. Weaver, of the Museum of Birmingham, about
ten or twelve years since.

The following is from Turton, p. 42, A.D. 1806 :—

" Papilio Dia, (marked as British). — Wings, fulvous, spotted with black;
lower ones beneath, purple, the base with yellow and silvery spots and an obsolete
silvery band in the middle.

" Inhabits Europe. Esp. tab. 16, f. 4.

" Lower Wings with a row of six black dots towards the tip, the two middle
ones slightly pupillate.

" Larva, grey, with alternate rows of white and feruginous spines.

" Pupa, yellowish, variegated with black."

Stewart also gives it as British, nearly describes it the same as Turton, and
says the caterpillar feeds on the viola (A. D. 1817, 2nd edition).

M. Dia was found in great numbers, on the east coast of Greenland, 71° N.,
by Mr. Scoresby.

ARGYNNIS AGLAIA, var.

The second figure in the subjoined plate is a variety of A. Aglaia, of which
Mr. Sowerby gives the following specific characters : " Above, dull orange, with
black marks ; nineteen silver spots on the lower wing beneath." Sowerby says,
" The nineteen silver spots are very constant ;" but he had seen no intermediate
or other variety, of which there are now several, (one figured by Mr. Curtis,
plate 290 of British Entomology.) Haworth also speaks of "Alee anticce lituris
4 nee, 5 costalibus utrinque, quarum 2 nee, 1 compositae sunt ;" but he did not
think of the more or less confluence of spots.

The late Dr. Abbot took three specimens of the variety described by Haworth
as Charlotta (Caroletta ?), near Bedford, nearly all alike, and gave one to Mr.
Haworth, and one to Mr. Sowerby, who figured it in his British Miscellany,
plate 2 ; I bought the third in his collection, and have procured another taken near
Peterborough, which represents on the reverse the characters of Charlotta on one

VOL. I U

146

side of the inferior wings, and that of Aglaia on the other ; thereby proving it
to be merely a variety : and Haworth mentions " Detecta Femina Olim D. Wilks,
at ubi nescio."

Sir P. Walker had specimens in his possession, and I saw some large and fine
Aglaia in the Isle of Arran, but could not take any. Mr. Bree, of Allesley, has
figured M. Dia, and also two varieties of A. Aglaia, in Loudon, vol. 5, p. 749,
fig. 122, as Adippe ? according to the opinion of Mr. Stephens ; but in his own
(Mr. Bree's) opinion, Aglaia. Mr. Curtis has a very fine variety of Adippe
taken, near Colchester, by Dr. Maclean, but it is very distinct from the above.
I once found the larva of Adippe in the New Forest, June 1st, 1824. I have
seen the suffusion of black spots in some species so powerful as to lose the
genuine character so completely as to appear wholly black, instead of fulvous,
with black spots ( Selene for one).

On the APPLICATION of the PRINCIPLES of INDUCTION to the
INVESTIGATION of the VEGETABLE KINGDOM, and the IN-
FERENCES in RELATION to NATURAL THEOLOGY.

By Robert Dickson, M.D., F.L.S.

LECTURER ON BOTANV AT ST. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL AND THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE,

WEBB-STREET, LONDON.

The members of the vegetable kingdom claim our regard, by ministering to
more of the senses than any other objects of creation. The eye is delighted by
their symmetry and elegance, as well as by their varied and brilliant hues — the
touch is sometimes pleased by their smoothness or softness — the smell is regaled
by their perfume — and the taste gratified by their flavour.

Yet it is not to be denied that, attractive though they be from thus ministering
to the external senses of sight, smell, and taste, the degree to which these latter
are capable of determining the qualities of plants, is vastly inferior to that of the
animals which feed upon them. Animals, may, indeed, commit an error, and eat
some poisonous plant ; but this is rather to be attributed to their being previously
affected with some disease, by which the fine sense . of smell has been lost, and
the power of discrimination destroyed, than to an original deficiency of instinct :
for, as a general rule, animals not only avoid particular plants of a poisonous kind,
but whole tribes of plants possessed of noxious qualities. Neither oxen, horses,
pigs, sheep, nor goats will eat a single solanaceous plant (Nightshade, tribe) ex-

147

cept potatoes, all of which are more or less poisonous — though they devour readily
the grasses, none of which, save one, have any unwholesome properties in a natu-
ral and healthy state. Other animals as decidedly avoid one tribe of plants and
prefer others, as these just mentioned. In what way, then, is man to be placed in
a condition equal, at least, if not superior to the animals over which he rules, in
judging of the properties of plants, in respect to their safety or danger ? Here,
as in other cases, by exerting the intellectual faculties with which he is endowed —
those inward senses, the possession and right application of which raise him to an
immeasurable height above the beasts of the field. The astronomer foretells with
the most unerring certainty, the return of every comet — those bodies which, till
later times, were conceived to move through space in such eccentric orbits, as to
have the appearance of random or chance visitants to our planetary system. This
he effects by observations and calculations which have attained such a degree of
accuracy, that it would seem as if the comet appeared in obedience to his will ;
whereas it only returns to a given point of the heavens in obedience to laws which
emanate from the Creator of all things. Now, should any one undertake to fore-
tell or determine what qualities or properties any newly discovered plant would be
found to possess, it would seem to many to be presumptuous or paradoxical, and
to some, impossible. Yet it is perfectly practicable by an application of the same
principles of induction which guide the astronomer. Plants are not constructed
at random, or independently of fixed and ascertainable principles. These furnish
to the scientific botanist indications of the properties of a plant, not less trustwor-
thy than those which conduct the observer of the heavens to conclusions which,
on their first announcement are much more improbable — conclusions referring to
masses of matter millions of miles distant from us, while the others relate to ob-
jects at our feet or in our hands. If this globe and all which it inherit be the pro-
duction of the same Creative Being who formed the other planetary orbs, is it
likely that different laws would be framed to influence the structure of its organ-
ized inhabitants from those which influence the whole? Certainly not. The
chemist tells us that the most minute particles — atoms, as he terms them — of un-
organized matter, enter into combinations with the particles of other substances
in regular and uniform proportion. Aware of this law, he makes all his arrange-
ments in accordance with it, and so accomplishes his objects at a vast saving of
materials, and often of time, since he rarely encounters failure or disappointment
requiring him to repeat his experiments or renew his operations. He has,
besides, a certain index to errors or mistakes in every instance where he perceives
a departure from the definite and ascertained proportions. Thus the chemist who
investigates the separate particles of matter, and the astronomer who investigates
the largest masses of unorganized matter, are alike guided by the power of num-
bers.

And is it probable that organized matter should be constructed with less re-

148

gard to number and proportion ? Far from it. Though Plato of old called the
Creator the Divine Geometrician, modern philosophers have been slow to observe
the numberless instances of the operation of his adjusting mind, which all his
works display. Indeed it has not been remarked in the animal kingdom till our
own day, and the merit of observing it, promulgating, and establishing it is due to
Mr. William Macleay, who, though young in years at the time of his discovery,
was ripe in the power of penetration and spirit of arrangement. He has demon-
strated that the whole animal kingdom is constructed in a series, which form cir-
cles of fives, (hence quinary arrangement as this is termed), five of the subordi-
nate circles making one primary circle, the amount or number of these primary
circles being also five. — (See Macleay, Horce Entomologies J.

The remark that Jive was a favourite number in nature, was made by Sir
Thomas Brown, (see his Quincunx), in 1656, and he supported its correctness by
numerous instances drawn from the vegetable kingdom. Its applicability to an
entire section of that kingdom was not, however, observed or demonstrated till a
much later date ; and now it is a well-ascertained principle, that, of the three great
sections into which plants may be divided, according to their internal structure
and mode of growth, each has a predominating number, which is displayed in the
portions which constitute the flower (in the vascular or flowering plants), and
along with which prevailing number certain properties are invariably found to be
conjoined. For instance, the first or lowest section of the vegetable kingdom con-
sists of plants exclusively formed of cellular tissue, (hence called cellular plants);
the prevailing number of the parts of which is two, or some regular multiple of
two, as is best exemplified in the number of the teeth of the peristome of mosses,
which are either, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64. Such plants are remarkable, in general, for
their freedom from any very active principle, and consequently scarcely any of
them are poisonous : (fungi or mushrooms seem exceptions ; but it is doubtful
whether these singular productions belong to the vegetable kingdom). Hence
though a few of them yield dyeing principles, the greater number of them are
xmly employed as food for man or animals, and may, in most instances be fear-
lessly partaken of by any one in danger of perishing for want of other kinds of
food.

The next section of the vegetable kingdom possesses vessels of different kinds,
in addition to the cellular tissue of the former, and are characterized by a particu-
lar mode of growth — namely, by additions to the interior, (hence called Endogens),
which accounts for the circumference of the stem when once formed, never vary-
ing or encreasing in diameter. These plants are at all times distinguishable by
the manner in which the veins of the leaf run (i. e. always in parallel lines), and
have the portions of the flower arranged in threes, or regular multiples of three.
(See flowers of Crocus, Hyacinth, Lilies, or Tulips). This section contains plants
which are scarcely more active than the former ; and having neither bark nor

149

wood as parts of their structure, are destitute of the peculiar products of these
parts. Hence it is mostly for food that such plants are valuable, and their roots
(or rather rhizomata) and fruits or seeds are the parts chiefly employed for this
purpose — as the arrow-root, the seeds of the cereal grains, wheat, rice, &c, and
dates, cocoa-nuts, &c, are examples.

The remaining section of plants comprises those which grow by additions to
the exterior (hence called Exogens), and which have the stems conical and
branched, and the parts of the flower arranged in fives or regular multiple of five.
(See flowers of Marvel of Peru, Pink, Rose, Potentilla, Apple, &c). In these
the leaves have the veins forming a net-work ; they possess bark and a perfect
woody structure, and consequently all the principles which are either formed or
deposited in these. Among such plants are to be found the most active vegeta-
ble poisons, sources at once of injury and benefit to man ; for while the savage
employs them only to destroy his enemies, whether of the brute or human kind,
the skilful and benevolent physician converts them into instruments of great, nay,
of unspeakable, benefit to his suffering fellow-creatures.

So in the arts : does the dresser of leather need an agent to assist him in tan-
ning, he seeks and finds it only in this section of the vegetable kingdom, as the
astringent principle he requires is mostly lodged in the bark — as the Oak, the
Willow, the Larch, and others which are employed for this purpose attest
Again ; are fixed oils required for any of the various purposes to which they can
be applied — they are, with one or two exceptions only, to be obtained from this
section of the vegetable kingdom. All kinds of gums, of resins, and gum-resins,
with scarcely any exceptions, are exclusively supplied by this section of plants.

It is unnecessary to add more examples to prove the advantage of proceeding
in our examination of the vegetable kingdom, in reference to its uses to mankind,
according to principles which have their foundation in the unalterable laws of na-
ture, and therefore furnish the best and most certain guides. It cannot be
doubted that the Author of nature intended these external marks and definite
numbers, to be indices, or signs of internal properties ; and instances might be
given where a very slight, and, as some might think, unimportant difference of
external structure, furnished a key to an important difference of chemical compo-
sition.

That the recognition of these principles will be productive in time of much
utility may easily be imagined, but that is not the only or most essential object in
noticing them at present ; which is to intimate that throughout all nature a balanc-
ing, adjusting, and proportioning principle reigns, giving evidence of the whole
being an emanation from one great Creative Being. Attention being once di-
rected to the existence of such proofs, the observer will recognize them everywhere,
and they will serve to illustrate to every mind, the wisdom displayed in the crea-

150

tion of the world by the Supreme Being, who, in the words of the son of Siraeh,
" created her, and saw her, and numbered her."

And thus voices, addressed to the ear of every rational believer, will be heard
proceeding, not from the spheres only, but from every object of the visible uni-
verse, audibly declaring that " the hand which made them was divine."

THE NATURALIST ABROAD ;
Or, DAYS IN THE WOODS AND FIELDS :

INCLUDING INCIDENTAL BOTANICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTICES.

By Edwin Lees, F.L.S. & F.E.S.L.

No. I. — The First Day of Summer, and the Libellulid^e.

I have often thought that a carefully constructed contemporaneous calendar of
the appearance of birds and insects, and the flowering of wild or naturalized plants,
would not only be of great use to the inquiring naturalist, but of extraordinary
interest to the general lover of nature's wild scenes. That notices of the kind I
allude to are scattered about in various works I am well aware, but they have
seldom, if ever, been brought forward together, and their harmonies and associa-
tions fully traced. I think a plan of this kind peculiarly adapted for popular
illustration ; because, if the appearance of any flower synchronizes with the ap-
proach of its associate insect, and if the bird on airy wing, as it first meets the
sunny gleam, tells us to look for the opening flower in its wonted haunt, then the
images called up in the mind present an additional charm, and the various depart-
ments of nature's vast domain, instead of being kept isolated, are concatenated
together, and one pursuit agreeably relieves another. Much more is effected by
this combination of study than when the naturalist is bound down to one depart-
ment only ; for the botanist often unintentionally captures many insects with his
flowering herbs, and the entomologist might, in like manner, gather many a bota-
nical rarity while engaged in beating the bushes to replenish his collecting box.
As nature herself delights in harmonious associations, so mankind are pleased
with the combined array of all that her skill can produce, in the same way that a
grand pictorial landscape, while true to the aerial outline of the distant mountains,
traces, with the same fidelity, the lichened buttress and wild turret, dark in the
cloudy shadow of the foreground.

151

To complete a plan similar to what I have here indicated would require
many years of close and undivided observation to the subject, to say nothing
of the active co-operation of others. At present, therefore, it would be immature
to present it, but yet I think a few popular sketches might be roughly thrown off
as studies which, if incomplete in their filling up, might not be altogether unin-
teresting, either to the scientific proficient or the enthusiastic and inquiring stu-
dent of the most pleasing pursuit under the canopy of heaven, whether health,
recreation, observation, or deep and close research, be the object in view. I
shall, therefore, commence this series of out-door " pencillings by the way" with
a sketch of

The First Day of Summer.

A light rain has fallen, and there is a haziness about the distant landscape ;
but the deep blue hills, half obscured amid the rolling vapours, now throw off their
dishabille, and the huge clouds roll lazily about as if uncertain of their next design,
and indisposed for any exertion. But there will be no more rain, for the white,
starry Chickweed has unfolded its stainless petals, the Swallows and Martins are
darting high in the air, and the white Cabbage Butterfly (Pontia brassicce) is
careering to and fro.

We will proceed by the river, then, whose red waters now totally obscure the
long green tresses and snowy blossoms of the Water Crowfoot ( Ranunculus pan-
tothriv, Dec.)* that so lately adorned the green shallows. And now that we have
a mellowed gleam of sunshine through the light veil of the friendly clouds, what
a pleasing scene presents itself to the eye. The rolling river, the green and
golden meadows, the trees fresh in their leafy foliage, as if just created, the more
distant groves passing into deep shadow, and the distant but noble line of moun-
tain, neither blue nor green, but partaking of both, unscatched as yet by the
fierce suns of maturer summer, diversified with rock and dingle, and yet so melt-
ing into the aerial distance as if formed of the unsubstantial vapours whose gigan-
tic but evanescent masses overshadow it. But let us view the scene more in de-
tail, while the note of the Cuckoo, whose hoarseness has not yet attacked her,
sounds pleasingly upon the ear.

The Hawthorn has shed its snowy loveliness, except here and there, where,
in retired recesses, a white bush of beauty, emblematical of lingering joys hoarded
up to the last possible moment, still gleams amid the deep shadows of the over-
bowering elms. The trees have now nearly attained their perfection of leafiness,
and rustle their magnificent mantles in stately pride ; while the lighter green of

* This elegant plant, whose long stem quivering with the current, sometimes the
length of twenty-four feet, appears to me quite distinct from R. aquatilis. The latter
flowers in April, but R. pantoihrix seldom before the first week in June, and, evanescent as
a vapour, vanishes from the sight with the first rise of the waters.

152

the waving Poplar, the fresh viridescence of the Ash (whose old, beggarly, last
years' tatters are, however, not quite concealed), and the olivaceous hue of the
branching Walnut, bear witness to their later emergence into the glories of the
scene. In the shrubbery, the Horse Chestnut ( JEsculus hippocastanum) towers
its digitated leaves, where a few of its fading blossoms still linger, though lost in
the distance ; but its glories are past ; and the Laburnum, too, gorgeous in its
chains of gold, is also rapidly going out. These, and a host of others, combine
in the distant grove that extends itself like a dark wall, gloomy with verdure.

The meadows now claim our attention, where the yellow Ranunculus forms
long curls of gold far among the green grass, and this golden tint is finely mel-
lowed and heightened by the intervening red spikes of the tall sheep's sorrel.
Here and there, too, the broad white disk of the great Daisy ( Chrysanthemum
leucanthemum ) starts up, and the Cat's-ear and Crepis stretch out their yellow
floscules in full glory, while the rich pink honeysuckle Clovers form a delightful
contrast to the eye, and refresh the olfactory nerves with balmy fragrance. A
crowd of minute yellow Trefoils, too, ramify amid the roots of the grass. On the
bank of the river, where a minute tink of water descends through the spear grass
in the deep trench it has worn for itself in the lapse of years, the Comfrey (Sym-
phytum officinale) hangs its deep purple velvet bells, and the pink Lychnis ( L.
Jlos-cuculi) decorates the same vicinity with its ragged petals that announce the
approach of the summer solstice. Here, too, a patch of blue Speedwell ( V. cha-
mcedrysj lingers, and the smaller azure-flowered Veronica heccahungx spreads
its lengthened arms into the water itself, whence we have started the Grey Wag-
tail from its nest. A band of gold stretches along the margin of the river,
formed by the specious flowers of the wild Mustard ; while the purple disk of a
thistle occasionally diversifies it, or the white-powdered Plantago media stands
conspicuously forth, like a liveried lacquey waiting for orders.

But the clouds are passing away, and the burning gleam of noon flashes upon
the brightening scene. The Thrush is no longer heard quavering from amidst
the oaks, and the noisy Chaffinch himself gives only an occasional twitter. A
still brighter and hotter flash of radiance succeeds, and its energetic power calls
forth the transcendant tribes of insects. The great Humble-bee booms in rapidly-
shortening circles through the sounding air, and his compatriot, whose tail of
red fire dashes along like a spark from a wheel, scarcely booms lower than he :
another trumpeter sounds a shriller clangour as he rushes to the nectareous tube
of the White Archangel, and a thousand minor buzzers give a voice to the air
that steals over the distance with melodious effect. Now, rising over the grass,
a host of black and brown Cantharida? ( C.fusca et livida), with red abdomens,
appear conspicuous, while one of comparatively rarer occurrence, clothed in com-
plete scarlet ( C. cardinalis, Shaw), seems to take his stand as an officer to com-
mand them. These coleopterous insects, generally very numerous at this season

153

of the year are commonly called soldiers, and are often .caught and sported with
by children. The cockchaffers ( Melolontha vulgaris) are not so numerous now
as they have been, but one carelessly whirs by now and then, and the much
smaller Scarbceus solstitialis now appears clustering round that half opened half
destroyed Burnet-rose. A host of minuter insects, coleopterous and dipterous,
animate the solar beams, and when the clouds intercept the bright rays, numbers
may be observed resting on the leaves of plants, lurking in the broad shade of the
trees, or even asleep in the flower-cups.

The lovely Cowslips, late so beautiful, have all faded away, except that one tall
tuft deep in the shade, overshadowed by the Witch-elm and its hop-like clusters ;
and were not every primrose long ago fled, we might almost imagine that bright
brimstone butterfly ( Gonepteryx RhamniJ was a blossom of one wafted before
the playful breeze. The sun gleams now without a veil before him, and a host of
azure blue butterflies appear sporting along the topmost spikes of the grass. We
are covered with gramineous farina in chasing them, but they rise up opening their
blue wings on every side almost as numerous as the thousand Eyebrights (Eu-
phrasia officinalis), whose modest beauties, though half hid, we see at every step ;
and vieing with the casrulean of the woolly-leaved Scorpion-grass.

But what numbers of Aphides cover the stems of the plants around us. Let
us pause at this dock. Here the Aphides are wingless and black, and clothe the
topmost stems of the plant like a mantlet of the ancient Romans, presenting noth-
ing but their polished black armour to the attack of the enemy, so closely cling
they to the plant. And well have they need ; for a squadron of the small red Ants
have found them out, and though they cannot carry them off yet they have found
a prize which will save them the trouble of foraging for some time. See how
they are passing over the Aphids, and now stopping and moving their antenna?
about. They are regular lawyers, these Ants, and the poor Aphides their clients ;
they have extracted all they can from them already, and are urging them
for another fee, nor will they leave them till nothing further is to be obtained.
The fact is that the excrement of the Aphis being derived from the juice of the
plant is very sweet and clammy, and the Ants are so fond of it, that they devour it
as fast as it is produced by the Aphides, and the supply being insufficient for the
demand, though the Ants do not exactly, like the boy in the fable, kill the goose
to get all the eggs at once, yet, having devoured all the honey-dew the Aphides
have manufactured, they tickle and incite them as much as possible to produce
more, which they immediately devour. Whatever may be urged in favour of Ants,
in general, as an industrious and provident race, but little praise is due to those
I am now alluding to, who are evidently idle marauders, escaped from the
restraints of legitimate authority, and are here living an idle and luxurious life, de-
pending entirely upon the labours of others. I have often wondered how Ants
were enabled to find their way up the labyrinthine passages of tall spinous Thistles,
vol. i. x

154

and the tortuous stems of Brambles, to the positions of the various tribes of
Aphides which they seem to do with perfect ease. Having once got there, how-
ever, they remain fixtures so long as the Aphides deposit their clammy sweet,
without returning to their nests, as far as my observation goes. Even the large
wood Ants ( Formica rufa) attach themselves in bands in this singular manner
wherever any huge Thistle has a colony of Aphides upon it ; and there, per-
haps, intoxicated with the luscious potion, they remain unconscious of any thing
around them but the excitement arising from the continued drain from this living
and ever-flowing bowl. Even when a plant thus circumstanced is gathered, the
Ants seem very reluctant to forsake it, and unless compelled to leave, will still re-
main upon it, though they are conveyed hundreds of miles from their domicile.
It is indeed stated by entomologists that Ants keep flocks of Aphides in their nests
for the supply of the colony, " milking" them regularly for the use of the inhabit-
ants. That they could keep them alive under ground for any length of time, I
should think unlikely, though certainly on one occasion I beheld an army of small
black Ants engaged most busily in removing all the Aphides from a Raspberry
bush in a garden, an operation which they performed with considerable celerity.
In general, however, I think they do not remove them from the plants to which
they are attached, nor even relieve each other to carry home the delicious spoil,
but settle down selfishly to a long luxurious debauch. The Ant, therefore, is not
to be considered in the light of an enemy to the Aphid, since he not only does
him no injury, but hangs upon and literally incites him to further depredations.

But a beautiful picture just opens by the water's edge. Behold where that
forest of Club-rush ( Scirpus Sylvaticus ) in the marsh, exhibits its delicate white
inflorescence ; there the brilliant dark green Dragon Flies (Agrion virgo) are
fluttering their purple wings. What tints can match with the golden green of the
male, or the splendid emerald hue of the female, as it now rests upon the stem of
the Catabrosa aquatica, or sparkles out in the sunbeams, contrasting with the
rosy towering spikes of the great Bistort ? Hosts of the Agrion puella too, are
lightly balancing their fairy forms of the purest tints of sky blue over the cool
waters, or resting upon the opening flower of the yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus J ;
while the Libellula depressa with its fine slate blue abdomen, is rushing by on
rapid wing, whirling against his rival, and chasing his yellow-tailed partner far
over field and hedge, till resting for a moment from the fond pursuit on a dry
hedge-stick, he seems, as the sun flashes upon his corselet, to be absolutely inhaling
and drinking up the beams of light. But still more beauteous than all flutters
the blue-green Agrion virgo, Fab., not mounting high in air, but softly gliding
without an effort among the rushes and equiseti of that silver willowed covert by
the river's brink, where the tall yellow Loosestrife is spreading out its golden co-
rymbs. I love to behold them, for they come only with the established summer, and
they sport in the most cool and delicious places, where the zephyr from the river

155

fans the rushes, and the ear is soothed with the murmur of the water. There they
rest, hid in the recesses of the water plants. When I see them, the remembrance
of my past summer days rushes upon me ; I think of the time when their purple
fluttering wings and green brilliance first met my view, when I saw the world as a
paradise created only for enjoyment, and knew not that, drilled by disappointment
and commanded by care, I must take my place in the ranks, to fight with the dif-
ficulties and troubles which life in its onward progress too soon unfolded to my
view.

But excessively beautiful as the Dragon-flies, or Demoiselles, as the French
call them, confessedly are, and they are a favourite tribe with me, they are rapa-
cious in the extreme, the very eagles of the insect world. They seem to flit
along carelessly on easy wing above the flowery cinctured streams, as if bent only
on contemplative enjoyment, or rise higher in air apparently to revel in the sun-
beams ; but should any minuter insects appear in view, they dash upon them with
the rapidity of the Falcon, their armed tarsi secures the victim, and their capaci-
ous maw soon encloses him from sight. One of our largest species, ( Anax im-
perator, Leach), may sometimes be seen in the very hottest blaze of a summer's
noon, assuming to himself the sovereignty of an entire pool, round which he wings
his superb flight, offering instant battle to any intruder, and keeping the course
clear for himself only, with the utmost pertinacity. But although thus matchless
in their aerial movements, those whose wings remain horizontal while at rest, when
prostrate on earth or in a low situation, have considerable difficulty at once to give
sufficient power to the muscles that set them in motion ; and I have often observed
the great variegated Dragon-fly ( Libellula varia, Shaw) make many ineffectual
efforts before it could rise from its position ; hence early in the morning they may
be easily captured when found at rest. Once, however, on the wing, nothing can
exceed the rapidity of their motion, and their able and diversified gyrations in the
air. Now hovering low by the hedge side, a radiant beam glances upon their
polished mail, and a jewelled blaze of sapphire and lapis lazuli flashes upon the
eye — the next moment lost amid the labyrinthine foliage of the oak, they appear,
vanish, and reappear, swift as meteors in the autumnal sky — now they are lost in
the wood — again they hurry by with the velocity of an impelled arrow. Thus, in
the fury of the chase they sometimes wander very wide from their usual haunts,
dash over the recesses of the garden for insects, and are occasionally hurried out
to sea. But mark, for a moment, the interesting attitude of that broad-backed yel-
low Dragon-fly who seems falling into the pool, so close does she approach to the
edge of the water. It is the female of Libellula depressa. She recovers herself
ere she has quite touched the water, and rearing up extends her abdomen and de-
posits an egg in the translucent element. On she flies repeating the curious pro-
cess without rest, just touching the water with her abdomen, but never once over-
balancing herself, while thus engaged on the wing in effecting the transposition of

156

her embryo burden to that element from which she herself once emerged, though
its chill embrace would now involve her in destruction. Yet how fearlessly, how
easily she accomplishes what might have been considered a difficult task ; not tim-
orously clinging to a rush to perform the process, but circumvolitating the pool,
depositing her eggs in the progress, and thus giving her offspring ample room and
verge enough in the depths below for their future operations. And this bears the
unmeaning name of instinct. But is not the Libellula while thus making provi-
sion for her offspring in an element where she herself would now perish, sensible
that she formerly emerged from the water, and that her offspring must there for
their allotted time undergo the same processes of development which she passed
through, prior to being fitted to sport in air and perform the economy of her ma-
ture state ? At all events the contemplation of an incident like this is not without
a note of instruction in the wide extended field of natural theology.

The beautiful and elegant tribe of Libellulida; were all included by Linneus
in one genus, and, as remarked by Stephens, the Linnean character of one species
is so comprehensive that it positively embraces no less than two genera (Lestes,
Leach, and Agrion, Fab.), one containing three, and the other ten, indigenous
species in its extensive grasp ! and the consequence has been that Latreille and
other celebrated entomologists assert that the sexes unite pell-mell together, and
that the varieties resulting therefrom are innumerable ; whereas, the fact is that
these insects are as particular in their amours as any others, and the varieties are
equally referrible to their proper species, the male usually, however, differing from
the female in colour. This last circumstance has caused some confusion in the
naming of species ; and to be accurate in the study of this tribe it is indispensable
to observe them when in union. Fabricius subdivided the Libellulida! into three
genera, Libellula, JEnhna, and Agrion, which have been generally retained by
entomologists, though much extended by Dr. Leach. I shall, however, here ad-
here to the Fabrician arraugement, as sufficient for the present occasion, and
perhaps a British example under each may be useful to the young inquirer. All
the species of this tribe have two great lateral eyes, and three smaller ones or
ocelli, situated on the vertex, antennae minute and almost concealed, strong cor-
neous mandibles, wings extended horizontally or meeting vertically above the
back, reticulated in an admirably delicate manner, and with the tarsi three-
jointed. The larvae and chrysalides inhabit the water till the period of their ulti-
mate metamorphosis, and bear a considerable resemblance in form to the perfect
insect, but having only the rudiments of wings. They are remarkable for the sin-
gular construction of the piece which replaces the lower lip, covering the mandi-
bles, maxillae, and almost the whole under part of the head ; it has been compared
to, and called by some, a mask. Having completed the initiatory period of their
existence, the pupae issue from the water, climb up the stems of reeds and other
aquatic plants, and, divesting themselves of their old skins, prepare for the enjoy-

157

ment of sporting in another element with appendages previously hidden from
view and undeveloped in their beauty.

I. Libellula, Fabricius. The individuals of this genus have their wings
extended horizontally when at rest. The head is globular, and the eyes very
large and approximating. Two ocelli on each side a vesicular elevation on the
vertex, and the anterior one much larger. L. depressa is a well-known species,
generally very common in May and June, dispersed on the margins of ponds all
over the country, and hence easy of capture. It never seems to diminish or
indeed materially to increase its numbers, though it is recorded by Blumenbach,
from Voight's Neues Magazin, that in the years 1806 and 1807 they appeared
in great crowds in Thuringia and the Hartz. The abdomen of the male is of a
fine blue slate colour, which he displays very conspicuously as he shoots along ;
that of the female is brownish yellow, with yellow spots on each side. Both are
remarkable for the elegant black and orange markings at the bases of all the
wings. L. depressa may be very frequently seen perched upon a dry hedge-stick
in the hot sunshine, where he seems to be imbibing the solar rays, and darts
off swift as an arrow if disturbed.

L. quadrimaculata, a much rarer species, of a light brown colour, with
hairy thorax, is distinguished by two conspicuous brown spots on the costal nerves
of each wing, with a broad scorched-like mark at the base of each of the posterior
wings. L. cancellata is another fine species. L. vulgatissimus, brown, with yel-
low markings, may be met with in June about woods and hedges.

II. iEstiNA, Fab. The JEshruz resemble the Libellula? in the position and
bearing of their wings, and in the form of the head, but their two posterior ocelli
are placed in a simple transverse elevation, in the form of a carina. M. Van der
Hoeven lays some stress upon the cellulae at the base of the anterior wings, being
larger in JFshna: than in Libellula;, and horizontally shaped, instead of inversely
triangular ; while there is no difference between their anterior and posterior wings,
which there always is in the latter. The abdomen is here narrow and elongated.
2E. varia is a splendid insect : his size, varied colours, rapacious habits, and
rapid flight, justly entitling him to the appellation of an " emperor of the insect
world." The thorax is marked with four broad greenish-yellow stripes, and the
abdomen is beautifully variegated with green and yellow, on a brown ground.
Wings four inches in expansion, iridescent. This species is very partial to the vici-
nity of woods, dashing with amazing velocity among the ramifications of the trees,
while tints of dazzling splendour play on his resplendent armour as he shoots along.
This insect flies later than most of his order, probably to catch the evening insects.
Mr. Newman has placed the Libellulidcc in the centre of his septenary scheme of
insect creation, as the type of Nature's perfection of skill and splendour in this
division of animated life. " In this group," he observes, " we find the organs of
sight, manducation, and locomotion carried to a greater degree of perfection than

158

we ever met with except in similar centres : like the king of birds, the Dragon-fly
is unrivalled among his kind."*

JE. grandL?,\ (Lin. and Stephens), ranks here, a noble species, scarce-
ly inferior in size to the preceding : thorax and abdomen auburn brown, with
brown glazed wings. JE. annulata ( Cordulegaster annulatus, Leach) has the
thorax jet black with yellow lines and the abdomen brown with a yellow trans-
verse line in the middle, and two yellow spots on the side of each ringlet. I found
a dead specimen of this insect lying on the beach at Fishguard, Pembrokeshire,
this autumn.

III. Agrion, Fab. The Agriones differ from the other Libellulidse in their
wings being elevated when at rest, the head being transversal, and the eyes dis-
tant from each other. The ocelli are placed in a triangle, and the abdomen is
cylindrical and linear. Perhaps in delicacy of form, silken splendour of attire,
and elegance of veiny wing, they excel the other families of a tribe where elegance
and splendour is the prevailing characteristic ; and hence the appellations of
Virgo, Puella, and Sponsa have been poetically applied to them ; they have all,
however, the predaceous habits of the tribe, but fly less swiftly, with hovering in-
decision, and vagabondizing mostly in low marshy situations by the sides of
streams, ponds, and rivers, often reposing on aquatic plants, are very easily taken.
Their larvaB feed in the water, but their bodies are more attenuated than those of
their congeners with a long tail.

A. virgo ( Calepteryx virgo, Leach) we have previously described as of
singular beauty. The beep-blue of the thoi'ax and abdomen, relieved by golden-
green reflections, forms a splendid object. Wings without a real stigma, yellow-
ish, with a deep purple stain in the centre. This is a social species, numerous
squadrons being commonly seen sporting together on the reedy margins of rivers
in June and July.

A. puella. — Another social species, very delicate in form, of a lovely blue,
and abundant about rural ponds as soon as the spring is firmly established, Un-
der this name Linneus placed, as varieties, several forms, very similar in shape
and habit, but differing in colour. He imagined these supposed varieties inter-
mixed with each other, which is not the case ; and they now, therefore, are justly
named as species. A. sanguineum, A. albicans, A. annulare, A. zonatus, A.
rvfescens, &c, are all to be found in wet places and about pools, adding by the

* Newman's Sphinx Vespiformis, p. 28.

■j- The term grandis seems to have been applied to several species of the Llbellulida; re-
markable for size and beauty ; and hence a confusion has arisen difficult to unravel with-
out having the specimens of different authors before us. Linneus, in the last edition of
the Syst. Nat., does not mention the colour of the abdomen; and some state it to be brown,
and others spotted with green. L. maculatissima, of Stephens, was probably alluded to in
the latter case.

159

beauty of their mazarine blue, sanguine green, and white tints, to the charms of
those solitary spots, where, seated on the heath beneath the birchen shade, the
tired Naturalist, while he rests his wearied frame, marks with pleasure the succes-
sive gleams of coloured light, as band after band of these bright creatures flutter
about the pink Polygoni or sober brown shaggy and wiggy Bulrushes.

A. autumnalis (Lestes autumnalis, Leach) is a species that appears late in the
year, with light-brown thorax and abdomen, and membranaceous wings marked
with " an oblong-quadrate parallelopiped stigma." Unlike its congeners, its incon-
spicuous colours render it an object of no attraction, and, coming with the close of
summer amidst rains and falling leaves, its manners and habits have been little
attended to or regarded. There is still much to be learned respecting this inte-
resting tribe, both as regards their larva and perfect state ; and he who would
publish a monograph of the British Libellulidae in English, with accurate figures
of the whole, would be rendering a very acceptable service to entomological sci-
ence, since I can refer to no English publication at present, for a description of
all the species, though Mr. Stephens in his splendid work has much enlarged the
Agriones.

But while we have been thus dilating upon the Libellulidce, the sun shining
forth with almost insufferable radiance, warns us that however congenial his heat
may be to them, it is too powerful for us, and the shade of yonder oak coppice
offers a grateful shelter. A spring over the brook, a crash upon the broad leaves
of the Tussillago, and we are within it. How deliriously cool ; while not a
sound breaks the stillness, and not even a vagrant fly molests us. Alone in
gloomy quietude Paris quadrifolia lurks, with her single sable berry surrounded
by the green calyx ; and springing up among the dead oak leaves the curious or-
chideous plant Listera nidus-avis, can at a little distance be scarcely distinguished
from them, though now opening her singular brown dead-like flowers. On, now
then, to inhale the thymy fragrance of the hill top, where the minute flesh-coloured
and delicate blossoms of the Ornithopus perpusillus couch lowly on the earth,
spreading out their curious legumes in imitation of the feet of birds, and where in
long trailing spikes the dark purple Milkwort (Polygala) spreads out her winged
petals, and the blue Argus butterfly wantons among the rising brakes, just unfold-
ing their curled-up fronds. But the Pheasant has just risen with a loud whir
from the eggs she was sitting upon, and an alarmed gamekeeper who will know
nothing of our " untaxed and undisputed game" is approaching. Perhaps on a
future occasion, blue skies and sunny hours may urge us to be " abroad " again,
gleaning delight amid the attractions of the woods and fields.

REMARKS ON THE PRESENT NOMENCLATURE OF BRITISH

ORNITHOLOGY,

WITH A VIEW TO ITS REVISION AND CORRECTION.

By the Rev. F. Orpen Morris.

There is not, perhaps, any subject connected with ornithology on which so
great a variety of opinions is entertained, as its nomenclature ; and while all Natu-
ralists admit that the evil should be remedied, there are scarce any two who can
agree as to the course to be adopted to effect this object. One probable means of
attaining the great end which we all have in view, — a fixed and corrected nomen-
clature of our native birds, — would be, by a deputation being appointed to meet
together from various parts of the country, either at London, York, or Edinburgh,
and consulting pro and con on the propriety of each name proposed or used — to
establish it finally, or to erase it by common consent. But there is little probabi-
lity— perhaps hardly any possibility — of this course being adopted : in the mean
time the most reckless and gratuitous changes are prompted by the Naturalist's
individual caprice. In briefly stating my own views upon this subject, as an hum-
ble individual among the multitude of ornithologists who are arising up all around
us, it is far from my wish to cast any slur upon their opinions should I find it
necessary to animadvert upon them. I am only desirous of breaking the ice for
some one more capable than myself to cross the lake.

There are two classes of names in Natural History — generic and specific, with
regard to which a difference of opinion has been, is, or may be entertained. Now,
with respect to both of these, I will lay it down, in limine, as an absolute rule
which is on no account to be deviated from, that, where alteration is unnecessary,
it is unpardonable to alter ; and that no feeling of vanity, whether felt for one's
self or one's friend — no insufficient or inadequately explored ground of opinion —
ought to have weight to induce any writer to change an already established name,
constituted with sufficient reason. With this broad principle all will, probably,
agree ; but upon it there immediately arises the question, " What is a sufficient
ground for alteration ?" and this involves a previous question, " What is sufficient
to establish a name so that it should not be altered ?" Here it is that the differ-
ence of opinion begins to extend so widely ; for scarcely any two Naturalists are
agreed definitively on a single name. It is a singular fact that there is, probably,
not a name (I mean among the better known and better investigated species, such,
for example, as our British birds) which has not some one synonym at least, and
most of them a great number : if, therefore, this mania is not checked, the evil
will in time progressively extend to the whole catalogue of nature, and, as if her
creatures were not already sufficiently varied and diversified, we shall increase

161

them to a tenfold number, " proceeding," as Mr. Burchell observes in The Vicar
of Wakefield, " in a reciprocal duplicate ratio." One writer assigns a species to
one genus, another to another, so that, assuming, for the sake of argument, that
each is right, we shall ultimately have no distinction between genus and species —
every species will comprise a genus, every genus will contain but one species ; and
thus one representative name would answer the purpose of two, with half the trou-
ble and twice the simplicity.

With regard to generic names, Dr. Lindley says, "so impossible is it to con-
struct generic names that will express the peculiarities of the species they repre-
sent, that I quite agree with those who think a good unmeaning name by far the
best that can be constructed." What Dr. Lindley means by " a good unmeaning
name" it is difficult to say ; because, if the name be unmeaning, which he assumes,
and in which he considers its excellence to consist, it would be well adapted for
its purpose, provided it were not monstrous or ridiculous. If we admit the cor-
rectness of his opinion, which I shall discuss presently, the matter, as far as gene-
ric names are concerned, is settled at once ; but if we leave this a matter of un-
certainty or of choice, assuming his proposition as to the impossibility of construct-
ing generic names which shall express the peculiarities of the species, we shall
then have a difficulty to encounter with this class of names, which does not meet
us with the latter, because then it might be no easy matter to determine whether
alteration would be needed or not — in connection, I mean, with the fitness or unfit-
ness of such names.

But it remains to be considered whether it is really better that the generic
name should be unmeaning or not : and, first, it is evident that if a name can be
selected whose meaning can express the peculiarities of the species, such a name
is preferable to one which, having no meaning at all, can of course convey no in-
formation as to the characteristics of any individual contained under it. That it is
possible for such names to be employed is manifest in the cases of genera which
contain only one species ; because, if a specific name can be chosen which will ex-
press the specific difference of that kind, nothing can be more easy than to express
the same by some other tautologous word ; or, if that is not practicable, it may be
accomplished by the one name being expressed by a word of Latin, the other by a
word of Greek, derivation. Again, even in the case of genera which contain
more, or many more, species than one, I do not see, even here, what is gained
by using a name which has no meaning ; but rather on the contrary it appears to
me that something is gained if the generic name be capable of expressing even a
part of the peculiarities of its species ; and I am inclined to believe that some
generic name might be constructed to express even all of them, (without being of
any immoderate length) although that is not indispensably necessary ; because if
part of the peculiarity is expressed by the specific name, and the other part (com-
mon, perhaps, to all the species) is expressed by the generic, the whole definition of

VOL I. Y

162

the bird may then be conveyed — so far, at least, as it is possible to do so briefly
in any two compounded words. It need not be stated, that no generic name
should be contradictory of the existing circumstances of any of its species.

But to pass on to the second class of names — the specific. In the first place,
the last mentioned postulate is required also in their case, and if modern discove-
ries should prove an error in any existing name, that is quite sufficient reason for
its alteration ; at the same time all due deference should be paid to the original
composer, and chief of all to Linneus ; and if some portion of the original name
can be retained by alteration, instead of an entirely new one being formed, it
would in all cases, I should say, be desirable.

Secondly, the specific name should express, to the fullest possible extent, the
peculiar characteristics of the bird ; but if a name already existing is unobjection-
able in other respects, and has no other fault than that of not conveying so clear a
meaning as some other new name, I do not think that a sufficient reason for alter-
ing the original one.

Thirdly, the specific name should not be founded on a generic character ; if
it is, that is quite enough to authorize its alteration.

Fourthly, the same specific name should not be used twice in the same genus,
nor indeed twice at all, supposing that to be possible, as I think it is ; but this is
a point which may admit of some doubt.

Fifthly, they ought to express some peculiarity distinct from that of any other
species in the same genus ; nor should they be derived from similarity of appearance
to some other species, but rather from the habitat, food, or general appearance of
the kind they represent.

Finally, I would urge that specific and generic names should be classical ; and
if any one think this a matter of minor importance, I would refer him to either of
the classes in zoology, and then to determine whether the unintelligible barba-
risms which will everywhere offend his eye and ear (if he has been at all used to
more orthodox combinations) and the absolute jargon of such semi-graeco-latino-
anglio forms as there abound, do not call loudly for " reform." What are we to
think, for example, of erythrinus, pellucidator, torquilla, lacteator, rninutorius,
pectoratorius, hyalinata, frondescent'm, nuficapitella, hyppolais, suhhimacu-
lella, punctaurella, etc., etc., all of erroneous construction ? names selected at
random, belonging to a class which contains thousands of equally offending species,
and hundreds which offend ten times more grossly. Unhappily, the evil has taken
such extensive root, that a man must possess no ordinary degree of perseverance
who would sit down to revise and correct the whole list ; but something, it is evi-
dent, should be done, and I think the existence of the evil alluded to in any spe-
cies to be quite a sufficient reason for its alteration. It must be understood as
professed, in forming our nomenclatures at all from the Greek and Latin lan-
guages, that some propriety should be observed in the formation, and when this is

163

not attended to, it has not been intentional on the part of the nominator, but has
arisen from inability, or carelessness, or from a wish to adopt a similarity of ter-
mination. Connected with this subject is the desirableness of a similarity of ter-
mination* in the names of the species of a genus, agreeing also, if possible, with
the termination of the generic name itself; but I must decline giving my opinion
whether this be feasible or not in all cases. As one great means towards effecting
a classical uniformity of nomenclature, it appears to me desirable that generic
names should be of Greek, and specific names of Latin, oingin ; this distinction
has been already obscurely and insufficiently acted upon, as will appear by refer-
ence to any general catalogue, but so inadequately and imperfectly as to form only
exceptions to the rule. If the rule of grammatical propriety be not attended to in
the first instance, any succeeding writer whose ear may be offended by the impro-
per expression will feel called upon to alter the erroneous name ; and this, in very
many cases, would cause so great an alteration in the form of the word as to add to
the already too numerous list of synonyms. As an example, the first which occurs
to me, and, therefore, by no means so strong a one as might be adduced, I will
take the generic name of the common Brown Owl, Aluco auctorum. Now this
word does not occur in the Latin language, but doubtless Alucus was intended,
which may be found in all dictionaries (whether from the habits of the bird it has
anything to do with " lucus a non lucendo" is more than I can say) : of this I was
not aware when I first published my Guide to an Arrangement of British Birds,
but as soon as I discovered the error I corrected it in the Supplement. The
English names of our birds remain last to be considered, but for the present I
must leave the subject : when I resume it, T will give a synoptical table of British
ornithology, formed according to the rules laid down above, as the basis of a second
edition of the Guide, which I am now preparing.

( To be continued).

ON THE CHELIFER.

It has been generally admitted that the Chelifer, a species of small articulated
octopod animal, does not spin a filament like their congener, the Spider. Mr.
Lucas has, however, established that the Chelifers do possess the faculty of secret-
ing a given number of threads, but to a smaller extent than those of the Spider,
and under different circumstances of locality ; which, doubtless, led to the errone-
ous opinion hitherto entertained by Naturalists on this subject.

* Above all things, there should be no difference of gender in the several species of a
genus.

REMINISCENCES OF THE RHINE;

ORNITHOLOGICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL.

The following notices, made during a recent tour on the Rhine, may not be con-
sidered altogether unworthy a place in the pages of The Naturalist, conceiving,
as I do, that the slightest contributions, detailing facts, may assist others who, with
more knowledge, perseverance, and means, may be treading the same paths, and ena-
ble them to devote their attention to particular spots in search of those favourite ob-
jects which the Naturalist, of whatever class he may be, hails with a delight un-
known and incomprehensible to the non-observer of those minuter portions of the
living world, who pass them by unheeded and disregarded, as unworthy of a mo-
ment's contemplation. The time comprised within the limits of these observations
was a period of about six weeks, commencing from the middle of June. When
leaving England, I unfortunately omitted to re-provide myself with nippers and
insect nets, which I had transferred to the hands of a friend embarking on a
distant and arduous expedition— an omission I was unable satisfactorily to supply
in any one of the large continental towns through which I passed, and which I the
more regret as I was perpetually tantalized with glances at insects which, by the
rapidity of their flight, eluded capture, and only left me to guess at their character
and identity, without sufficient accuracy to enable me to record them with a cer-
tainty of being correct in my opinion. But for this unfortunate deficiency, I have
no hesitation in saying, that, from the numbers I occasionally saw, and the rich
field of discovery afforded by certain localities, I might have added to my stock an
hundred fold, and not thought it necessary to apologize for the brief reminiscences
I have now in my power to bestow.

I shall commence my list of birds with the Moor Buzzard, (Falco ceruginosusj.
I can only speak positively to one specimen, seen through a telescope, as it rested
immoveably, perched on the dead branch of a tree in rather a wild and open part
of the country near Wiesbaden. I had watched its motions for some time as it
slowly and sluggishly skimmed over the adjacent field and marsh grounds, and I
have reason to suspect that some other birds of the Hawk tribe, which I had occa-
sionally noticed soaring high in the air, were of this species, as the males, during
the breeding season, which might be considered as scarcely passed, are said to
elevate themselves to considerable heights, and remain suspended on the wing for
a length of time.

The Kite, (Falco milvus). I can well remember the time, in my boyhood,
when two, three, or even more of these large and graceful birds might be seen
almost any day winging their wide circles, and rising or descending in spiral
flights ; but the race, in England, seems rapidly to approach extinction — whether
from the increased vigilance of game-keepers, increase of population, or other

165

unknown causes, I leave for the determination of abler Naturalists. It was,
therefore, with a sort of friendly feeling, associated with years long gone by, that
I again hailed the appearance of these birds — abundant as once in my own land —
soaring above me when in the valleys, or below me as I looked down on that splen-
did view which bursts upon the sight from the battlements of the Attenschloss, or
old castle of Baden Baden. In the latter case, when their airy forms, lightened
up by the rays of a continental sun of which England is doomed never to know
the brilliancy, were relieved by contrast with the dark shades of the pine-forest
beneath, every graceful motion might be observed, the almost invisible quivering
of the wing, the varied rudder-like guidance of the lengthy forkened tail — now
lateral, now perpendicular — and the keen, penetrating eye, as the pirate of the
woods floated slowly by on a level with the castle rock. From their numbers, it
would appear that the gardes de chasse of the Grand Duke allowed them to exist
unmolested.

The Eagle Owl, ( Strix bubo). The only specimen I saw was an unfortu-
nate captive, imprisoned in a wicker cage, in the most inappropriate situation ima-
ginable for a solitary and hermit-like tenant of the forest and the wilderness.
There he stood erect, with his bright, brilliant, glaring, golden eyes — now half-
opening, now closing — then, shaded by the intervention of his nictitating mem-
brane, exposed to the full light of the noon sun, with the additional reflection of
the wide sheet of waters of the Rhine immediately before him. But this, perhaps,
he counted the most insignificant of the daily evils he was doomed to suffer ; for
his prison was within a yard or so of a public garden, filling up a vacant angle be-
tween the entrance and the front door of one of the most crowded and noisy hotels
in Cologne — inviting, by its juxta position to the public path, a visit from every
passer by, man, woman, or child ; the former suffocating, and offending his nice
sense of smell, by clouds of smoke from countless and ever-puffing cigars — the
second deafening his ears by an incessant Babel of unknown tongues — and the
third, in addition to cries and ejaculations, poking and annoying him with sticks
or any other assailing materials within their reach : the garden, moreover, over-
flowing from morning till night with visitors of all nations and descriptions, for
whose amusement (most assuredly not for the Eagle Owl's) a loud military band
was employed morning and evening, and, when required, at intermediate times, to
exercise their vacation.

It was said to have been taken in the neighbourhood, but the exact locality I
could not ascertain. Poor bird ! How differently situated from the last I had
noticed of his species on the Continent. At midnight, in one of the wildest gorges
and dark forests of the Pyrenees, impinging on the dreary flanks of the Maladitta,
I was roused from a reverie by a startling and unearthly shriek. It was the cry
of the Eagle Owl, and I shall never forget it.

Butcher Bird, (Lanius excubitor). Never having seen this species alive and

166

at liberty in England, I was at first rather at a loss to ascertain the name of a bird
which allowed me frequently to approach within a few yards, as it sat on the pro-
jecting twig of a bush in the vallies of the hilly district of Baden Baden. I can
testify to the power assigned to it by some Naturalists, of varying its notes, or ra-
ther imitating those of other birds. Not exactly, indeed ; for my first acquaintance
with the Butcher bird was occasioned by hearing notes not entirely familiar to me,
though much resembling those of the Stonechat. Following the sound, I soon
discovered the utterer, and while listening, to my surprise, the original notes were
discarded and others adopted of a softer and more melodious character, never, how-
ever, prolonged to any thing like a continuous song. Its grave ash coloured garb
with its peculiar black patch on the cheek, soon convinced me that my unknown
friend was the Butcher bird, that petty tyrant of its neighbourhood, carrying on in-
cessant warfare and wanton waste of life amongst the small fry of the passerine order,
and whose war-cry was wont to set a host of minor warblers to flight. When con-
templating the plump, comfortable, tame-looking bird before me, its placid look and
mild demeanour beaming, as far as externals might be depended on, with benevo-
lence and good will to every songster of the grove, I could scarcely persuade my-
self that its character had not been grossly libelled, and that such a picture of bon-
homie was not, in truth, the friend and guardian of his lesser feathered brethren.
But that his tender mercies were cruel was a fact too firmly established to admit of
doubt ; and as be flitted away to a distant spray, I was left alone to meditate on the
truth of the adage, applicable to birds as well as men, nimium ne crede colori.

The Golden Oriole, ( Oriolus Galbula). I might for a moment have had
my doubts as to the specific identity of the last mentioned bird, but here there can
be neither error nor hesitation. On the least observing, this concentrated essence
of golden plumage obtrudes itself ; and who that has ever once seen this passing
meteor of brightness, even on the wing, can doubt of its being the Golden Oriole.
I saw but one in a state of freedom ; its presence adding one more item towards
perfection in the lovely entrance of the valley leading to the mineral springs of
Tonestein, and the solitary lake and convent in the circuitous route between
Briihl and Andernach. I could not find that they were common anywhere ; if,
indeed, plentifully distributed over the country, they ought to be much oftener
seen, as they are in the habit of frequenting orchards or gardens ; being, like our
Jays, sad thieves when the ripened cherry-trees tempt them to become purloiners.
I suspect, however, that they are locally gregarious ; for a French Naturalist once
assured me that, in his roamings through the forests of his district, months often
passed without his falling in with a single bird ; whereas, at other times, not limit-
ed to particular seasons, he occasionally found them in comparative abundance.
In the public market at Cologne I saw a pair of young ones in nearly full plumage,
for which I was asked the moderate sum of three shillings. Had my steps been
bending downwards on the Rhine, instead of upwards with a long journey before

167

me, assuredly these two birds should at this moment have formed a part and par-
cel of my domestic establishment, and you, Mr. Editor, might have haply been gra-
tified with a more minute detail of the habits of this beautiful portion of the fea-
thered creation.

Storks, (Ciconia). Who that has traversed Holland, Belgium, &c, has
has not exclaimed, as they first caught sight of these birds, " Look at the Storks !"
as one or two, statue-like, motionless as mai-ble, balanced on a single slender leg,
presented themselves to view, perched on the summit of a picturesque chimney top,
like a grotesque colume whose capital was an overhanging bush of thorns and
twigs. There they stand, with the addition, if later in the season, of some two,
three, or four queer-looking, puffy, amorphous-looking things by them, which, but
for projecting beaks ever and anon gaping and shutting with a sort of clacking
sound, might be taken for an accumulation of cotton fluffs. Should only one of
these immoveable sentinels be on its post, the spectator will do well to continue on
the watch ; for in a very few minutes his attention will be drawn to the arrival of
a partner in the nursery proceedings of the chimney top, slowly and gracefully
gliding through the air, and taking position within neck's reach of the puff-bodied
offspring. Pausing for a moment, the fresh comer's neck is stretched forth, and the
head bent at a right angle, so as to place the beak in a perpendicular position between
the mandibles of one of the expectant candidates for the produce of the parental
craw. Another moment's pause, and then the perpendicular beak, opening with
a sort of spasmodic jerk, disgorges the result of its forage in their fens and
marshes, with unerring aim, down the throat of the recipient young one, which,
with quivering extacy, gulps down the semi-digested mass of frogs, minnows, or
other gelatinous materials provided for the repast ; which being finished, all the
parties concerned resume, for a time, their motionless and noiseless attitude. They
look the pictures of meditation ; and who shall say that those grave heads are not
dwelling on subjects surpassing man's understanding ? There is one who has
given them a power of thought and discrimination unpossessed and unintelligible
to us, by which, with a truth which sets the skill of the most experienced navigator
at defiance, the Stork learneth its appointed time, and when and how to wend its
way to other regions destined to be its residence for the remainder of the year.
Were these feathered philosophers allowed utterance but for an hour, how much
might they disclose of the instinctive machinery whereby the Creator provides for
the well-being of all his living works ! and with what admiration should we be
made partakers of this additional development of the expansive agency of Omni-
potence !

I shall conclude my few ornithological remarks by alluding to the small
number of birds, generally speaking, usually met with on the continent. These
observations have been forced upon me repeatedly in the many excursions I have,
at various times, made in all directions. Magpies, Jays, and even Crows, are, in

168

many districts, almost rarities , for miles and miles may be often passed without
seeing one. The lesser birds are, also, in like manner, comparatively scarce ;
Sparrows, which, whether in London streets or our rural lanes, meet us at every
step, are by no means plentiful on the other side tbe water ; but in many parts, and I
may instance Baden and environs in particular, Chaffinches appear not only to oc-
cupy their place, but assume their bold character. For one Sparrow I have counted
twenty or more Chaffinches ; and those who, like myself, may have preferred break-
fasting under the shady trees in the beautiful grounds adjacent to the castle at
Heidelberg to the common room of the hotels in the town below, will bear me
out in testifying to the boldness of the Motacilla coelebs. I have seen them re-
peatedly not only contend with each other for the crumbs within a yard of my feet,
but even perch on the table and carry off the pieces of bread I placed within their
reach.

Before finally dismissing the subject of birds, I cannot help referring to the
admirable collection in the museums at Leyden and Bonn — but more especially
the former — both excellent in all respects. I must, however, confine myself to
the case in point, and refer to the unrivalled collection of ornithological skeletons,
set up and prepared in the most perfect manner ; and I am induced to allude to it
more particularly, with a hope that this highly important branch of Natural His-
tory may be more attended to in our own museums. The comparative anatomy of
birds is in itself a subject of the highest interest on every account, and is entitled,
I should venture, with all deference, to assert, to at least as much, if not more,
attention than the outward form and garb ; and yet in our own country there is
scarcely a museum where the slightest is paid. Probably the difficulty of preparing
skeletons may have acted as an obstacle. I am perfectly aware of the nicety re-
quired and the disappointments that too frequently ensue ; and perhaps, Mr. Editor,
I cannot do better than to entreat you to call upon your friends and readers, who
are competent, to the task, to afford, through the medium of the pages of Hie
Naturalist, the best modes of making these preparations. What an invaluable
addition would it be to our practical knowledge, if chemistry could point out any
corrosive substance which would rapidly decompose the flesh without destroying
the ligatures by which the bones are held together !

[To be continued.]

OBSERVATIONS ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF MYOSOTIS.

By Robert J. N. Streeten, M. D.

In the Species Plantarum of Linneus four species of the genus Myosotis are
enumerated. Two of these are now referred to Echinospermum ; of the remaining
two, the Myosotis scorpioides is the only one with which we are, at present, con-
cerned. Under this name the immortal founder of systematic botany — for until
his time the science was little more than a rudis indigestaque moles, a confused
mass of observations beyond the powers of the most retentive memory to retain —
appears to have included several of the now recognized species, three of which he
indeed characterizes as varieties. Of these varieties the first, a, is the Myosotis ar-
vensis of the Swedish botanists and of Hooker's British Flora ; the second, ft is
the M. palustris of modern authors, the true Forget-me-not ; and the third,
y, is the M. versicolor of Lehman and others. Our countryman, Ray, had
already recognized these varieties, and Dillenius had added another, the Myosotis
scorpioides latifolia hirsuta (M. sylvatica of Hooker's British Flora}., of which
he gives a figure. This last, however, appears to have been first admitted as a
distinct species of the flora of this country by Sir James Smith, in his English
Flora, under the name of M. intermedia, although he erroneously refers the
plant of Dillenius to his M. sylvatica, which is the M. arvensis of the British
Flora ; Hudson had previously admitted it as a variety of M. scorpioides in his
Flora Anglica, in addition to those described in the Species Plantarum. Sir
James Smith and Sir William J. Hooker have not only recognized the preceding
as species but have admitted three new ones — the M. alpestris of Schmidt, the
M. cosspitosa of Schultz (?) and the M. collina of Hoflman ; which last is the M.
arvensis of the English Flora, although with some erroneous synonyms. To
these may, perhaps, be added the M. repens of Don, which is admitted as a dis-
tinct species by some foreign botanists, although it has hitherto been considered,
by British authors, as a variety merely of M. palustris.

Having made these preliminary observations, I proceed now to give the charac-
ters of the genus and species, with such remarks as may be required for their
further elucidation.

Myosotis, Linn. — Scorpion Grass.

Linnean Class, Pentandria — Order, Monogynia.

Natural Order, Boraginece, Jussieu.

Gen. Char. — Calyx five-cleft or five-toothed. Corolla salver-shaped, with a
short tube; the lobes obtuse, emarginate; the mouth half-closed, with short
rounded scales. Nuts smooth, perforated at the base.
vol. i. z

170

1. M. palustris, " Kiphoff," ( Great Water Scorpion Grass. Forget-me-
not). Calyx with straight appressed bristles ; when in fruit campanulate, with
short, broad, spreading teeth, shorter than the divergent pedicels. Limb of the
corolla flat, longer than the tube. Pubescence of the stem spreading. Racemes
leafless.

M. palustris, Eng. Bot., 1. 1973 ; With., ed. 3, v. ii., p. 225 ; Smith, Engl. Fl.,
v. i., p. 249; Borr. in Hook. Br. Fl., ed. 3, p. 101. M. scorpioides, /}, Linn.,
Sp. Plant., p. 188. M. scorpioides, S, Huds., p. 78. M. scorpioides palustris,
Raii Syn., p. 229.

Ditches and sides of rivers ; common. Perennial ; flowers from June to Sep-
tember. Roots long and creeping. Herb bright green. Stems from twelve to
eighteen inches high, ascending, branched, leafy, clothed with short, spreading, bristly
hairs. Leaves sessile, elliptic-oblong, rough, with appressed bristles. Flowers in
long leafless clusters, very beautiful, of a bright blue colour and enamelled ap-
pearance. This is the true Forget-me-not ; the Vergiss me nicht of the Germans.
The elegance and enamelled brilliancy of its soft blue flowers has rendered this
little plant a general favourite, and drawn to it the attention of the poet and the
moralist. The legend to which it owes its popular name is not generally known,
and may, therefore, not be unacceptable here. A young German maiden, walk-
ing with her lover by the side of a brook or stream, whose sparkling waters were
rolling rapidly along its course, observed the flowers on the opposite bank. At-
tracted by their beauty, she expressed a wish for them ; when the young man in-
stantly plunged into the stream, the deceitful clearness of whose waters disguised
the depth. He with difficulty reached the opposite bank so as to obtain the
flowers, but was immediately carried away by the force of the current. Hastily
throwing them to his beloved, and exclaiming " Vergiss me nicht ! Ver-
giss me nicht /" — Forget-me-not ! Forget-me-not ! — he sunk to rise no more.
The memory of the unfortunate youth, and the faithfulness of the disconsolate girl,
have ever since been preserved in the name of the flowers, and the Forget-me-not
has, from this period, been considered as the emblem of constancy and truth — of
friendship and love. The following lines, expressive of this emblematical signifi-
cation, are a nearly literal translation of a stanza in a very beautiful poem called
Die Sprache der Blumen, or the language of flowers :

" Anxious and care-worn is thy lot ?
Behold yon floweret in the murmuring stream,
Friendly, and light, and blue, its star-like gleam :

Love names it the Forget-me-not.
Would'st thou thy life not waste in sorrow vain,
With holy hands the truth thou wilt retain."+

f From the German of Schreiber.

171

2. M. repens, Don, MSS., (Creeping Scorpion Grass J. M. palustris, fi,
Hook., Scot., p. 67.

I am unable to give the character of this plant, as I have had no opportunity of
seeing specimens, or of consulting a description ; the short, broad teeth of the
calyx are, however, so constant in M. palustris, and the value of the characters
derived from the calyx in this genus so generally admitted, that we can scarcely
refuse to adopt the suggestions which have been thrown out respecting this plant,
without, at the same time, invalidating almost the only distinctive marks which we
have for discriminating the species of Myosotis in general. Mr. Borrer observes —
" Perhaps M. repens, Don, may be specifically distinguished by the deeply-divided
calyx (which I pointed out long ago to Sir J. E. Smith) and the copious pubes-
cence of that part. Its racemes are not always, although very often, leafy." —
Hook. Br. Fl., ed. 3, p. 101. And in a note it is stated — " Mr. Backhouse ob-
serves to me that the bracteas among the pedicels are constant ; the laciniae of the
calyx narrower and shorter (?) than in M. palustris, full half as long as the calyx,
and the whole plant smaller : the calyx is nerved. It flowers earlier by two
months in the higher parts of Yorkshire than M. palustt'is does in the lower."
It is found in moist situations in Scotland (Messrs. G. and D. Don J and in the
higher parts of Yorkshire (Mr. Backhouse J.

8. M. lingulata, Lehman ? (Lesser Water Scorpion Grass). Calyx with
straight appressed bristles ; when in fruit campanulate, with broad spreading teeth,
shorter than the divergent pedicels. Limb of the corolla concave, equalling the
tube. Pubescence of the stem appressed. Racemes leafy.

M. lingulata, Lehm., Asperif., p. 110? M. cozspitosa, Schultz ? Smith,
Engl. FL, v. i., p. 450 ; Engl. Bot., t. 2661 ; Borr. in Hook. Br. Fl, ed. 3,
p. 102.

Ditches and watery places ; common. Annual or biennial ; flowers from May
to August. Root fibrous. Herb lax, pale green. Stems about a foot high,
throwing out fibres from the lower joints, ascending, slender, leafy. Leaves
shorter and somewhat broader than those of M. palustris. Flowers smaller.
Calyx more deeply divided. The specific name caispitosa is so singularly inap-
propriate that I cannot but suppose there must be some error in quoting Schultz
for this plant under that name, although I have not the means of satisfying myself
upon this point. At all events, Lehman's name of M. lingulata, if, indeed, it
applies to the same species, is not only more applicable, but has the claim of pri-
ority in respect of publication. I have foreign specimens of a plant which may
possibly be the M. caispitosa of Schultz ; of which the following are the charac-
ters. Calyx with straight appressed bristles. When in fruit campanulate with
lanceolate teeth, equalling the recurved pedicels. Limb of the corolla flat, longer
than the tube. Pubescence of the stem appressed. Racemes leafless. The habit
is that of M. palustris but the whole plant is much smaller, my specimens being

172

from two to four inches high. Root of several long fibres. Stems erect, appa-
rently tufted. The flowers are equal in size and beauty to those of M. palustris,
but the pedicels are recurved and rather shorter than the calyx which is nearly
half five-cleft and its segments narrower and deeper than those of M. palustris.

4. M. alpestris, Schmidt, (Rock Scorpion Grass.) Calyx with straight
bristles, the lowermost incurved, deeply five-cleft, when in fruit campanulate,
straight, shorter than the slightly spreading pedicels. Limb of the corolla flat,
longer than the tube. Root-leaves on long stalks. Racemes leafless.

M. alpestris, Hook. Scot., p. 66. ; Smith, Engl. FL, v. 1., p. 252. ; Borr. in
Hook., Br. FL, p. 102. M. rupicola, Engl. Bot., t. 2559.

Highlands of Scotland, on the Breadalbane range. Perennial ; flowers in July
and August. Root fibrous. Stems from four to six inches high, leafy, clothed
with spreading hairs. Flowers large, of a brilliant blue, as beautiful as those of
M. palustris.

5. M. sylvatica, Hoflm., ( Wood Scorpion Grass J. Calyx with spreading
hooked bristles, deeply five-cleft, when in fruit ovate with closely converging teeth,
shorter than the divergent pedicels. Limb of the corolla flat, longer than the
tube. Root-leaves on short dilated stalks. Racemes leafless.

M. sylvatica, Hook. Scot., p. 66. Borr. in Hook. Br. FL, ed. 3, p. 103.
M. intermedia, Smith, Engl. FL, v. 1, p. 250, (excl. syn.) M. scorpioides, y,
Huds., p. 78. M. scorpioides latifolia hirsuta, Dill, in Raii Syn., p. 229.
t. 9., f. 2.

Dry shady places ; Essex and Kent, Dillenius ; Norfolk, Rev.R. B. Francis;
woods ; North of England ; and Lowlands of Scotland, Sir W. J. Hooker. Pe-
rennial ; flowers in June and July. Herb of a dull green and covered with lax
hairs. Leaves oblong, broader than those of M. arvensis. Flowers nearly as
large as those of M. palustris. Mr. Borrer observes, various authors and culti-
vators pronounce this plant perennial, (Fries says " perennans," Wahlenberg " sub-
perennans,") whilst the following species (M. arvensis, Hoffm.) is indubitably
annual, between which and the present individual I can point out no other dis-
tinctive characters more satisfactory than the somewhat more deeply divided calyx
of M. sylvatica, its shorter and less remarkably hooked bristles, the broader
and flatter corolla, and the greater size of the whole plant." (Hooker's British
Flora, ed. 3., p. 103.) Sir J. Smith, in the English Flora, has strangely con-
founded the synonyms of these two plants and certainly misapplied that of Dille-
nius to his M. sylvatica, which is M. arvensis of the British Flora, but there is
no ambiguity either in the description of his M. intermedia or in the character
which he assigns to it. They have obviously been drawn up from this plant, M.
sylvatica, and there can be no hesitation, therefore, in referring M. intermedia of
the English Flora here. I am inclined to think that this species is by no means
common.

173

6. M. arvensis, Hoffm., (Field Scorpion Grass). Calyx with spreading
hooked bristles, half five-cleft, when in fruit ovate with closely converging teeth,
shorter than the divergent pedicels. Limb of the corolla concave, equalling the
tube. Racemes with a leaf at the base.

M. arvensis, Hook. Scot., p. 67, (excl. syn.) ; Engl. Bot., t. 2629 ; Borr. in
Hook. Brit. Fl., ed. 3, p. 103. M. sylvatica, Smith, Engl. Fl., v. i., p. 251,
(excl. syn.) ? M. scorpioides, u, Linn., Sp. Plant., p. 188 ; Huds. p. 78. M.
scorpioides hirsuta, Raii Syn., p. 229.

In fields, gardens, cultivated places, hedge-banks, &c. Very common. An-
nual ; flowers from May to September. Root fibrous. Herb of a rather pale
green, clothed with lax, spreading, soft hairs. Stems from 12 or 18 inches to 2
feet high, branched above, leafy. Leaves oblong, the lower ones and root-leaves
on dilated stalks. Racemes terminal, usually with a leaf at the base, and axillary,
the terminal raceme forked, frequently with one flower situated exactly in the axil
of the fork. Flowers smaller than in any of the preceding. This is, according
to Fries, the " ipsissimam M. arvensem, Linn. ;" and, as Mr. Borrer observes,
" the only one usually found in cultivated fields." Sir J. Smith's M. arvensis is
probably the M. collina, Hoffm. ; although he appears to have had very indistinct
ideas respecting this species, as well as the present. Indeed it is difficult to de-
cide what his M. sylvatica may have been, and the description would seem to have
been drawn up partly from this and partly from the preceding. Withering's M.
arvensis refers especially to the present species, but includes, also, the preceding
and M. versicolor, and probably, also, the M. collina of the British Flora. The
M. arvensis is certainly the most common of our British species, and abounds
along the borders of cornfields, under hedge-rows, &c, attracting attention by its
long clusters of pretty blue star-like flowers, which, although neither so conspicu-
ous nor so elegant as those of the true Forget-me-not, are yet sufficiently so to
deserve the notice of the admirer of Flora's treasures. A fairy bouquet of jewels
of no ordinary beauty may be formed from these sapphire-like flowerets, in con-
junction with the small pink or amathystine rosettes of Geranium molle or Are-
naria rubra, the pure- white pearly stars of many rays of Stellaria graminea, and
the little golden Maltese crosses of Galium cruciatum.

7. M. collina, Hoffm., (Early Scorpion Grass). Calyx with spreading
hooked bristles, when in fruit ventricose open, equalling the recurved pedicels.
Limb of the corolla concave, shorter than the tube. Raceme usually with one re-
mote flower near the base.

M. collina, Borr. in Hook. Br. FL, ed. 3, p. 103. M. arvensis, Engl.
Bot., t. 2558 ; Smith, Eng. FL, v. i., p. 252, (excl. syn.).

Sandy banks, walls, and dry places. Not common. Near Edinburgh, Dr.
Greville ; near Hagley, Worcestershire. Annual; flowers April and May.
Stems from two to six inches high, clothed, as well as the leaves* with open silky

174

pubescence. Flowers blue, very small, in simple racemes ; the lowermost flower
usually remote, near the base of the raceme ; sometimes, though rarely, in the axil
of the leaf from which it springs. Its flower-stalks are remarkably recurved when
in fruit, in my specimens. It is probable that this species, in consequence of its
early flowering and fugacious nature, may frequently escape notice ; but I am con-
vinced that it is not a common plant, as the above station on a sand-bank near
Hagley, is the only one in which I have hitherto detected it. The smaller varieties
of M. arvensis are probably sometimes confounded with this species ; and judging
from the list of synonymes in the English Flora attached to the M. arvensis of
its lamented author, which is really this plant, Sir James Smith does not appear to
have been exempt from this error.

8. M. versicolor, Lehm., ( Yellow and Blue Scorpion Grass J. Calyx with
spreading hooked bristles, when in fruit oblong, longer than the almost erect
pedicels. Limb of the corolla concave, shorter than the exserted tube.

M. versicolor, Eng. Bot., t. 2558 ; Hook. Scot., p. 67 ; Smith, Eng. Fl,
v. i., p. 253 ; Borr. in Hook. Br. Fl., ed. 3, p. 104. M. scorpioides, P>, Huds.,
p. 78. M. scorpioides, v, Linn., Sp. Plant., p. 189. M. scorpioides hirta minor,
Raii Syn., p. 229.

Dry sandy fields and pastures, on walls, in wet meadows, &c. Common. An-
nual ; flowers from April to June. Root fibrous. Stem four to six inches high,
branching from the base, clothed with lax whitish hairs, leafy. Flowers upon long-
stalked racemes, changing colour from yellow to blue as the spirally-curved summit
of the stalk is unfolded. The calyx is very deeply cleft, more than three-fourths
of its length, and by no means closed when in fruit, as stated in the British
Flora. The succession of blue and yellow flowers is a very curious fact, and one
which deserves more investigation than it has yet received ; as the change of
colour from yellow to blue is not easily accounted for. There can, however, be
little doubt that it really occurs, as an attentive examination of the flowers shews
that the upper or younger ones, as Mr. Borrer has remarked, are always yellow,
while the lower or older ones are as constantly blue. This plant attains a consi-
derable elevation : I have found it growing luxuriantly on the North Hill, Mal-
vern, near the summit, (which is about 1400 feet above the level of the sea), and
also on the top of Ankerdyne Hill. But, notwithstanding the high authority of
the authors of the English and British Floras, I am disposed to think that it is
not generally of very common occurrence. It is certainly not frequent in the
neighbourhood of Worcester ; and the late Mr. Purton, in his excellent Midland
Flora, marks it as rare, giving only the habitat on the Malvern Hills, where I have
myself found it.

The various colours of the flowers and other parts of plants have been
supposed to be owing to variations in the degree of oxydation. Light obvi-
ously exerts great influence in developing colours : thus the leaves of plants

175

may be blanched by excluding them from this agent. Lettuces, endive, celery,
kale, and other vegetables, are prepared for the table by preventing the access of
light, as in the operations of tying up the leaves, earthing the roots, or covering
the whole plant with opaque earthen pots. The bleached pallid appearance of
greenhouse plants which have been kept in situations where the light has not been
sufficiently admitted, arises, also, from the same cause ; while the brilliancy and in-
tensity of the colours of flowers in tropical and alpine countries is owing to the in-
tensity of the light and the clearness of the atmosphere in such situations. Expo-
sure to light, therefore, tends to develop the colours of plants ; but in what way the
effect is produced is not so evident. Whether it arises from any chemical change
in the state of oxydation, or from any physical variation in the optical properties of
the vegetable tissues from their more vigorous growth and nutrition when under
the stimulus of this powerful and pervading influence, does not seem clear. The
green parts of plants, especially the leaves, exhale oxygen, as is well known, on
exposure to the light of the sun ; while the coloured parts, such as the flowers,
more frequently exhale hydrogen and azote. By the action of alkalies, also, the
red colour of many flowers becomes, in succession, blue, green, and ultimately
even yellow — a change which may possibly be owing to their acting as deoxydiz-
ing principles. The change in the blossoms of the Myosotis versicolor is from
yellow to blue, and ultimately to faded purple or red — that is under exposure to
the light, which, as it induces the exhalation of hydrogen and azote from the
coloured parts, tends, therefore to the accumulation of oxygen in the same parts,
the yellow passes successively into blue and a faded purple or pink. I have, how-
ever, never observed any approach to the intermediate stage of green between the
yellow and the blue flowerets of M. versicolor. The investigation of the
causes to which the colours of flowers are owing is very important, both in relation
to vegetable physiology and to optics ; and this little plant seems well calculated,
when submitted to judicious experiments, to afford valuable information to the in-
quirer into these interesting arcana of natural and physical science.

Boa Constrictors. — A recent traveller in South America, journeying from
Lima to Vara, in the Brazils, observed that the inhabitants of the latter place take
great pleasure in rearing the Boa Constrictor (quere Python Tigris) ; and that
Mr. Smith, the North American consul, possesses several for the purpose of de-
stroying Rats, with which those parts are terribly infested. These creatures
sometimes attain the length of eighteen feet, and the colours of their skin are bril-
liant beyond description, particularly after moulting. They have never been
known to injure any one, and even exhibit local attachment to places and persons.

PHOSPHORESCENT APPEARANCE OF THE SEA.

By C. Dubois, F. G. S.

At certain seasons of the year particularly, the sea presents, at night, a lumi-
nous appearance — small sparks being, as it were, constantly emitted in quick suc-
cession, similar to an electrical series. Naturalists have long been undetermined
as to the precise cause of this pleasing phenomenon ; but their explanations are
sometimes contradictory, and often doubtful. By some it was ascribed to electri-
city or magnetism ; by others to the putrescent state of vegetable or animal matter
floating on the surface of the water ; others, much nearer the truth, attributed the
phosphorescent appearance of the sea to myriads of luminous animalculae ; and
there is nothing to prevent the conclusion that these different opinions have, when
united, explained the principal features of the phenomenon ; but the error lies in
exclusively ascribing it to either.

The luminosity of the sea is evidently due, in many instances, to the presence
of excessively numerous animalculae, possessing the property of throwing out small
bright sparks while they are alive and in a state of activity : it may, also, occur
that the vegetable and animal rejectimenta exhibit a phosphorescent light ; other
simple mucous substances, incapable of definition, may do the like ; and various
mysterious chemical combinations may also contribute to the same effect : but,
generally speaking, the luminous brilliancy of the sea is most frequently occasioned
by marine animalia. Animal phosphorescence is either general or particular : in
the latter case, it is produced by animals of a greater or smaller structure, and not
numerous in a circumscribed space : these are polypi, radiata, medusae, pyrsomae,
biphorae, and some species of fishes, &c. The general phosphorescence of the
sea: — which always extends over a far greater limit — must, therefore, be attributed
to myriads of microscopic animals. Peron, Eschscholtz, Quoy, Gaimard, Mer-
tens, Surriray, Lesson, and many other distinguished Naturalists, have described
these animals, and observed that they lose their luminous property after death, or
in consequence of a loss of activity. In hot and tempestuous weather, these ani-
mals are most abundantly seen, and their phosphorescence more considerable. It
is easy to convince ourselves that to their existence the luminous appearance of
the sea, in certain situations, can alone be attributed ; since a quantity of water
exhibits light in a receptacle, so long as it contains living animals of that species,
and it ceases to be so if they are deprived of life by the insertion of a tin wire
into the water.

In the ocean, and on the French coasts, the animal producing this phenome-
non is named, by M. Surriray, Noctiluca miliaris ; and we here give its portrait,
immensely magnified, since its natural size does not exceed 1 -1000th of an inch.

177

It belongs to a group of the actinozoaria, or radiated animals ; and De Blainville
places it in the Diphydce.

The Noctiluca miliaris, here figured, is of a globular form, to which is attach-
ed a peduncle or tail-like appendage ; and its interior exhibits, through the pellicle,
numerous radiating vessels emanating from an ellipitical centre, placed nearer to
one side of the circle than the other. During life, these appear to dilate and
expand ; and the phosphorescent property lies in them, but is only exhibited
during a state of activity, when their motion is too rapid to be observed, resembling
a quick pulsation. The whole globular mass being propelled in every direction by
a jerking motion of the pedunculated stem, the extreme difficulty of catching sight
of one of these little restless creatures in a humour to be minutely examined, pre-
vents a more detailed description ; but we beg leave to call the attention of Natu-
ralists so situated as to have frequent opportunities of investigating their structure,
in order to elucidate more clearly the singular natural phenomenon produced by
this wonderful Marine Illumination Company.

A Correspondent is desirous of ascertaining the best existing catalogues
in the various departments of Natural History. He wishes to know from what
works, whether professedly catalogues or not, the most comprehensive lists may
be obtained of the different classes of animated nature, by adding which together,
the amount of the grand total might be roughly guessed at — as far, at least, as
our present confessedly scanty knowledge of the hosts by which we are surround-
ed would allow us.

vol i. 2a

OVA OF THE SKATE-FISH.

Having discovered that a peculiar-looking substance, apparently the seed of
some kind of sea-weed, was, in fact, the egg of the Skate-fish, I was induced to
examine the same more minutely : in doing which I made the following observa-
tions : —

This egg is of a pale sea-green colour, becoming darker with age ; in form it is
a quadrangle, having at each corner long tuberous projections run-
ning parallel to each other from the narrow side of the shell, thus : ^) d!
These horn-like tubes are open at their ends, through which the
sea-water is admitted. The shell is tough, elastic, and extremely difficult to open
— indeed not easily with the assistance of a knife — and very liable to shrink when
laid to dry, unless it is first filled with sand. They differ much in size, depending,
I am inclined to believe, on the size of the fish. On some shells I have observed
sea-weed growing — an interesting fact, as it shows either the rapidity with which
sea-weed will spring up, or the length of time before the fish is perfect ; perhaps
both, for one fish, which appeared on the verge of breaking the shell, I kept for
examination, and it was one month before it assumed a perfect state.

As it would be tedious to mention the state of perfection the fish was found in,
I will confine myself to the following observations : —

On opening the shell, a substance, having motion, is found, but so little form-
ed as scarcely to be ascertained what it is. It is an embryo fish, attached by a
tough sinuous substance* (rather difficult to cut in two) to the upper surface of
something of the size and shape of a Sparrow's egg. Though in its earliest stage
a person may conjecture what it is, yet, from its shapeless appearance, no one can
speak with any certainty. It has a pale, watery appearance, and moves its tail with
difficulty, as though it was a piece of sinew — a motion it possesses before it is
spawned.f The pale colour becomes red, until it has the appearance of raw flesh,
owing to the skin being transparent ; it afterwards has the outward resemblance
of a full-grown Skate.

The egg is covered with innumerable blood-vessels branching from one main
trunk, which takes its rise from underneath the sinew by which the fish is attach-
ed to it, and running in parallel directions down the sides, are ultimately united to
another large blood-vessel which runs into the same place from which the former
main, trunk sprung. From this I am inclined to suppose that the former is an
artery conveying the nutritious blood through the egg; having performed that

• This substance I had to cut with a penknife.

•j- This statement appears correct ; for one of these fish (in its earliest stage), having
died, was cut from the egg to examine the latter, and then put aside : it soon dried up and
became perfectly flat.

)

179

function, it is afterwards carried back by the latter to the place from which it
sprung, where, after undergoing some process, it becomes nutritious, and again
passes through the artery for the supply of the egg, &c. As the fish increases in
size the egg decreases, the blood-vessels at length disappear, and the egg is ulti-
mately reduced to the size of a pea, when it seems drawn up in the middle, and at
length disappears, it being absorbed by that stomach which had been gradually
forming from its humour. This stomach bears such a close resemblance to the
colour of the egg, that, when half-formed, there at first sight appears to be two
eggs.

On this egg being pricked, a liquid flows out having the appearance of hu-
mour ; on examining the outward covering after pressing out the liquor, the blood
vessels appear to be inclosed in it. If the liquor is suffered to dry it will form a
soft gluey substance, similar to that of the yolk of a Fowl's egg.

It appears that the liquor from this egg supports and nourishes the fish in its
embryo state, and afterwards performs one of the principal functions of its exist-
ence ; probably the same function as the yolk of a Fowl's egg, i. e., to assisting
the chicken forming in its shell, and ultimately form the entrails.

One fish taken from the shell in an early stage of its existence lived but a
few hours. Another, probably advanced three or four days, and a third, appa-
rently about to break its shell in about as many days, lived and came to perfection
a month or five weeks after, the eye, though closed, being capable of motion all
the time.*

It would, therefore, seem that life, or rather motion, commences at an early pe-
riod of its embryo state ; and probably about the time, or a little before, the egg is
absorbed, the fish is perfect in all its parts, and capable of seeking its own nourish-
ment ; and when the egg is entirely absorbed hunger compels it to force its way
out of the shell in search of food.f

• The eye, when formed, appears inclined to open, but is prevented by long, narrow
slips of skin-like eye-lashes, but united at their ends.

•j- From the number of sea-shells left by the tides about this time, it appears the ova come
to perfection about the time shell-fish cast their shells ; so that during this early stage of
their existence providence directs they shall meet with food to support them in their state
of weakness.

2 a 2

THE TURNIP FLY (Athalia spinarum).

Some of your readers may not possibly be subscribers to Mr. Curtis's invalu-
able British Entomology ; in which case they will not have seen the useful infor-
mation his last number contains relative to the Turnip Fly, that pest of farmers.
Respecting this insect there is so little known, even among those who are in other
respects well-informed, that I strongly recommend an attentive perusal of Mr.
Curtis's interesting description. It is not the fly itself that is the author of the
damage, at least not in his winged state ; he is, " ut dicam" comparatively inno-
cent : but it is his former self — if I may be excused the Hibernicism — to which he
is now " unlike, Oh, how unlike !" that causes all the mischief. Having emerged
from his " durance vile" he displays a fine yellow body ; but when he was a gro-
velling worm of the earth he was clad in sable robes — in mourning, if you will
forgive the flight, for the destruction and havoc he was spreading all around him.
Then he was confined to the turnip fields ; and if the farmers had only possessed
the information which Mr. Curtis has now given, they might have learned a sim-
ple and most easy method of getting rid of their countless enemies. If a hurdle
is drawn lightly over the field it will brush them off the leaves, and once on the
ground they are in their graves ; they cannot make their way over the soil, or
ever again ascend the stalk. But now that they are invested with wings they roam
wherever their fancy leads them, having first probably deposited their eggs on the
turnips, which is the only food on which their larvae can live, as they will not even
touch the swedes. Whether the perfect insect affects any particular plant does not
appear to be satisfactorily ascertained ; possibly not. Having been so long con-
fined, in the larvae state, to one kind of food (from its incapacity to search for
any other), it now probably seeks for a greater variety of delicacies than formerly
fell to his lot to enjoy. The winged insect appears as early as March, and is visi-
ble to the middle of October ; the larvae continue to the same time from about
the middle of August. Ducks are particularly fond of the caterpillar, which is
most plentiful the beginning of September, and if turned into the fields will eat
them with avidity. The larvae abound much more in some localities than others,
but are said to have been more abundant this summer than they have been for the
last thirty years. In very many fields the leaves of the turnips have withered and
turned yellow ; in some instances causing the entire destruction of the root, in
others producing an unhealthy appearance. This occurred previous to the plants
having attained their full growth, and they did not afterwards make much advance
in size ; the blight was upon them, and they looked as if they had been scorched
by the hot wind of the desert. Some farmers attributed this destruction to the
black caterpillar of which I have been speaking, though I think they are mistaken,
as they only eat the fresh leaves, and would find no sustenance in the withered
ones ; but the secret, in my opinion, is, that the season which is favourable to the

181

appearance of the insect, and draws it forth from its long captivity, is uncongenial
to the growth of the plant, which consequently fades or dies. Other agriculturists
attribute the destruction to the larva of a plague of flies with which several parts
of this county have lately been visited ; but this I consider an erroneous suppo-
sition.

Francis Orpen Morris.

ON THE NESTS OF BIRDS.

In the last number of The Naturalist an intelligent correspondent at Camp-
sail Hall, gives an account of a most curious instance of eccentric nest-building,
viz*, " a Wren's nest in that of the Chimney Swallow," and invites the readers of
The Naturalist to bring forward any parallel instances. I regret that he omitted
to state in what situation the nest of the Swallow was built, as these delightful
summer visitors will sometimes indulge a freak and choose a place of all others, to
our ideas, the most unlikely. The handles of a pair of garden shears, the Owl
and Conch Shell in White's Selborne, are convincing proofs. I now comply
with Mr. C. T. Wood's wishes, by stating the following facts. In the spring of
1832, I was agreeably surprised to see a pair of Chimney Swallows busied in mak-
ing their nest within a small shed in my garden, closed on three sides, but open to
the east, at eight feet from the ground. In this nest they had two broods. In
1833 the nest was usurped by a pair of Wrens, and the Swallows, on their arrival,
finding it so, made another nest on the opposite side, in which four eggs were depo-
sited ; I had then the satisfaction of shewing to my friends the nests of my pets, at
twenty inches distance only from each other. A violent gale of wind in the night,
during the Swallow's incubation, damaged the thatched roof of the shed, and in
the morning I saw the nest hanging by a portion of the thatch, with the eggs re-
maining in it. I had it replaced immediately as well as I could, but it would not
do ; and from that time I lost the pleasing company of my Swallows. The other
nest remains, and the Wrens have this year hatched their young in it, being the
fourth of their occupation. I have hitherto taken out their old nest in autumn, to
prevent the accumulation of insects, but have not done it at present, as I think of
removing the shed. I shall be much gratified if my feathered favourites continue
their domicile on my premises.

J. Clayton.
JFishbourne, near Chichester,
Oct. 13th, 1836.

ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES.

Having been much interested by a singular instance of parental affection and
sagacity of a Chaffinch (Fringilla spiza), I have thought that the anecdote might
not be unacceptable to the readers of The Naturalist, for wbom I accordingly
transcribe it :— " This day week, I think it was, (says Mr. Maceroni, in a letter
dated June 16,) it blew almost a gale of wind. A Chaffinch's nest, placed near
the top of a high Common Escule, (Esculus vulgaris,)* in the front of the house,
was damaged, and one of the young, nearly able to fly, fell to the ground, which I
caught. It was old enough to eat of its own accord ; and I kept it perched on
a hen coop until this morning, when it contrived to get into the roof of a barn,
and whilst I was attempting to get it down, surrounded at the time by four
or five children, who were, of course, making a great outcry lest the little orphan
should be lost, the mother flew down from the other side of the house, and with-
out the least hesitation, seized her little one by the leg and carried it off to the top
of the high tree from which it had fallen a week before. I regard this as rather a
curious circumstance ; the power of wing in the old bird being not the least re-
markable of its interesting features." — The following somewhat similar instance
of sagacity is related by Wilson of the Ruffed Grous ( Tetrao umbellus) : —
" The young leave the nest as soon as hatched, and are directed by the cluck of the
mother, very much in the manner of the Common Fowl ( Gallus variabilis). On
being surprised she exhibits all the distress and affectionate manoeuvres of the
Common Colin ( Colinia vulgaris, Nuttal ; Perdix virginiana of Latham), and
of most [many] other birds, to lead you away from the spot. I once started
a female Ruffed Grous with a single young one, seemingly only a few days old ;
there might have been more, but I observed only this one. The mother fluttered
before me for a moment ; but, suddenly darting towards the young one, seized it
in her bill, and flew off along the surface through the woods with great steadiness
and rapidity till she was beyond my sight, leaving me in great surprise at the inci-
dent." If I mistake not, Audubon mentions a parallel case of an American species
of Nightjar. Other birds, as the wild Ring Duck (Anas boschas, Lin.), the
Tufted Woodard ( Dendronessa spansa, Sw.), and the Common Gallinule ( Gal-
linula chloropus, Will.), must also occasionally carry their young in their bills, as
they are all known to build more or less frequently many feet high in trees, &c.
It is said that the Common Rusticol (Rusticolla vulgaris, Vieill.), has been seen
to transfer its young by flight.

Turning from young birds to nests, I shall here notice an assertion made by a

" The trees in the Escule family (Esculacem) are vulgarly confounded under the name
Horse Chesnut : they have, however, no affinity with the Chesnut (Castanea), which is in
the Hazel family (Corylaceas), which, among other genera, contains the greatest glories of
the British forest, the Oak and the Beech.

183

writer in the Analyst, concerning the nidification of the Rose Muflin (Afedula ro-
sea J.* In an amusing article on this species, in No. IV., vol 1, p. 258, the writer
refers to the assertion made by Selby and Mudie, that the nest is sometimes found
with two openings, and proceeds to disprove this by reasoning. I am happy to be
able to bring forward an instance proving the truth of the assertion, as stated by
the former of the two eminent Ornithologists just mentioned : — " In one of your
former letters (says Selby) you ask if I ever saw the nest of the Longtailed Tit
furnished with two holes or entrances ; two such instances I have met with in my
own plantations ; and in each, when the bird was sitting upon her eggs or callow
young, the tip of the tail generally protruded beyond the upper or rather hinder
orifice. One of these nests was kept for some time, but the access of moths
obliged me to consign it to the flames." This interesting fact is an additional in-
stance to the many already on record, of the danger of reasoning from mere nega-
tive evidence or preconceived notions, instead of from actual observation ; the for-
mer is a foundation of sand, the latter of rock.

I shall conclude this miscellaneous communication by expressing my pleasure
at seeing the zeal and success with which the principles of ornithological nomen-
clature, as explained in Nos. XII. and XIV. of The Analyst, have been brought
into practice in The Naturalist : and I hope that the barbarous and unscientific
mode of naming birds adopted by Bewick, and other authors of the old school, with
all errors of science, however high the authority to uphold them, will sooner or
later be buried in oblivion. And, let me ask, is it not quite as easy and much more
satisfactory to call the Accentor modularis, Hedge Dunnock than Hedge Sparrow,
the Merula vulgaris, Garden Ouzel instead of Black Bird, and the Sylvia melo-
dia Yollow Treeling instead of Yellow Wren ?-f-

There never has been, and perhaps never will be, a new discovery, without
exciting at the outset some degree of opposition, arising sometimes from igno-
rance, prejudice, self-interest, and indifference. The present subject seems, how-
ever, to have pretty nearly overcome all these obstacles ; and although (as Bell
truly says in his beautiful work on British Quadrupeds, p. 146,) often much under-
rated, terminology now receives its due share of attention. Agreeing, as I do, with
a zoological writer of the present day in the opinion that " incalculable benefit

* Longtailed Tit, and Parus cavdatus of old writers.

•f I perceive, at page 34, that Mr. Blyth objects to the generic name, Treeling, which
I have adopted for the genus Silvia, and proposes " Pettychaps," which Yorkshiremen,
when they hear, generally turn into Prettychaps. This name is not euphoneous enough for
so handsome and familiar a bird. If adopted at all, it should be Petty chap, (See Shaw's
Gen. Zool.J, similar to Redwing, Longshank, Thicknee, which we do not call Redwings,
Longshanks, Thicknees. According to Rennie, (see Quarterly Journal of Agriculture, No.
33, p. 43), these birds are called, in Scotland, Bushet Leddy, on account of their elegant ap-
pearance.

184

will accrue to the science of Natural History in general, from dispassionate discus-
sions on the true principles of nomenclature," I hope that Mr. Blyth will soon re-
deem his promise at p. 34, and " take the subject in hand" himself.

The British Song Birds, lately published, is, I believe, the first English work
in which the principles have been, not only acknowledged, but acted on. Most
of the names are unexceptionable, though there are two or three oversights — as
Phcenicura for Ruticilla, and Brakehopper for Locustel. The English names of
the genera should, also, have preceded the Latin, instead of coming after : for, in
an English book, the English names are the most important.

C. T. Wood.
Campsall Hall, near Doncaster.

[Several of our Correspondents entertain views widely opposed to each other on the
disputed point of a reform in the nomenclature of British Ornithology. We submit their
communications on this subject to the readers of The Naturalist, in the hope that sugges-
tions may be elicited in the discussion which will prove interesting to Ornithologists. —
Eds.]

ON THE RING PIGEON.

I find Mr. Neville Wood rather sanguine in his hopes of domesticating the
Ring Pigeon. I have known many attempts at it, which all failed. I never could
learn that any one of the birds, though taken from the nest and reared up to an age
when it might be expected, were ever heard to coo. It is a well-known fact that
a bird of this species taken, with its fellow (which soon died), from the nest, was
brought to a farm in the neighbourhood of Chichester, where every facility con-
finement could afford was given it to mate with a common Pigeon, without suc-
cess. At eight years of age, it being proved to have consumed as many peas
as would have brought the sum of ten pounds in the market, an order for its
decapitation was given forthwith.

J. G.

REVIEW.

German Periodical.

Wiegman, Archiv.fur Naturgeschichte. Zweiter Jahrgany, 1, 2, und 3er, Heft.

We now proceed to redeem the promise given in our last number to extract
what appears to be most interesting in the above work, and at the same time to
give a general idea of its contents.

The first paper of the first part is an elaborate monagraph by Opatowski, De
Jamilia fungorum JBoletoideorum, three species of which he separates and forms
by them two new genera, which are characterized. The remainder, containing the
typical genus Boletus, he divides into sections and subsectionsaccording to the
structure of their tube. The species are described very fully, and the synonyms
carefully introduced.

We have next Contributions to the History of the Hymenoptera, by Chr.
Drewson and F. Boie. This paper will necessarily be appreciated by the Entomo-
logist from the glimpses it gives into the history of a tribe of insects of which we
as yet possess but a very imperfect knowledge. The time has at length arrived
that due attention commences to be paid to the pupivorus Hymenoptera, which
from the exceedingly important function they perform in the economy of nature,
and the powerful influence they exercise over all the other orders of insects, cer-
tainly have not merited the almost gross neglect they have experienced until within
these few years. Gravenhorst's labours, in conjunction with those of his worthy
associate, Nees von Esenbeck, have reduced to something like systematic order
the chaos in which these insects had been left by all their predecessors ; but even
their works require revisal. Here we have the more important portion of the his-
tory of a few recorded, which exhibits them in the exercise of their prescribed
functions, and this with the exception of some scattered observations in the works
of Gravenhorst, Nees, and Curtis, in the papers of Haliday and Walker, and in
the pamphlet of Bouche, is all we as yet know of their " private history." We
present our compatriot entomologists with the substance of this paper in the hope
that it may induce those who possess the opportunity, or who happen to catch such
evanescent facts to record them ; and we invite them to do so, for our pages will
be always open to their use. It is almost only hence that we can expect to attain
a more natural arrangement of this extensive host than it has been possible hither-
to to construct.

The following facts we find here recorded : —

Ichneumon sicarius, Grav. Both sexes from the pupae of Lithosia rubri-
collis.
vol. i. 2b

186

Ichneumon Jbssorius, Miiller. The female, on the 15th of September, from

the pupa of Noctua Typhoe.
oratorius. The male, in summer, from the pupa of Noctua f estiva.

saturatorius. Female from the pupa of Noctua phragmitidis.

They here remark the curious fact of the Ichneumon and the Moth being

developed at the same time, but that the caterpillar of the latter is only to
be seen nine months later ; they, therefore, suggest that the eggs of the Ichneu-
mon are probably deposited near those of the Moth, and that the larvae of the
former subsequently work their way into the body of the caterpillar, or that there is
a second brood of the Ichneumon. The latter is certainly the most plausible sup-
position, and it is not improbable that the Ichneumon is not confined to the cater-
pillar of one moth, as we shall observe under Pimpla rufata, and that thus the
exigency is met.

Ichneumon lineator, Fab. Male, on the 4th of June, from the pupa of Geo
metra elutata.

monitorius, Panz. Male and female, from the middle of June to

the end of July, from the pupa? of Noctua pronuba, and but one parasite
to each.

ambulator ius, Fab. On the 13th of July, from a pupa of Noctua

polyodon.

vadatorius. Female, on the 10th of June, from the pupa of Noc-
tua pronuba.

culpatorius. On the 20th of June, from the pupa of Noctua cu

cubali, which had over-wintered ; in this the wings were tinged with a

dark cloud : and on the 29th of August, from a pupa of the unknown

caterpillar of a Noctua, which had changed on the 29th of the same

month, in which the wings were silaceous.
This difference of colour in the wings arose probably from the different quality
of the food of the larva, a fact analagous to which we observe in many of the lepi-
doptera, which feed on two different plants, and producing a similar effect in the
colour of the imago.

Mesoleptus limitarius, Grav. Upon Nematus ventricosa, of Klug, which

feeds upon the currant.
exornatus, Grav. Upon a new Nematus described in both sexes

but without a name, which feeds upon Pinus abies.
Tryphon exstirpatorius, Grav. Upon a Nematus (the Tenthredo Betulae

of Fallen), which feeds upon a willow.
Trogus alboguttatus, Grav. The male from the pupa of Noctua pudi-

bunda, on the 15th of June, and the female on the 8th of July.
Jlavatorius. The male and female, in June and July, from the pupa?

of Sphinx Salicis.

187

Lissanota murina, Grav. The male, on the 23rd of April, from the pupa of
Noctua gothica, and the female, on the 7th of May, from the same.

Bassus ornatus, Grav. The male from caterpillars of Noctua Chenopodii
found on Salsola kali on the sea shore, in September, the parasite mak-
ing its way out before the caterpillar could fully change into the pupa.
Each appeared to be destroyed by only one, and some of the ichneumons
formed even an earthy envelope like that contracted by the moth.

Pimpla rufata, Grav. In the autumn from pupae of Vanessa Urtic&, and in
the summer from pupae of Sphinx Ligusiri which had over-wintered.

Exetastes clavator, Fab., and E. osculatorius, Grav. From the very similar
pupae formed by larvae which had fed upon caterpillars of Noctua olera-
cea.

Campoplex diffbrmis, Grav. Female, in June, from the pupa of Tortrix
Ameriana.

pugillator. On the 24th of May from the pupa of Geometra ob-

scurata, and on the fifth of June from the pupa of Noctua marginata
and that of Geometra brumata.

These, they think, may also be specifically or sub-specifically different.

Campoplex capricornis. Males and females in number from larvae which had
preyed gregariously upon immature caterpillars of Noctua typhoe, which
they deserted in June, enveloping and transferring themselves within the
leaves of plants.

Paniscus glaucopterus, Grav. Prom the pseudo caterpillar of Cimbex femo-
rata.

testaceus, Grav. From the pupa of Cerura vinula ; the females

were found to be developed later than the males.

Anomolon Jlaveolatum, Grav. From pupae of Noctua batis.

Ophion obscurus. Female on the 24th of July, from the pupa of Noctua le-

porina.
luteus. Male and female on the 10th of June, and the female on the

20th of August, from the pupae of Noctua Cucubali, Noctua Absynthii,

and Noctua innartri.

The authors suggest that these Ichneumons may be specifically different,

although not apparently so, founding their supposition upon the development from

different insects ; but we have already seen, under Pimpla rufata, that this is not

universal.

Chelonus irr orator. On the 10th of June, from the pupa of Noctua psi,
which had over-wintered. This has been, but incorrectly, considered a
British insect.
The doubts of the authors as to the specific identity of apparently identical spe-
cies developed from different insects, cannot be admitted. It is no more than

2b 2

188

analogous to the fact of many of the Lepidoptera feeding upon different plants.
We cannot, it is true, yet trace it to any known law ; but it is not enveloped in
greater obscurity than the other well-known circumstance, also corroborated in
some of the above observations, of several species, and even genera, of parasites
feeding upon the same insect. The most extraordinary instance adduced above
are those of Mesoleptus, Tvyphon, and Paniscus feeding upon Tenihredinidx.
Could some parasite be found to infest Athalia spinarum, the agriculturist might
then hope for a permanent check to one of his greatest enemies ; but we are sadly
afraid that the mere acumen of Entomologists will never elaborate an effective
remedy for the devastation amongst turnips until nature lends her help by the
abundant propagation of a destructor of the destroyer in the shape of an insect
parasite.

The authors, also, partially characterize a new genus ( Gravenhorstia) for
the reception of a new insect, allied to the Ophions, developed in May from the
pupa of Bombyx Trifolii : as this moth is common with us, the Ichneumon may
also be found, and we therefore give the characters.

Gravenhorstia. — Boie.

Head with four impressions on the face beneath the antenna?, placed in pairs,
the two upper ones half-moon shaped, and between them a small tubercle. An-
tenna of the length of the abdomen. Scutellum very convex, triangular or sub-
quadrangular. Wings short. No cell. Posterior legs long; tarsi incrassate.
Abdomen petiolated, as long again as the thorax, laterally compressed, enlarging
towards the apex. Ovipositor scarcely exserted.

G. picta, B. — Black. Pace and orbits of the eyes yellow ; tubercle of the
face, black. Antennae reddish yellow, the two first and fourth joints black above.
Thorax very convex, punctured, opaque, pubescent, with twelve yellow spots, of
which two large triangular ones on the prothorax, one on each side, two smaller
ones in stripes before and beneath the wings on each side, and the six others as
large as the first beneath the coxae, which are very shiny. Scutellum also yellow.
Wings yellowish with brown stigma. The anterior and intermediate legs of a
brownish yellow ; and the posterior pair, with the femora and apex of the tibia?,
brown. The Abdomen shining, with seven broad yellow bands placed on the mar-
gins of the segments. Length from eight to ten lines ; females larger than the
males. Habits resemble those of Ophion.

The next article is a Systematic Investigation of the Family of the Bostri-
chidaz, by Dr. Erichson, a name which ensures the value of the monograph from
being so advantageously known as that of the author of the genera Dyticeorum,
an inaugural Dissertation, and the Paper upon the Histeroides of the Berlin

189

Royal Collection published in Klug's Annals of Entomology. Our space does
not permit us, at the present moment, to give an abstract of its contents ; but
we propose returning to the subject in a future number.

We have next " Extracts from the Observations of Swedish Naturalists," by
C. It. A. Krassow, containing a multiplicity of short notices deeply interesting to
the northern Europea nzoologist ; but the remaining paper is a monograph of the
genus JRhinolophus, amongst the bats, by Temminck, whose investigations have led
him to conclude that the two warts above the os pubis, which are not present in
the female of one year old, barely incipient in the second year, and only fully
developed in the third year, are not nipples, but appendages for the secretion of a
fat offensive substance. He reduces Dr. Horsfield's seven Javanese species to
three, and introduces, as new, three from Java, one from Africa, two from Am-
boina, and one from Japan, thus encreasing the number of the species to seven-
teen, exclusive of three very doubtful ones.

The most interesting paper in the second number is from the novelty of its
subject, that by Lichtenstein, containing his observations upon living Cephalopoda,
made during a short visit to the coast of the north of France in September, 1835.
Here, for his and his companion's entertainment, the fishing fete called the Pouglie-
che, was celebrated, his friends remarking that Meckel (the comparative anato-
mist), had upon his visit in the year 1824, considered the sight of such a vast
multitude of living animals thus drawn in the fullest animation from the recesses
of the deep and exposed to examination, as one of the greatest rewards of his whole
excursion, and which Lichtenstein corroborates. It was in the vicinity of Mont-
pellier, upon the coast between Cette and Agde, that the party under the guidance
of Professor Duges and Dr. Fage, passed the night that they might witness at
day break the interesting sight. Three large nets, each 120 toises long, had been
cast the preceeding evening at a considerable distance from the coast, and were
drawn in by a multitude of poor country people, chiefly consisting of old men,
women and children, attracted by the hopes of participating in the capture. The
tumult of the swimmers exhibited itself even at a distance upon the gradual con-
traction of the bag of the nets, each of which brought from ten to twelve hundred
weight of fishes, sepias, Crustacea, andalcyonia, to the shore. The fishes consisted
chiefly of the usual species abundant at this period, of Spams, Clupea, Mullus, and
Mugil ; amongst which there were occasional individuals of Squalus Ferox, Syng-
nathus Hippocampus, and Raja Oxyrhynchus. But the Sepias from their size,
multitude, and remarkable conduct attracted the chief attention. There were
more than two hundred individuals of the genera Heledon, Sepia, and Loligo.
Each species exhibited motions which were as remarkable in themselves from
their novelty as in their difference from each other. The Heledones cast head-
long out of the net, endeavoured to escape from the mass, and actively exerting
themselves, crept towards the sea ; the majority of the Sepias had a half swal-

190

lowed fish sticking in their bill, and made a noise something like the sneezing of a
man. The Loligos leaped up higher than any of the fishes, and with a tolerably
well determined direction towards the water, so that several of them were lucky
enough to escape.

The Heledones always cast themselves with facility upon their ventral side ;
they then spread out equally their eight arcns, four upon the right and four upon
the left, thus distending their broad connecting membrane : the anterior ones
stretched their points far forward, clinging even to the sand with certainty ; the
points of the following pairs alternated, in regular succession, upwards and down-
wards, the suckers fixing themselves on each descent, and drawing the body after
them. The average speed in fresh specimens was about seven feet a minute ; the
motion was constant, without interruption, like that of snails. When they ap-
proached nearer to the water, and got upon the flattened and moist sand, there was
a very perceptible increase of speed; and as soon as they came to the descent of
the shore they raised their heads, the forehead arched itself between the glittering
eyes, an active motion was observable in the previously tranquil sack -shaped body ;
the incisions of the mantle, by a repeated rapid opening and shutting, drew air into
the bag until the body resembled an expanded bladder, and, raising this suddenly,
and casting it forward, the creature rolled the last three feet of its journey to
the water with a speed which it was impossible to intercept, in case the flowing of
the waves accidentally came to its assistance.

The motions of the Sepias were totally different. We have already noticed
their sneezing noise ; this ceased when they were left dry, but was resumed upon
the influx of water. Their arms, which, with the exception of their two raptorial
arms, are but short, were incapable of removing them from the spot, and even the
head maintained its fixed position towards the bag. Upon their increasing exhaus-
tion, they ejected a quantity of a thick, scentless, inky liquid, after which they died.
This, between the fingers, felt more fat than clammy, but perfectly dissolved, both
in salt and fresh water, without presenting an appearance of fat upon the surface.
Soap would not remove the stains upon linen, when once dried. The juice of the
Heledones was quite as black but not so thick, and much less in proportion ; be-
sides which, it differed by having a decidedly musky smell. Unfortunately, during
his inspection of the preceding, the Loligos had all died ; they were from about
eight to ten inches long, and varying from three to four pounds in weight. They
did not, like the Sepias, eject their fluid upon dying, but upon dissection cellular
bags were found filled with it near the liver ; it was much less in quantity, less
deeply coloured, but of a similar consistency to that in the Sepias.

There are some interesting observations, by the same author, upon Syngnathus
hippocampus, which, with other notices, we must reserve for our next number, as
our space, at present, is exhausted.

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS.

1. — Mr. M. A. Lefebvre, in a memoir contributed to the Entomological
Society of France, mentions having observed, while travelling in various parts of
Egypt, particularly in an excursion to the Oasis of Bahrych, an orthopterous in-
sect, which lives in the sands perfectly destitute of vegetation. He examined se-
veral species, each differently coloured according to the nature of the soil, which
they so exactly resembled that it was difficult to perceive them. What, therefore,
is the nourishment of animals like these, organized to exist upon living prey?
They are found in localities in which no herbivorous insect could exist, and Mr.
Lefebvre has never discovered the slightest vestige of vegetable or animal matter
with them. On the other hand, their elytrae and wings, being ill adapted to flight,
prevent the idea of their migrating like Crickets. Are they, then, reduced to
subsist upon the prey conveyed to them occasionally by the winds? or do they
live by devouring each other ? These are the questions which he has not been
able to resolve, notwithstanding his most patient and minute observations of this
singular insect. He has named it Eremiaphiles, from its peculiar habitat : some
species have already been figured in the great work on Egypt, but without descrip-
tions. Lefebvre has added several others, one particularly remarkable in the arti-
culations of the tarsi, which are four in number on the anterior feet, and three on
the two other pairs. This fact is extremely important, and offers a new objection
to the classification of entomology by the tarsi, which has also been shaken by
several analagous facts, and must ultimately be abandoned, notwithstanding its
convenience. The above observations have induced Lefebvre to constitute of this
species a new genus, which other general characters tend to induce. We regret
extremely that we are not, at this moment, able to give a more detailed description
of this extraordinary paradox in entomology.

2. — On the Appearance or Disappearance of Plants in certain
Localities. — Mr. Weinmann, inspector of the Imperial Gardens of Pawlowsk, in
Russia, enumerates several striking instances of the above singular circumstance,
which hitherto appears quite inexplicable, or not observed by Botanists in general.
He states, among other occurrences of a similar nature, that during an uncommon
season of drought, a lake in the environs of Pawlowsk became dried up, and its
basin was shortly clothed with vegetation, but instead of the Juncus effusus, J.
lampoocarpus, J. tusonius and others of that family, which previously grew abund-
antly on its banks and sides, the dessicated bottom of the lake produced nothing
but the Scirpus acieularis, a plant unknown altogether in that locality. When
the severe frost destroyed vegetation the Scirpus acieularis totally disappeared,
and has not again vegetated on this spot.

Some other plants which were common in the environs of this city eight years

192

since, such as the Turritis glabra, the Chenopodium hybridum, and the Triti-
cum pennatum, no longer are to be found there. The Carex microstachyra was
abundantly found eighteen years since in the environs of Pawlowsk, but has now
totally disappeared.

Mr. Weinmann enumerates the following plants as no longer existing : — Lyno-
surus cristatus, Illatine hydrapepa, Barbula rigida, Fontinelis foliata, Anthoce-
ros punctatus, and Draba lutece. It would be highly interesting, if analagous
facts are known in this country, that some of our able contributors would favour
us with their observations on this extraordinary phenomenon.

3. — Mr. Corda, of Prague, has made some discoveries of animalculae living in
innumerable societies, near the hot springs of Carlsbad, in Germany : they are all
of singular and novel forms. The presence of these myriads has often inspired a
repugnance to invalids drinking the waters : he recognised forty-two new species.
Mr. Ehrenburg has pursued similar researches, and added eight other well charac-
terisedspecies, mostly unknown ; he calls them — Navicula striatula (of Purpin),
N. umbonata, N. hippocampus and striata (these two are also found in the Baltic
Sea), Trustulea appendiculata (Agarh), Navicula quadricostata, N. arcus,
Monas violacea. These four last species inhabited the Carlsbad water, and are
found no where else.

4. — Mr. P. E. Botta, the travelling Naturalist of the Paris Museum, writes
from Tor that he will shortly forward to France the collection he has already form-
ed : he is about to explore a portion of Egypt and Arabia, and is now directing his
steps towards Djidda and Mocalla, where he will embark for the Yemen. The
information he had acquired respecting these countries, so rich in objects of Natu-
ral History, induce us to hope that he will be able to proceed so far into the inte-
rior as to collect a rich harvest of specimens hitherto but very imperfectly known,
from the appalling difficulties which attend European travellers in those expedi-
tions. The experience, knowledge, and zeal of this young Naturalist, who has
already traversed many points of Africa, and completed a voyage round the world,
render it likely that science will be immensely enriched by his present researches.

ALCEDO ISPIDA.

FAMILY. SYNDACTYLI. GENUS. ALCEDO.

THE KINGFISHER.

By Robert Mudie.

Generic Characters. — Bill long, straight, angular in the section, thick at
the base, rarely depressed, trenchant in the tomia, and pointed at the tip. . Nos-
trils basal, lateral, pierced obliquely, and nearly closed by a naked membrane.
Feet short, placed far backward, tarsi rather stout and rounded, a portion of the
tibiae bare of feathers. Four toes, the hind one enlarged at its base, the external
and middle front ones of equal length, and united as far as the second joint, the
inner shorter, and united to the first joint. Tail very short and rounded. Wings
of mean length, rather broad, hollow, and rounded, the third quill being the
longest.

The species of Alcedo are rather numerous, and there are some differences in
the form of the bill and the structure of the feet. Some have an enlargement on
the middle part of the lower mandible ; others have the bill a little curved, and are
less aquatic in their habits than the others. These last have the toes united to
the third and second joints, and the inner one little more than rudimental. The
greater number of the genus are found only in tropical and other warm countries,
but there is one which inhabits Europe as well as Asia and Africa. That one is

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo ispidaj, of which we have annexed a
figure, drawn and coloured after nature, in that attitude which the bird assumes
when it has captured a small fish, which it can swallow entire without quitting the
wing. This figure will give a notion of the shape and colours of the bird, and
thus spare us the tediousness of verbal description ; and both the form and the
colours are so unique that, once known, the Kingfisher is never forgotten.

The Kingfisher is a resident British bird, and pretty widely dispersed over
those parts which are suited to its habits ; but it is no where very abundant, and
it is rarely seen in proportion to its actual numbers. Its haunts are the rich and
shaded banks of streams and rivulets, being seldom seen where the ground is open
and bare, and never running on the sand-banks or beaches. The foot is not adapted
for walking on the ground, both on account of the backward articulation and of
the peculiar structure of the toes. This is the case with all syndactylic feet : they
amount, in fact, to little more than, a foot of two toes, one to the front and the
vol. i. 2c

194

other to the rear ; and these toes are articulated to the tarsus on the same plane,
while the union at the base of the front ones, and the enlargement at that of the
hind, form a base of considerable extent. The foot is thus a resting foot — a pas-
sive foot, as it were — and not an active one. The backward articulation accords
well with this use of the foot ; for when the bird rests on its feet, the axis of the
body is much elevated forwards, and the weight, by that means, is concentrated
upon the feet, which gives greater stability with the same extent of base than if
the axis of the body were horizontal. The shortness of the tarsus further contri-
butes to the same purpose, and the strength of that part of the leg is calculated
for enabling the bird to bear its standing position for a long time. The syndac-
tyly foot, ill-formed as it appears to be for active purposes, is the very model of a
foot in its way ; and whether we examine its own structure, or the manner in which
its position concentrates the weight of the bird, we cannot help noticing that,
among all the variously formed feet of the feathered race, this is the one best cal-
culated for enabling the owner to erect the wing and yet keep vigilant watch for
its prey. Of all syndactylic birds, the Kingfishers are the most aquatic in their
feeding, and the shortest and roundest winged ; and, therefore, we might be pre-
pared to find this foot in the greatest perfection in them.

And the habit is beautifully true to the structure. For in those warm and
stilly days when not a breath of wind rustles the foliage or breaks the glassy sur-
face of the brook, the Kingfisher may be observed sitting, for hours together,
upon some withered branch or water-encircled stone, until a fish comes within
the range of its vision. Then off it darts, with the rapidity of an arrow and the
radiance of a meteor, and seldom misses its aim. If the fish is small it is swal-
lowed during the flight, but if it is too large for that purpose, (and the bird in con-
sequence of the breadth and hollowness of its wings can rise, even from amidst the
water, with a larger fish than one would be apt to suppose), then the bird betakes
itself to some rock, stone, or firm portion of the bank, where it speedily kills
the fish by hewing into the skull with its strong and powerful bill. After this,
the trenchant edges of the same instrument may soon divide the fish into such
portions as can be swallowed, and the feast is then over. As is the case with
almost, if not quite, all birds that can bear abstinence for a long time, the King-
fisher is very voracious when food can be obtained ; and it seems to be a pretty
general law that birds which feed on fish eat more than those which feed on most
other animal substances.

Though the Kingfisher often plunges fairly into the water after its prey, its
plumage is not wetted or ruffled. Beautiful as its colours are, its plumage partakes
much of the nature of that of the aquatic birds properly so called, which launch
themselves upon the water, or dive and duck through its substance. We have
already said that it brings the connection of the syndactylic birds down to the
water, were the chain appears to be taken up by the Terns among web-footed

195

birds ; and as it holds nearly the same place among those birds which feed over
fresh waters upon the wing, as the Auks and Puffins do among those that swim
and dive, so there is no small resemblance in some parts of the economy. It
builds in holes of the banks, which holes it excavates for itself. The foot is, in-
deed, a very efficient digging foot, much better than if the tarsus were larger, and
the toes more produced and free. The eggs are, however, more numerous than
those of the sea-birds, which the Kingfisher resembles in its breeding places and
some other of its habits. They vary from four to eight, usually of a pure white
colour ; and as the birds do not walk on the sludgy surfaces the eggs are not
soiled by their feet, as is the case with those of many lake and river birds. It is
said that the Kingfishers are very prone to take possession of the holes of the small
aquatic mammalia and trim them for nesting places ; and some allege that these
avenge the ejectment by eating the eggs of the birds. This last is not, however,
very practicable, as the eggs are seldom, if ever, without one of the birds upon
them ; and if the birds are able to take possession, they are, of course, able to keep
it. It is true that the number of birds that are seen bears but a small proportion
to that of the eggs ; and we know that, in most cases, the numbers of the eggs
of birds bear a proportion to the enemies or other casualties to which they are
subject. But we have no certain knowledge of the enemies of the Kingfishers,
or of the casualties that may destroy them, either in the young or the adult state.
It has been said that the eggs are frequently addled or the unfledged young
drowned, by the floods of the streams in the banks of which the nests are placed ;
but the time when these birds breed is that at which floods are the least frequent.
The probability is that the cold of winter, and the impossibility of finding food when
the streams are sealed up by the frosts of that season, are the real causes of the
comparatively limited numbers of these birds in the colder latitudes. This is, in
so far, rendered probable by the fact that, even in those places where they are
most likely to be found, Kingfishers are less frequently seen in the summer than
in the winter. In summer they ascend the streams, near their sources, especially
if these are in rich and wooded plains, because at this period and in such situa-
tions the smaller fishes are usually numerous ; but toward the close of the season
the small fishes descend, and when winter fairly sets in, the birds are driven to the
broad waters, where they are not only obliged to be more on the wing for their
food, but are also more easily seen, from the leaves having fallen.

It is probable also that, notwithstanding the compactness of their plumage,
the Kingfishers are more susceptible to the weather than almost any other of our
resident birds. The fact of the single species in Europe, and the great number of
species (as many as between sixty and seventy, leaving out the less aquatic ones,
which make eight to ten more) that are found in tropical countries, would go far to
establish this supposition. But there is a physiological argument which is at once
more conclusive and more important. In all cases in nature there is an adaptation

2c 2

196

of the preyer to the prey, which brings them to inhabit the same places, and to be
abroad at the same times. Now fresh-water fishes, especially those that frequent
the smaller streams, which are liable to be acted on by the weather to their whole
depth, are known to be so exceedingly sensitive that the presence or absence of
the sun, or the shifting of the wind from one point to another, will send them all
quiescent to the bottom of the stream or bring them in activity near to the sur-
face, according as the change is the one way or the other.

Now, in order to adapt them for the capture of prey so sensitive, it is neces-
sary that the birds themselves should be acutely sensitive to the same changes ;
and thus they who have had the best opportunities for observing state, that, when
the weather renders the fishes quiescent, the Kingfisher takes its station upon a
stump or a stone, where it " bides its time" in the patient manner that has been
described. But, on the other hand, when the state of the weather puts the fishes
on the alert, and makes the smaller ones sport near the surface of the water, the
Kingfishers betake themselves to the air, and dart abroad over the surface with
extraordinary rapidity, considering the shortness of their wings.

At those times, however, they are solitary in their feeding, and so many
as two are never seen in close company or very near to each other. Even the
males and females have no sort of intercourse or recognition of each other, except
in the pairing season, and then they are cryptogamous as well as monogamous,
and do not appear at the same time. Their feeding grounds are also often at a
considerable distance from their nesting places ; and they are generally in more
retired situations, because when they meet, the nuptial cave affords concealment.
There is no formal building in the nest, but it often contains a considerable quan-
tity of fish bones, which, in all probability, the birds discharge in castings. At
this time both birds repose in the nest-hole during the night, but as they arrive
and depart with great celerity, they are seldom seen, and the nest is not often
found. The rearing of the brood is long and laborious, as the young do not quit
the nest until they are so far fledged as to be able to make their way, and find their
own food, over the waters. When they arrive at this state the whole family sepa-
rate, never, in all probability, to meet again. In fact, notwithstanding the exquisite
colours and brilliant gloss of their plumage, Kingfishers are solitary, and, in a sen-
timental point of view, dismal birds ; their cry is harsh and unmusical, and their
nesting places are offensively filthy. Brilliant plumage does not appear, indeed, to be
an indication of any quality of birds which renders them valuable or even interest-
ing to man, but it is probable that it, in some way, renders them more susceptible
to atmospheric and solar action. We may have another opportunity of adverting
to this curious point.

ON THE NATURE AND USES OF THE PRIMAEVAL VEGETATION

OF THE EARTH.

By Robert Dickson, M.D., F.L.S.

In a former article (p. 146) we made some remarks on the geometrical prin-
ciples which had been observed in the construction of the members of the leading
divisions of the vegetable kingdom, and on the inferences which might be thence
drawn respecting the Deity and his works. If we turn our attention to the princi-
ple which regulates the distribution of plants over the surface of the globe, and
assigns to each country its precise and peculiar kind of vegetation, we shall not
find it less worthy of our consideration, or less fraught with lessons of wisdom and
proofs of benevolence. The prevailing or predominating species of plants which
form the vegetable covering of the earth, give to each country its characteristic
aspect, determine the nature of the wild animals and insects which frequent it
or live there, and, as Humboldt justly remarks, " produce the most important ef-
fects upon the social state of the people, the nature of their manners, and the de-
gree of developement of the arts of industry."

Let any one be conveyed from Britain to some island in a tropical latitude,
and at the first glance he will perceive that he is surrounded by vegetable forms
very different in appearance and structure from those of his native land. Instead
of the Oaks, the Ashes, the Elms, and the Sycamores, with their enormous stems
and wide-spreading branches, sometimes covering nearly a quarter of an acre, he
will strain his eyes in looking upwards at the leaf-crowned summit of some slender
branchless stem that seems to pierce the sky. Perchance he may recognize forms
akin to the Ferns of his own country, but surpassing them in size and variety as
much as the lakes of America and the mountains of India surpass in vastness and
height those of Europe.

Again, let him be conveyed to the polar regions : there he will find a few trees
— such as Firs and Birches of a dwarfish size — braving the rigors of these climes,
but an utter absence of those shrubs and flowers of larger growth, which make
our woods and lawns so gay and fragrant ; the flowers to be there met with being
such as are never seen in Britain, save on the summits of our loftiest mountains.

K the individual be possessed of an inquiring and reflecting spirit, he will soon
discover that the most general and influential of the causes which occasion these
different and opposite phenomena, is temperature ; and might be led to imagine
that if some convulsion of nature were to effect a change in the temperature of
Britain, he might see its surface clothed with the vegetation of the tropics, if that
change consisted in an elevation of temperature ; or, if the reverse, he might see
the alpine vegetation descend from the mountains and inhabit the plains, or mi-

198

grate from the north, and displace the tender occupants of the soil, as the hardy
hordes of Scandinavia displaced the effeminate rulers of Italy and Gaul.

Now, this is no groundless speculation, or imaginary occurrence : for once a
vegetation similar to that of the tropics flourished where Britain now stands ;
though the forests of which it consisted were never seen by human eye, and the
convulsions by which it was destroyed involved not, in their tremendous desolation,
one being of that race which now inhabits it, and to render it fit for which, many a
mighty commotion took place, and many an instance of creative power testified the
provident and benevolent intentions of their Almighty Author. It was by means
of these forests that the atmosphere was rendered suitable for the respiration of the
higher animals, such as quadrupeds and man, — and by their submersion those re-
servoirs of carbonaceous matter — coals — were secreted for the use of future ages.

The primary, the universal function of vegetables appears to be the elimina-
tion or formation of carbon, whatever secondary or temporary uses they may an-
swer ; and the primaeval vegetation of the world flourished under circumstances
highly favourable to their fulfilling this end. Indeed, so far as we can ascertain,
there was no other object in view in their early formation ; and hence they attain-
ed a size even unknown in the tropics in the present day. How perfectly they
accomplished this object, the remains of them, existing under the surface of the
earth at various depths, and in various states and degrees of preservation, suffi-
ciently attest. A careful examination of the external form and internal structure
of those which have retained their original constitution, or even of those which
have undergone an alteration, and had the whole of their natural elements remov-
ed and siliceous particles substituted in their place, enables us to conjecture with
tolerable accuracy the particular tribes of plants which grew in those remote ante-
diluvian ages. (See Lindley and Hutton's Fossil Flora of Great Britain, the
work of Mr. Witham, papers by Mr. Nicol in Jameson's Journal, and Brongni-
art's Histoire des Vegetaux Fossiles.J The greater number of those which are
discovered in the most ancient coal formations belong to the vascular cryptoga-
mia, comprising the Ferns, Horse-tails, &c, but of a size far surpassing any now
growing ; and among the more recent coal measures are found Ferns, Palms, Cac-
tuses, Cycases, and Pines or Firs. The land on which these grew, by alterations
in the level of the surfaces, — whether by upheaving of volcanic masses, forming
islands or continents, and causing displacement of the waters of the ocean, or by a
sinking of their place of growth, from earthquakes or other convulsions, — became
submerged, and the pressure of the sandy deposits above them, aided by the super-
incumbent water, and the slow action of time, converted the vegetable structures
into those great elements of utility — coals, which are so extensively wrought in
this country, to which they are justly considered of more value than all its gold
mines to Peru.

Had they, when submerged, remained for ever in that situation, they would

199

have been alike unknown and unserviceable to man, but subsequent commotions
brought them again near the surface, which, after acquiring a fresh vegetable coat-
ing, suffered another depression and subjection to the compressing powers, to be at
last consigned to their present position, the most favourable for their beneficial em-
ployment that could well be conceived.

What infinite occasion have we to admire the beneficence of the all-directing
Providence, evidence of whose guiding of the storm is not wanting amid even the
most terrible convulsions of nature ; for, when the framework of this globe appears
ready to loosen and. dissolve itself, and all the elements seem to blend themselves
in disordered and confused mixture, yet order and design become manifest in the
result. But for this regulating, this controuling power, by what computation of
chances, equal indeed to infinity to one, could we have had our coal-strata and iron-
ore occurring in the same district, in so many instances, as we find them in
Britain ? If the comforts and interests of the present inhabitants of the earth
were thus prospectively provided for, so long anterior to the occurrence of their
wants, is it probable that the interests or comforts of future ages will be neglected
by the omniscient, the omnipotent, and the eternal Creator ? These observations
are here introduced because some, forgetting the attributes of Him, to whom they
owe every sense, every faculty, and every gratification of these which they enjoy,
have indulged in fears or doubts for the welfare of the future occupants of the
globe, and supposed if the present coal-measures were exhausted, none would be
accessible to them. Now, without speculating on the unascertainable point, whe-
ther or not the future inhabitants of the globe shall require coals, we may, by ob-
serving what is taking place in both the old and new worlds, perceive provision
making for a store of this material. When we consider the almost boundless for-
ests of America, India, and other tropical countries, occupying stations rarely trod
by the foot of man, we might be tempted to think they were of no use, but were
mere cumberers of the ground. Yet, independent of the great influence which
they exert over the humidity, the temperature and climate of the regions where
they flourish, being the grand sources of the mighty rivers, which debouche at an
astonishing distance from their origin, much of the wood which grows along the
banks of these gigantic streams, is annually borne down towards their mouths, and
either arrested there, forming temporary islands, or carried forward, and ultimately
precipitated to the bottom of the ocean. This process goes on to an extent of
which few have any adequate idea ; and what is every year so transported by the
currents of the Mississipi, the Ganges, and the McKenzie rivers, surpasses the belief
of most Europeans. At the outlet of these rivers immense rafts are seen waiting
the moment when they shall be hurried onward to the deep, or sunk at once where
they now float. At one of the outlets of the Mississipi a raft of this sort was ob-
served ten miles in length, two hundred and twenty yards wide, and eight feet
deep. The successive layers of these spread over the lower surface of the ocean

200

must form beds of great depth ; and to the quantity of woody matter derived from
this source, we must add the vast flora of the ocean itself, which extends to its re-
motest bounds, though varying in size and abundance, being most profuse and
gigantic in tropical latitudes. Nowhere is it wanting, even on the shores
of the polar ocean sea-weeds grow ; along our own coast they are varied in
form and considerable in size ; yet falling far short of the huge productions of the
equatorial seas. Many of those on the coast of Britain are thirty feet long, yet
those of the Pacific attain a length of from 500 to 1500 feet : and, moreover, they
grow with an astonishing rapidity in all, but especially in tropical latitudes. Their
numbers are also great ; so that even on the shores of the Orkney islands, they
obstruct the passage of boats ; and in the Gulf-stream they are so abundant as to
prove a serious impediment to the sailing of ships ; and we read that they opposed
such a barrier to the progress of the vessels of Columbus as to cause the ignorant
and superstitious sailors to regard them as an obstacle interposed by heaven to
the prosecution of what they considered an impious voyage. The periodical detach-
ment of these from their place of growth, or decay of them on the spot of their
birth, must furnish annually an incalculable quantity of vegetable detritus, which,
added to the former, must furnish a provision of coal of a very ample kind. It
may be objected that we have no sufficient reason to infer that all this woody and
vegetable structure will ever be changed into coal : but the observations and expe-
riments of modern botanists, geologists, and chemists are quite sufficient to war-
rant this conclusion. The woody texture of even the most compact mass of coal
from the oldest coal-measures can be demonstrated ; the distinct forms often found
in the coal seams, point out the particular tribe or genus of plant, which have been
so submerged and compressed ; the more recent coal formations retain so much of
the woody structure as to be termed wood-coal, or lignite ; and the transformation
of trees, even of whole forests into peat or bog, which we see take place so exten-
sively, indicates the first step in the process ; for pressure, heat, and time, with an
admixture of bitumen, are all that are required to change peat into coal ; as the
observations and experiments of Dr. McCulloch amply prove (Geology, vol. 2,
p. 319). The requisite heat and pressure being provided by the vast body of the
ocean, time is effecting the necessary changes on the wood thus preserved at the
bottom of the sea, now, as afore-time ; and it only waits the action of the volcanic
forces to upheave it, and bring it near the surface, where it will be accessible and
useful. These forces are held in check now, till a necessity shall arise for them
to spring into action, the result of which will not be less favourable to the interests
of the distant and unborn inhabitants of the earth, than those of old were to ours.

Such speculations are any thing but idle, hurtful, or tending to narrow our
views of God and his providence. For what more convincing proof could we have
of the economy of nature, than in thus gathering up the fragments of her works,
that nothing may be lost, and storing them away for the use of millions, yet un-

201

born, who will be enriched and benefited by these " treasures of the deep ?" And
how must it increase our conceptions of the greatness and goodness of that Being,
who has created us with faculties, which not only allow us to judge of what occurs
in our own time, and under our own immediate observation, but enable us to dart
a penetrating glance " through the dark depths of time " past, and thence draw
comforting and satisfactory inferences for the events of futurity ?

Some have thought that it was the necessary consequence of these investiga-
tions to give a sceptical tendency to the mind ; but such a consequence is neither
natural nor necessary. Have we not the example of some of the greatest men the
world has ever seen, and who have given their attention to the most elevated spe-
culations which could engage the powers of the human mind, testifying to the con-
trary ? Did not Keppler and Newton, when they ceased from their lofty studies,
which made us acquainted with the beautiful laws of number and harmony, which
retain in their places the immense orbs that circle through space ; did not they,
when they returned, as it were, from " walking on the battlements of heaven, and
beholding the glories that were around them," record in language the most devout,
their homage and profound sense of the perfections, the wisdom, the benevolence,
and power of that Being, whose almighty fiat first called into existence those stupen-
dous masses, and whose nice adjustments of them alone prevents them rushing into
collision, which would be attended with such a shock, and disturbance to the whole
system, that, compared with it, the most tremendous earthquake which has ever
happened to our planet, would be but as the trembling of the most delicate balance
before its final quiescence. The works of Newton are well known in this coun-
try, those of Keppler less so than they deserve ; he who stated his conviction of
the triumph of the truth in these words, " The day will soon break when pious
simplicity will be ashamed of its blind superstition, — when men will recognise truth
in the book of nature, as well as in the Holy Scriptures, and rejoice in the two
revelations ;" also concluded his labours with the following modest apostrophe :
" I give thee thanks, Lord and Creator, that thou hast given me joy through thy
creation, for I have been ravished with the works of thy hands. I have revealed
unto mankind the glory of thy works as far as my limited spirit could conceive thy
infinitude. Should I have brought forward anything that is unworthy of Thee,
or have sought my own fame, be graciously pleased to forgive it me."

We hope, then, it will be believed, in anything we may say on geology, or
other branches of science, in connection with natural theology, that it is far, very
far from our intention to weaken the reliance of our readers on the doctrines of
revealed religion, or to raise doubts we could not satisfy — doubts which, if carried
into action, could only be productive of misery and misfortune.

vol. i. 2d

REMINISCENCES OF THE RHINE;

ORNITHOLOGICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL.
[Continued from page 168.]

Respecting insects, I must repeat my inability to give any thing like a de-
tailed account, proportionate to the number coming under my casual or permanent
observation. My nippers, as I have already said, were disposed of to a friend on
leaving England, and the absence of good collections in my own neighbourhood,
or books with plates of insects not indigenous in this country, precluded my noting
down with accuracy, the names of many which I either saw or captured. With
this explanation, by way of preface, proceed we to enumerate some few of those
which can be ascertained, not of every day occurrence in Great Britain.

Swallow-tailed Butterfly (Papilio machaonj. Though rare in England,
being chiefly confined to the fen counties of the eastern coast, it is by no means
so on the Continent, and I was rather surprized to meet with but one specimen,
namely at St. Goar on the Rhine. Borne on a smart breeze, the beautiful insect
had crossed the river and passed me with the rapidity of lightning ; but, pursuing
its course by the eye, I observed an extensive patch of dark mud, bloating under
the rays of a hot sun, which I rightly conceived might prove too strong a tempta-
tion for the airy traveller, whose habits are little in accordance with its cleanly
and courtly drapery, preferring to revel on the decomposing putrefaction of a
moist dunghill, to sucking the nectar of roses, of which it seems so much better
qualified by its dress and elegance of demeanour to partake. Though rapid on
the wing, when once settled, and in the full enjoyment of its beverage of filth, it
may be approached without much difficulty. I was right in my conclusion ; on
the mass of black mud it had tarried, to sip the essence of a large drain which
emptied itself on the shore ; it became my prisoner, and is now in my cabinet.

Black-veined White Butterfly (Pieris cratcegij. Donovan calls this one of
the rarest species of the white tribe of butterflies found in Britain, but like many
other insects, I believe its scarcity to be periodical, plentiful in one season, and
then totally disappearing, for possibly several years to come. Though plain, and
with few attractions to the ignorant observer, its transparent wings, and peculiar
fashion of flight, are sure to draw the attention of a Naturalist to an insect, which
assumes so foreign an address. My specimen was taken at Baden.

Pale-clouded Yellow Butterfly ( Colias hyalej. This is another pretty in-
sect, rarely found with us, but common enough in various parts of the Continent.
I have found it in nearly all localities ; very abundant in the warm emerald meadows
in the vallies of the Pyrenees, and by no means rare in those at Baden, where its
gaudy golden plumage is sure to attract notice.

203

Marble Butterfly ( Hipparchia galathea). The character which this insect
bears for partial localities in this country, is equally true of it on the Continent.
For miles and miles I have traversed districts without seeing a specimen, and then
fallen in with spots absolutely swarming with them. It would seem from this, that
the Marble Butterfly is less inclined to wander beyond the limits of its birth-place
than many others of its family ; it might be wished that the migrations of the
lepidopterous tribes, and indeed of several others, were a little more attended to
by Naturalists. For that many wander, and some do actually migrate, or expatri-
ate themselves, is a matter beyond all doubt. I have myself seen instances of al-
most all our common butterflies, far away on the wide sea, out of sight of land
in calm or moderate weather, when there was no reason to suppose that their ma-
rine perigrinations were occasioned by off-shore storms. It is diflicult to point out
the various domiciles of this insect on the banks of the Rhine ; but he who explores
the many delightful vallies and meadows in the environs of Baden, will assuredly
bear testimony to the number, and partiality for particular spots, alluded to in the
above remarks.

The Purple Emperor (Apatiura iris). Oh ! for my absent nippers, was tee
involuntary exclamation, as, in a hot sunny glade, in one of those romantic path-
ways cut in the hill sides, looking downwards on the busy bustling crowd of idlers
grouped near the Courshaus at Ems, one of these purple paragons of beauty, after
gliding with motionless wings, as if supported on a sun-beam, settled on the ground
a few paces before me. To gaze in silence in the presence of the royal insect was
all that it permitted ; for, on advancing, albeit with tread most cautious, his empe-
rorship darted off, with a velocity scarcely allowing the eye to follow his airy flight,
until high above a neighbouring oak tree, he again besported himself on motionless
wing, gliding or wheeling spirally aloft, in the full enjoyment of his liberty, as if
conscious that he was beyond the research of entomological curiosity and contact.

Camberwell Beauty ( Vanessa antiopa). There is a passage in Foster's
Essays, which I have never read (and often and often have I referred to it) with-
out a deep conviction of its truth and beauty. " Places and things which have an
association with any of the events or feelings of past life will greatly assist the re-
collection of them. A man of strong associations finds memoirs of himself already
written on the places where he has conversed with happiness or misery. If an
old man wished to animate, for a moment, the languid and faded ideas which he
retains of his youth, he might walk with his crutch across the green where he once
played with companions, who are now probably laid to repose in another spot not
far off. An aged saint may meet again some of the affecting ideas of his early
piety, in the place where he first thought it happy to pray. A walk in a mea-
dow, the sight of a bank of flowers, perhaps even of some one flower, a landscape
with the tints of autumn, the descent into a valley, the brow of a mountain, the
house where a friend has been met, or has resided, or has died, have often pro-

204

duced a much more lively recollection of our past feelings, and of the objects and
events which caused them, than the most perfect description could have done ; and
we have lingered a considerable time for the pensive luxury of thus resuming, if I
may so express it, the departed state of our minds. How much there is in a thou-
sand spots of the earth that is invisible and silent to all but the conscious individual."
It was on a summer evening, of early life, when little more than a child, in
rambling through a wood on a holiday, my attention was drawn to a sprav on
which rested a Camberwell Beauty. I had never seen such perfection before.
My eye rested on the rich dark velvety wings, fringed with ermine white, relieved
by an inner border of metallic blue spots, like bracelets of lapis lazuli. At this
moment I could mark the very spot in the forest where this vision was revealed,
and well do I remember the thrill of delight with which I captured and carried off
my prize in triumph, to exhibit before a little knot of schoolfellows. I can see
their uplifted hands, I can hear their exclamations of surprise, as they beheld the
splendid captive. I can recall their features and their forms as if now living,
though every individual among them has long since been called away, and now
possibly familiarized with greater things than it is permitted man's philosophy to
dream of here. But to me, trifling as this little incident may appear to many, the
results through life have neither been unimportant, useless, or uninfluential ; for it
is to it I stand indebted for many a happy hour. That " poor insect" awakened a
taste which has never slumbered ; and the cultivation of natural history has been
my solace in times and seasons, when the mind required something to fall back
upon, apart from the business and pursuits of the world. It so happened that
from the time I have alluded to until a few summers ago, in one of the mountain
passes of the Pyrenees, I had never met with a single living specimen of Vanessa
antiopa, when, on a lovely day, on a spray the very counterpart of that of the days
of my childhood, I saw the expanded wings of this insect, and the days of " auld
lang syne," which first introduced it to my notice, came across my mind vivid and
clear as though but of yesterday. This summer, again (and not unfrequently) I
fell in with this associate of early years. Children, indeed, may they be called of
the sun. In the hot and sultry hours of noonday, they would flit by, rendering it
almost impossible to watch their course ; if in these flights two or three met in the
glade, they paused in their speed, and, fluttering together, so busied themselves in
their conflict of rivalry or affection, I know not which, that I more than once
caught two at a time, and after admiring them, in gratitude for the benefit I had
received at their hands, sent them forth once again to enjoy their summer revel-
ries. At other times (I particularly recollect one occasion), in a wood on the sum-
mit of the Drackenfels, when the wind was rather keen, I found numbers resting
on the backs of trees, in a state of stupor ; they made no attempts to escape, and
when thrown into the air their wings barely opened, or flapping feebly, eased their
fall,- or enabled them to seek repose on the stem of the nearest tree.

205

The White Admiral (Limenitis Camilla). Nearly as abundant, and in situ-
ations similar to the preceding, and more easily taken, even in the heat of the day;
for, although their flight when on the wing is rapid in the extreme, they seem to
be so absorbed, when in contact with the nectaries of the bramble blossom, as to
forget all but the immediate luxury of suction. Nothing can be more interesting
than to observe the contrast of the upper and under wings, as they slowly shut and
open on the flower : a person not conversant with this peculiarity would have a
difficulty in persuading himself that the insect with the closed and opened wings
was one and the same.

Silver-washed Fritillary ( Argynnis paphiaj. With the exception of the
splendid Swallow-tailed Machaon, none of the above insects so prominently catch
the eye of the passing traveller as this species of the Fritillaria. Its size, its gaudy
bright bay or chesnut colour, chequered with black spots and streaks on the upper,
contrasted with the metallic lustre of the silvery iridescent tinge of the under, side
of its lower wings, cannot fail of striking the attention of the dullest observer.
In the heat of the day, on almost every hedge-side few or more may be seen. But,
to contemplate them in perfection, let me recommend the Entomologist who passes
through Carlsruhe, to tarry awhile and expose himself to the burning rays of a
July sun, on the bare, exposed, widely extended, and almost boundless gravel es-
planade in front of the Ducal residence. No hint will be necessary to induce
him to seek, if not shelter, at least variety, in addition to their grateful though
almost overpowering fragrance, within the lengthened lines of orange trees all in
richest and healthiest bloom, and there will he have an opportunity of seeing what
the Paphia really is when under the influence of sunbeams which seem to awaken
every nerve, and muscle, and passion into action, in the full enjoyment of the
odoriferous banquet provided by these balmy blossoms. Not by twos or threes,
but by almost hundreds, I saw them, now hovering, now reposing on the orange
flowers. Bishop Heber, in a beautiful passage on the sum of happiness enjoyed
by the lower classes of creation, speaks of the flying fish as leaping from the water,
not as is generally supposed, from apprehension of danger, but " apparently in
the gladness of their hearts, and in order to enjoy the sunshine and the temporary
change of element." " Those writers (he adds) who described the life of these ani-
mals as a constant succession of alarms, and rendered miserable bv fear, have ne-
ver seen them in their mirth, or considered those natural feelings of health and
hilarity which seems to lead all creatures to exert, in mere lightness of heart,
whatever bodily powers the Creator has given them."* I was never more struck
with the force of this remark than on the day I witnessed the countless assem-
blage of the silver Fritillaries on the orange blossoms before the palace of Carls-
ruhe. There was a quivering sense of delight in every motion. So intoxicated

* Heber's Journal, vol. 1, p. xxiii.

206

were they with the luscious juices pumped up by their deeply inserted proboscis,
that they might be approached, and even captured with little address or difficulty ;
and it was delightful to see the smart, healthy, and invigorated percussion of their
wings against each other, and hear the clacking sound, which like a clapping of
hands, might be considered as indicative of the pure and unalloyed pleasure these
humble retainers at the bounteous table of nature were privileged to enjoy without
measure or reserve.

The Black Hair-streak ( Thecla prunij. One of our ablest writers, Mr.
Curtis, tells us that this insect was almost totally unknown to the Entomologists
of Great Britain until lately. When in Yorkshire, a year or two ago, according
to his account, and near Ripley, according to Mr. Stephens, it was taken in abun-
dance ; the hedges of the latter locality being enlivened by myriads hovering over
flowers and bramble blossom, in one particular spot, while other hedges at no great
distance were perfectly free, though the brambles were in plenty. My own evi-
dence will go with these authorities towards the establishment of the fact of the
partial locality and occasional profusion of these elegant little butterflies. In Eng-
land I had never seen one living, and it was not till I arrived at Ems, and was
ascending the hill, in a glade of which I saw the purple Emperor above-mentioned,
that I met with a single specimen ; the first I saw arrested my steps, and I
watched it for a minute or two, with that indescribable satisfaction known only to
the Naturalist, be he botanist, ornithologist, or entomologist ; but the pleasure of
novelty was soon satiated, by finding that my little friend was but the avant cou-
rier of a host, billetted over a region of underwood, a few paces in advance. When
settled, they close their wings and display to the utmost advantage the bright
orange border and caudal appendage to the lower wing, and allow themselves to
be captured without much difficulty. In subsequent rambles I not unfrequently
found them, but never in such abundance as in this place.

And here I should close my lepidopteral remarks were it not that I would ex-
press my regret and inability to describe one other species of Papilio which came
under my observation in only one particular spot, half-way down the long hill lead-
ing into the valley of Ems, on the road from Ehrenbreitstein. Once or twice, like
little meteors, an insect had glanced by, more resembling some I had seen as be-
longing to tropical climates than natives of Europe. At last a pair happened to
meet, and while fluttering together, I was fortunate to capture one, which was,
much, to my mortification, rubbed to pieces before I could secure it in a safe po-
sition. I have in vain looked through the plates of Godart's extensive work on
Continental Lepidoptera, and hitherto have had no opportunity of consulting other
works or cabinets, to ascertain the name of certainly the most beautiful as well
as rarest of the Papilio tribe I met with during my excursion.

Yellow Beetle ( Trichius fasciatus, Don., p. 140). Rare in this country,
though less so on the western than eastern coasts, according to Stephens, who

207

gives Swansea as the place of the most abundant locality. It is, however, very
common on the Continent, and almost always to be found in the heat of the day
on umbelliferous plants. It is a remarkably comfortable-looking insect ; its head,
thorax, and shoulders, well-covered with a thick down of tawny hairs, give it the
appearance of a dull Scotch Terrier ; for it never evinces any signs of activity,
scarcely moving even a limb, apparently quite satisfied to slumber away its life
unmolested in its umbelliferous bed of flowers.

Attelabres, or Clenis apiarius. — Said to be taken near Manchester, and has
been found in Coombe Wood and Dorking ; but, like the preceding, though rare
in England, it is of frequent occurrence on the Continent. I met with several
specimens. Its bright red, contrasted with the metallic blue of the elytra, renders
it very conspicuous.

Carabus auratus. — A rare British species, or rather was supposed to be so —
recent search having found it to be even common on certain heaths. Its locality
on the Continent is in sandy places, where it may be seen occasionally darting off
at full speed like a locomotive emerald from beneath its covertine of a bush or tuft
of long grass. It is related of this, or its cousin-germain Calosoma sycophanta>
that one of the most celebrated French Naturalists was indebted to it for his life.
During the Peninsular war, as an officer of cavalry, when under fire, he saw one of
these splendid beetles running on the ground, immediately jumping off his charger,
and when in the very act of securing his prize in the folds of his foraging cap, a
round shot struck his horse, and would inevitable have deprived the rider also of
life or limb but for this fortunate circumstance.

Musk Beetle ( Cerambyx rnoschatus). — Few insects even of the tropical re-
gions can rival this most beautiful beetle when arrayed in its bright, vivid, granu-
lated, green colouring ; for, singularly enough, the specimens vary so strangely, not
only in tint but size, that, but for distinctive marks, they might be considered
almost as belonging to different families. The specimen I captured on the conti-
nent, and the only one, was in the dark road, overshadowed by the dusky foliage
of those enormous Pines which form the forest surrounding the Alten Schloss, or
the Castle of Baden. Had it been of the comparatively dull colour of those I
have met with in England it might have escaped unnoticed, but its effulgent green
actually glittered on the ground and betrayed its presence.

(To be continued).

ON BOTANICAL TERMS.

The names of the order, tribe, family, section, and domus, all end uniformly
in zoology, namely, in ores, es, idee, ince, and ites ; and the advantages of this
plan are self-evident. Botany has at length, though tardily, participated in these
advantages ; and the honour of having introduced these endings belongs to Lind-
ley, who first developed his ideas on the subject in his Key to Structural Botany,
published in 1835. Plants, like birds, are there divided into five orders, namely,
Exogens (Exogence), Gymnospermens ( Gymnospermenx ) ', Endogens (Endo-
genx), Rhizanthens ( Rhizanihenm ) , and Acrogens (Acrogenx). These are
divided into tribes, as Monopetalae, Apetalae, &c. These, again, are divided into
groups, which terminate in osx ; and each of these are divided into families,
the names of which are formed by adding acex to the root of the typi-
cal genus. I have, however, thought that acce would be preferable. The
inconvenience of the former is not so apparent in the shorter names, as that of
the Rose family (Rosacea?), or Pine family (Pinacex), but in some of the
longer names, as that of the Willow-wort family ( Epilooiacex ) , the Fig-wort
family ( Scrqfulariaceaz),Polypodiacece, Plantaginacew, &c, we should feel relief
from the omission of a vowel. It would be far less convenient to call the Willet
family Silviadem than Silviadx, or the Finch family Fringillidece than Fringil-
lidm ; and if this is acknowledged in zoology why not, also, in botany ? Several
persons who are willing to adopt the improved nomenclature complain of its incon-
venience ; and certainly I do not see why any unnecessary difficulties should be
thrown in the way of any one. These remarks may not be without their utility,
and therefore I submit them to the botanical readers of The Naturalist, which,
like every other equally promising Naturalist, has my hearty good wishes.

C. T. W.

FOOD OF THE HEDGE COALHOOD (Pyrrhula vulgaris, Tern.)

With me the Bullfinches (your Hedge Coalhood) are very destructive, parti-
cularly to the Plum trees, Apples, Medlars, &c. It is the blossom-buds that are
chiefly preferred. I have dissected dozens of these birds, and have never found
any remains of insects in the crop or stomach. They are here very numerous,
being fostered by the extensive plantations I have made ; and I am obliged (reluc-
tantly I must say) to make war on them every spring.

P. J. Selby.

A BOTANICAL TOUR IN HEREFORDSHIRE, MONMOUTHSHIRE,
AND SOUTH WALES;

WITH INCIDENTAL NOTICES OF THE SCENERY, ANTIQUITIES, &C.

By Edwin Lees, F.L.S. & F.E.S.L.

Any observations that may tend more completely to elucidate the Botany of Great
Britain, and accumulate materials for a correct geographical distribution of its plants,
cannot but be regarded with interest by the inquisitive Naturalist, as additional
links in the scientific chain. This applies, too, more particularly to the district I
have just cursorily examined, which appears most unaccountably to have been
greatly neglected by botanical observers, if we except Mr. Dillwyn, who, in the
first edition of the Botanists Guide through England and Wales, has recorded
the stations of many plants in Glamorganshire. Respecting the vegetation of the
other South Welch counties, little seems to be known ; for my friend, Mr. Hew-
ett Cottrell Watson, in his recent and excellent New Botanist's Guide to the
Localities of the rarer Plants of Britain, has left Radnorshire an entire blank ;
stating that the Old Botanist's Guide contained localities for three cryptogamic
plants only in that county, and that " not any other stations" were known to him.
And while he has only given thirteen plants to Monmouthshire, four of which
were communicated by myself, he remarks, under Pembrokeshire — " For this and
other counties of South Wales, I have to regret the very incomplete lists it is in
my power to give. Indeed, there is, probably, no other part of Britain, in which
half-a-dozen counties together are so little known botanically. It is much to be
wished that some botanical tourist would diligently explore them." This, I think,
must be allowed to furnish me with a very sufficient text for illustration and re-
mark ; and having occasion for a little mental and bodily renovation, I resolved
that while I inhaled the sea breezes on the one hand, I would, if possible, scent out
some plants on the other.

Now, then, for the detail of operations. I will first, however, mention, that,
to prevent trouble and render my researches more accessible, when any plant
noticed by me is unrecorded by Mr. Cottrell Watson, as located in that vicinity, I
shall prefix an asterisk to it.

I entered Herefordshire by the pass through the sienitic chain of Malvern
Hills, at the northern base of the massive serrated Herefordshire Beacon. Having
before, in Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. iii., in Hastings's Illus-
trations of the Natural History of Worcestershire, and in Mr. Watson's New
Botanist's Guide, detailed all the plants of the Malvern Hills that I was ac-
quainted with, I here refer to those publications for the Malvern plants, and
hasten upon new ground. As a lover of justice to fellow-labourers in the same
vol. i. 2e ,

210

field with myself, which I trust I ever shall be, not " damning with faint praise,"
or damning with no praise at all, too often practised by envious and unworthy
rivalry to the prejudice of science, I cannot here avoid referring to the list of
Malvern Plants published by Mr. Addison, of Malvern, and appended to his ad-
mirable article on the Medical Topography of Malvern in vol. iv. of TJie Tran-
sactions of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association. As I fear that
article will scarcely penetrate beyond professional hands, from the nature of the
volume in which it is placed, I shall here subjoin those plants found by Mr. Addi-
son and not noticed by myself. I, of course, exclude the Mosses and Lichens — of
which Mr. Addison has produced a copious list — as too numerous to copy, and
being excluded from Mr. Watson's book, as not conducive to the purpose I have
in view.

" Viola hirta. — In a lane at Colwall [Herefordshire] abundantly, Cowleigh
Park, &c."

" Campanula latifolia. — In a coppice below the Chalybeate Spa." This is,
however, very rare in the vicinity of Malvern, a thousand and one excursions
there never having exhibited it to me. I had the pleasure to see it in Mr. A.'s
herbarium.

" Bupleurum tenuissimum. — At Barnard's Green, on the right of the road
below Garford Court." One of the most remarkable of Mr. Addison's discoveries.
From Mr. Watson's Guide it appears that, excepting near St. Vincent's Rocks,
Bristol, this is the only station for this very rare plant on the western side of
Britain.

" Torilis infesta. — Corn-fields below Great Malvern."
" Luciola Forsteri. — In a coppice near the Well House."
" Saxifraga tridactylites. — On the walls and the roofs of cottages." Very
common when it once becomes social upon the walls of man, but rare under other
circumstances.

" Reseda lutea. — By the sides of the road, common." Mr. Addison's accu-
racy is not to be suspected, or I should have imagined some mistake. Mr. Wat-
son has not recorded it as found in Herefordshire or in any part of South Wales.
As far as I have noticed it is uncommon.

" Nepeta cataria. — Near the turnpike, by the entrance to Eastnor Castle,"
Herefordshire.

" Mentha Pulegium. — On the common by the road-side at Barnard's Green."
" Geranium phceum* — By the side of a watery lane beyond the Hales-end,
Cradley," Herefordshire.

" Vicia angustifolia. — Near the Well House."
" Hypericum dubium. — Frequent about Malvern."

" Epipactis latifolia In Cowleigh Park, and other places."

" Euphorbia Characias." — This occurs in Mr. Addison's list without any

211

assigned habitat, and is, therefore, I fear, not to be depended upon, having possi-
bly crept in erroneously. Should this not be the case, it would be gratifying to
have further particulars respecting it, as there is only one certain locality known
in England for this plant, and that is in Needwood Forest, Staffordshire. I have
in vain examined the Spurges at Malvern, with the hope of finding it.

" Scolopendrium Ceterach On a walk, and on the Abbey Church, Great

Malvern." This is a very rare fern in Worcestershire, and as it does not grow
on the Malvern Hills, it must have been introduced at the Abbey.

Having taken the liberty of making these observations on Mr. Addison's list
of plants, and inviting the same animadversion on my own, I now proceed with my
enumeration. Immediately on passing the Malvern chain, a broad belt of grau-
wacke limestone, forming part of the " silurian system" of Mr. Murchison, fills up
the intervening country to Ledbury, where the lime is extensively quarried. I
dismounted to examine the country, and the following plants occurred : —

*Rosa micrantha. — In various tall, drooping bushes on the grauwacke by the
side of a rill in the valley beyond the station for the Galanthus nivalis. The
smaller flowers and more delicate habit of this plant distinguish it from the com-
mon Sweet Briar, and the fruit is characteristic ; yet vigorous young shoots put
on a considerable resemblance to R. rubiginosa. I met also with a variety,
forming a low bush with very delicate smooth leaves, doubly serrated, but without
glands, except minute ones in the serratures. Scent cowslip-like ; prickles rather
numerous, scattered, strait, or deflexed, and aggregated in threes, fours, or fives,
under the stipules. No flowers.

Rosa rubiginosa. — Who is there that is not familiar with the grateful smell
of Sweet Briar hedges, and will not hail with joy this favourite of the garden in a
wild station ? Gathered in the valley north of the Ledbury road, and between
Ledbury and Bromsberrow.

* Rosa Forsteri. — This species , (or variety of canina, as considered by some
botanists) is only placed as occurring in four counties by Mr. Watson, and one of
these is Worcestershire. I now met with it in Herefordshire, and doubt not it
will be found of general occurrence. The very hairy midrib of the leaves easily
distinguishes it, although the extremely short peduncles offer another character
perhaps variable.

* Rosa systyla. — This rose seems a comparatively scarce one, and is certainly
so in this district, where it has very rarely occurred to me. It seems confined to
the south, according to Mr. Watson, who has it only in seven counties, all of them
southern, except Worcestershire. It is possible that this species may be passed
as a variety of R. canina, though the prominent styles offer a distinguishing mark ;
but the fact is, they do not appear at all conspicuous till the petals and stamens
have disappeared, when they appear very remarkable ; but the flowers having then
vanished, the plant has lost its attractions, except to a scrutinizing eye. I found

2e 2

212

it in a hedge on the Bromsberrow-road from Ledbury, just beyond a public house
called The Pye's Nest.

Prenanihes muralis and Sedum telephium occurred upon the grauwacke
rock in the valley below the Beacon, and Carex axillaris and Stellaria uligi-
nosa in a marshy spot near.

Several battered specimens of the Yew (Taxus baccata) presented them-
selves on the side of the road leading to Ledbury, and some very fine aged ones
adorn the Ridgeway, an ancient raised road leading to Earl Somers' mansion of
Eastnor Castle. Here, also, I noticed some fine specimens of the Juniper (Juni-
perus communis J growing among a thicket of brambles. * Viburnum lantana
and * Clematis vitalba appeared growing upon the limestone within a mile of the
town of Ledbury.

The vicinity of Ledbury, blocked up with various detached limestone emi-
nences on its eastern side, and overlooking the great extension of the old red sand-
stone, backed by the solemn Black Mountains, presents rather an attractive focus
to the botanist, which is increased by the prevalence of deep woods along the sides
and bases of the hills, and the variety of soil, the new red sandstone appearing at
the distance of three miles only on the Bromsberrow road. I, therefore, paused
here for the remainder of the day. In the churchyard is a very fine, lofty, spread-
ing Wytch Elm ( Ulmus montanaj, and avenues of Lime ( Tilia Europcea)
enfilade the paths. The Red Currant (*Ribes rubrum) was growing as an epi-
phyte upon them. It is curious that an analagous circumstance is recorded with
respect to the great Lime-tree at Neustadt ander Linde, Germany, where Goose-
berries grown in the hollows of the tree there are sold to curious visitors.-}-

On a limestone hill, north of the church, I found the beautiful Vicia sylvatica
" canopying Titania's bower,";]: and Epipactis latifolia occurred sparingly.

Between Ledbury and Bromsberrow I noticed Campanula patula, *C. Tra-
chelium, and Hypericum androscemum. Acer campestre was very abundant in
the hedges, one old specimen being seven feet in circumference.

In passing along a narrow lane in my way towards Bromsberrow Church, I
came upon an open space at a spot called Brownsend, where stocd a most magni-
ficent specimen of the * Tilia parvifolia, rivalling in growth and spread of bough
any Oak or other veteran of the forest. It was not until after close examination
that I could be satisfied that it was a lime of this species, though in flower : cer-
tainly the finest I ever saw. At a yard from the ground the trunk measured
fifteen feet in circumference ; heighth full eighty feet. Although the T. parvi-
folia is certainly indigenous in the country about the base of the grauwacke
heights, I conceive this identical specimen to have been planted, not only from its
central position, but from its vicinity to an old farm house. Some noble old spe-

■f Loudon's Arboretum Brilannkurn. % Sir Walter Scott.

213

cimens of * Tilia grandifolia, of singular growth and large dimensions — drawings
of which I exhibited at a meeting of the Linnean Society — stand in a meadow in
the vicinity. Close to the church wall I also noticed a fine growing Oak tower-
ing high in air ; seventeen feet six inches in girth at a yard from the ground. I
was much pleased to perceive that some friend of the Dryads — alas 1 too often
now ruthlessly neglected — inhabited this quarter ; for at the fork of the tree, where
it divaricated into two vast arms, a piece of lead had been placed and so adjusted
as to carry off the moisture from, and prevent its decaying, the trunk of the tree.

From Ledbury to Hereford, and thence to Abergavenny, is a mass of old red
sandstone, offering few features of interest either geological or botanical, till Mon-
mouthshire is entered upon. The Wye itself is not very attractive at Hereford ;
and though the sombre massive cathedral and several singular, grotesque timber
buildings in that last English city claim the attention of the antiquary, they do
not, at present, further concern me in my vegetable explorations. As far as my
observation extended, there appeared no difference in the plants to mark the old
red sandstone from the new : perhaps the Roses are less abundant and luxuriant,
R. arvensis rather predominating. It is somewhat curious that *R. viUosa in
abundance is a distinguishing character in the Welch flora. In Worcestershire
this is a rare species ; it is of more frequent occurrence in Herefordshire : for I
observed it in considerable plenty along the hedge between the second and third
miles from Hereford ; but in Wales itself, as in the vicinity of Brecon and in the
vale of Neath, its deep pink flowers covering whole thickets in the greatest profu-
sion, offer an enchanting spectacle to the commonest observer.

Between Ledbury and Hereford I observed Orchis maculata very plentiful
in the meadows, and the fragrant Gymnadenia Conopsea sparingly. The latter,
though stated by Mr. Watson to occur in all our floras, except that of Devon, is
certainly a local plant, though overspreading whole fields where the soil is con-
genial to it.

At Trelew, between Hereford and Pont Rilas, is an Elm ( Ulmus campestrisj
of great height and magnificence. I omitted to take its dimensions, but was in-
formed that it was two hundred and seventy years old. It stands close to an old
farm house by the road side, and was probably planted when the house was erected.
I heard something relative to this structure having been formerly inhabited by a
family of consequence ; but a mist has here risen upon my memory, which my
memorandum book fails to clear up. The Elm seems to have advanced no farther
in this direction ; and taking leave of the " elmy granges," so characteristic of
England, I in reality entered South Wales at " Monmouth Cap," although still in
England by act of parliament.*

• Monmouthshire was made an English county, by act of parliament, in the reign of
Henry VIII. ; Welsh is nevertheless very frequently spoken by the country people.

214

Crossing the Monnow, which runs by the side of the road for a considerable
distance till lost in a dingle of the sullen Black Mountains, a pleasing scene pre-
sents itself. On the left the heights rise up thickly covered with wood, while ex-
tensive green meadows spread below, through which the shallow river brawls
hoarsely over its stony bed, seen at intervals through the dense foliage of oaks
that overshadow it, while here and there a funereal plume of yew increases the
gloomy solemnity. Beyond, appear the terminating defiles of the mountains, whose
dark parallel masses envelop each other in deep shadow as the traveller journies in
apparent review past their huge flanks. Immense quantities of the Petasites vul-
garis cover the banks and bed of the Monnow with their enormous leaves. I ob-
served, also, by the road side, a large Salix alba, which, wreathed to its summit
with Ivy, presented a singular aspect, with its silvery leaves in contrast with the
dark-green Ivy which, like an insidious serpent, had sprung upon and was over-
powering it within its multifarious folds. Although the Ivy seems to have no
choice, but will mount up any tree within its influence, the Salices seem, in gene-
ral, less liable to its attacks ; and hence, when triumphant, upon a large specimen
of the alba especially, the picture it presents is rather remarkable.

As I approached Llanvihangel, the singular hill, called the Skirrid Vawr,
towered on the left of the road, presenting, in its contour, the remarkable appear-
ance of a couchant beast of prey with an offspring at its feet. The fact is, that
this lofty mass of old red sandstone has undergone the phenomenon termed a
landslip, at some former period, a huge mass having been precipitated from the
summit to the base of the hill, and a steep precipice and yawning gap now inter-
vene between the two masses. To add to the picturesque effect, the young one,
if the fallen rock may be so termed, is now luxuriantly overgrown with wood.
This circumstance has been seized upon by superstition to impart a " holy" charac-
ter to the hill, it having been imagined that the rock was " rent" at the crucifixion
of our Saviour, and it bears the appellation of " The Holy Mountain" to this day
among the people of the neighbourhood. The foundations of a chapel, dedicate d
to St. Michael, may still be traced upon the hill, which merits a visit from the
geologist, though not upon this account. It might be curious to inquire whether,
in fact, this landslip of the Skirrid Vawr, to which I have alluded, was not really
co-incident with the celebrated journey of Marclay Hill, in Herefordshire, noticed
by the old chroniclers, and which is another member of the " old red" strata.
This .might tend to prove a later shaking of this part of the island than geologists
have hitherto admitted.

Llanvihangel House is surrounded with avenues of the Scotch Fir ( Pinus
sylvestris) finer and more magnificent than I have anywhere else seen, of conside-
rable altitude and great spread of bough. I measured one of the largest between
the road and the house, which was eleven feet in circumference at a height as high
as I could reach to measure, and rising up to the spread of the boughs above fifty
feet, nearly of the same magnitude of bole.

215

At Llanvihangel Pentre I noticed in a field the * Colchicum atitumnale in
fruit in great profusion ; and on my remarking it to an individual residing near,
he informed me that, in the spring of the present year, seven cows were poisoned
in that meadow by feeding upon the plant, and that he himself saw them lying
dead in the field. He stated that they belonged to a farmer of the name of
Watkins, who lived in the parish, and was imprudent enough to turn them into
this meadow in the early spring, after & winter's feeding on hay. Greedy, in con-
sequence, after green food, they devoured the Colchicum, and were all found
dead the next morning ! This insidious plant, whose purple flowers in the au-
tumn are its only recommendation, should be destroyed without mercy by the far-
mer wherever it presents itself. I do not think, however, unless under the cir-
cumstances stated, that cattle would, in general, prefer to eat it ; and as its leaves
and fruit only appear in the spring and early summer, it is innoxious when it
adorns, as it does profusely in Worcestershire, the short green aftermath.

As I passed through the valley between the Skirrid Vawr and Sugar Loaf
Hills, I noticed the * Sanguisorba officinalis in considerable abundance, in the
meadows on both sides of the road.

On alighting at Abergavenny, though evening was rapidly approaching, I
hastened on with the intention of ascending the Sugar Loaf forthwith, but getting
almost inextricably involved in the dense mass of wood that covers the buttresses
of the mountain, I found it impossible to get farther than the Derry ; add to
which, as I emerged from a thicket into a water-course, and caught the purple
peak of the hill still far distant, it became involved in cloud, and a copious shower
soaking the long grass and pouring from the bushes, was an, addendum to the
excursion not calculated upon or provided for. I therefore leaped one of the stony
water-courses, and made my best way to a practicable path. In my passage I
encountered some curiously contorted dwarf Beech trees (Fagus sylvatica),
though planted I have no doubt ; for though, according to Mr. Watson's Geogra-
phical Distribution of British Plants, it would appear that the Beech held rank
in all our floras, I have never yet met with it in the midland counties or South
Wales in a situation where its claims as a truly indigenous species could be con-
sidered indisputable.

The late Mr. Purton, of Alcester, who was justly honoured by Sir J. E. Smith
with the appellation of " accurate," has recorded in his Midland Flora the occur-
rence of Melampyrum sylvaticum in " the woods at the foot of the Sugar Loaf,
in great plenty."* After an attentive examination of the woods " at the foot of
the Sugar Loaf," I am, however, fully persuaded that the plant there occurring " in
great plenty" is not the real M. sylvatica, but a variety of M. pratense, with en-
tire floral leaves, the fi. of Dr. Hooker's British Flora, and the M. montanum of

* Purton's Midland Flora, vol. ii., p. 751.

216

Dr. Johnston's Flora of Berwick-upon-Tweed. This at all events was the only
Melampyrum that I could find, and it was very plentiful in the woods of the Der-
ry. As the trivial name pratense is so very uncharacteristic, and the plant is an
invariable attendant upon hilly woods, if Dr. Johnston's plant cannot stand as a new
species, the name montana substituted for pratense would be advantageous, and
prevent those errors to which all botanists are liable, especially if the plant be
named from a casual inspection only, in combination with the habitat presumed
from the name.

As I descended the hill through the woody outlets, the magnificent Blorenge
mountain, robed in the deepest purple, gleamed at intervals as I caught it through
the watery cloud ; and the last tinge of sunset was lost in the rising mists that
began to overshadow the romantic valley of the Usk. The Bat and the Eve -jar,
issuing from their retreats, passed rapidly among the thick foliage, and I emerged,
at last, into a deep hollow-way leading to Abergavenny. * Hypericum dubium,
and *Lepidium Smithii, in great profusion, occurred in the fields bordering upon
the Derry Wood.

\ To be continued.]

REMARKS ON THE PRESENT NOMENCLATURE OF BRITISH

ORNITHOLOGY,

WITH A VIEW TO ITS REVISION AND CORRECTION.

By the Rev. F. Orpen Morris.
[Continued from page 160.]

Before proceeding with my observations on the English nomenclature of our
British Birds, I must supply the omission of an exception to the second rule I laid
down, with regard to specific names, that is, that " the specific name should ex-
press, to the fullest possible extent, the peculiar characteristics of the bird."
There are many species named after individuals, either after those who have dis-
covered them, or, by those who have done so, in honour of some friend or illustri-
ous observer of nature, and their name evidently cannot express any of the cha-
racteristics of the species they represent. Now, it is scarcely necessary to stipu-
late that such names as these should be only exceptions to the general rule, as the
greater portion of animated nature has already received a nomenclature in every

217

class. In the second part of the above rule, I contend that no name which is not
faulty, should be changed, even for one more comprehensive ; and this, the very
nature of nomina adulatoria* would prevent ; still I maintain that it is fair and
legitimate that such names as these should, on proper occasions, be allowed. I am
borne out in this proposition by the opinion of Mr. Westwood, in a clever paper
of his, which, singularly enough, appeared in Loudon's Magazine of Natural
History, contemporaneously with mine upon nearly the same subject. As one
reason against changing such names, he mentions " the injustice done thereby to
the original describer of the species, whose name is thus supplanted :" and, further,
he says with truth, " the custom of forming specific names from the name of the
captor or possessor of a new species, although condemned as a fault by a recent
anonymous writer, has been sanctioned by every Naturalist since the days of Lin-
neus — it is an honourable testimony of the opinion of fellow labourers." I must
confess that I may appear to be not altogether an uninterested advocate of this
practice, even " in prospectu" (vide, also, Curtis's British Entomology, No. 110,
p. 441) ; but, nevertheless, I have always maintained the same opinion, and I
have read as yet no arguments likely to induce me to change it ; " nor think it not
immodesty" that, for the present, I agree on this point with Mr. Westwood, and
I am glad to find that it is not the only one connected with the general subject I
am investigating in which our views coincide.

But I must proceed, " unde a quo abi redeo," and I will commence my ob-
servations with candidly stating my opinion that it will be a happy day for nomen-
clature when English names are totally abolished. It maybe all very well for
unscientific persons to retain, pro tempore, the local names, which are most of
them varied in different parts of the country : thus the Missel Thrush, for in-
stance, of one place, is the Stormcock of another: but we hope the rapid
progression of knowledge, which has of late years taken place, will continue to
be yet more extensively, if not universally, diffused, and render it quite as easy for
those who possess even a small stock of erudition, to call a bird, or an insect, or a
plant by its scientific and Latin name, as by its vulgar one. Here we need not
speculate : we have only to look at what has already taken place. We are
speaking now of birds ; but let us argue more philosophorum " from like to like."
Have not the coleoptera almost exclusively Latin names, not one in a hundred
being degraded by a vulgar, or what might, with more propriety of language
than the word is usually connected with, be called a " trivial" name ?f

* With regard to the mode of forming these names, the Latinity of the middle ages, as
Mr. "Westwood observes, must be employed ; but this is so evident, that I am surprised
at his having thought it necessary to argue this question, or mention it at all. ■

f As I am chiefly speaking of British birds, it would be hardly fair to use the argument
which might be derived from considering the countless number of foreign species, which
might, perhaps not quite with equal justice, but certainly with some shew of reason, demand
VOL. i. 2f

218

What impediments can arise, for example, in consequence of Prionus coria-
rins, or Philonthus impressicollis, or Emus hirtus, having no other than Latin
names, heside the thousands of other British insects which have no names except
those of Latin or Greek composition ? Nay, more ; how very few are there even
of those which have English names that are called by them generally hy collec-
tors, throughout the country : take the very first that occurs in Curtis's Guide to
an Arrangement of British Insects, the lovely genus Cicindela : " ex uno disce
omnes" The Cicindelee are anglicised Sparklers ; but are they ever so called
even in common entomological parlance ? Why, then, should we find a difficulty
or make one with birds which scarcely exists in the case of insects, and almost
still less with plants ? Is it not quite as easy to speak of the Oriolus galbula
as of the Golden Oriole ? to point to a Hirundo riparia as to a Sand Martin ?
or to say that we have shot a Phalaropus as a Phalarope ? I have a great re-
spect for antiquity, which my former arguments will sufficiently prove ; but in the
cause of science all things subordinate to it should give place, and we must make
a sacrifice even of our prejudices and associations in her behalf. Why should we
create a difficulty with one class or one genus of the same class which does not
exist in another ? In many, even in by far the greater number, we have no pre-
judices to contend with, no English names to remove ; and, even among birds,
the more recently discovered ones have either no English names, or, if they have,
the use of them is scarcely ever called into exercise : take for example the Anthus
Ricardi, which is much more frequently so called, even by those who are not conver-
sant with Latin, than " Richards' Lark" and the Cursorius isabellinus than the
Cream-coloured Swiftfoot. With what are more properly called the indigenous
birds, the difficulty in the way is the universal diffusion of their English names,
given to them before science had yet assigned Latin names to them ; with more
modern discoveries this is not the case, and, therefore, the same difficulty does not
exist. Then, again, the original birds, if I may use the term, have shorter, more
vernacular, and unmeaning names ; but when we come to more recently disco-
vered or less generally distributed species, then we find longer, more descriptive,
and more modern names. Of the former, take as examples the Robin, the
Throstle, Dunnock, Gull, Cormorant, &c, of the latter, the Olivaceous Gallinule,
Whitewinged Crossbill, Funereal Owl, and Whitebellied Swift ; but this, I am
willing to admit, is partially accounted for by the necessity of the discrimination
of diverse species, modern discoveries pointing them out, though formerly, perhaps,
all comprehended under one common name. But if, for the present, we are to
retain English names at all, we ought, in the first place, to alter them as little as
possible, ilnomina trivilia nunquam absque summa necessitate mutanda sunt ;"

from us English names for themselves as well as our more favoured native birds, especially
when the former are now almost as extensively diffused, in a preserved state, in this coun-
try, as the latter in a living state.

219

because, as I have before observed, they are of little or no use to the scientific
Naturalist, and their use to others will be done away with if they are to be
changed incessantly, and transposed backwards and forwards, thus rendering con-
fusion only worse confounded, no doubt with the best intentions. Under these
circumstances I advocate the retention of such English names as either have no
meaning (at all events none which persons in general would detect), for instance,
Guillemot, Auk, and Eagle ; or if they have a meaning let it be as nearly as
possible a literal translation of the Greek or Latin name. In cases where a bird
has been properly removed to one genus from another, or to a new genus, the
classical name being changed, it is also right that the English name should under-
go a transmutation, but the original name should be reserved for the original or
most typical genus. Mr. C. T. Wood seems inclined to act upon this principle,
and he is quite right in doing so ; but as he has also written upon the subject of
nomenclature, I will take this opportunity of expressing my opinion of the way in
which, in some other matters, he has worked out and developed his own theses.

He is very unfortunate in one of his interrogations : " what a much more
lively expression of the birds" he asks, " do the following specific names convey ?"
(than the original ones):* — " Rosecoloured Amzel :" may I ask what expres-
sion this latter word conveys, unless some latent and recondite one, of which, I am
sure, most persons, in common with myself, are ignorant : the same observation
applies to Honey Pern, Furze Whinling, Sibilo.us Brahehopper, Common
Longtail, &c. &c. ; to which the " Rose Muflin is added ;" " Afedula Sonans"
of Mr. Wood in one place, " Afedula Rosea" in another. " This," he tells us,
" is the Long-tailed Tit of authors ;" and really, the information is not thrown
away, for I am not ashamed to confess that without it, I should have been utterly
at a loss even to guess what bird was intended. Allow me also to inquire of Mr.
C. T. Wood, the meaning and derivation of the word Aiedula. Is A^ihedula in-
tended, from Aphides perhaps being preyed on by the bird ? I am inclined to
conjecture this to be the case, from Mr. Wood's saying elsewhere, that Phasianus
ought to be spelled Fasianus, and Sylvia, Silvia. I hope, however, he will not be
offended at my telling him very plainly that here he is quite in error — at least, if
he is right, Eton and Oxford are far wide of the mark, for they teach a very dif-
ferent orthography, and so also does Pliny, the illustrious patriarch of natural
history, who may be supposed to be an authority for the orthography of his own
language ; being one of the most elegant writers in it whose works have come
down to us, and with which I may profess some little acquaintance, having taken
up a portion of them for examination at Oxford, for the first time in that univer-
sity. The above instances which I have given of Mr. C. Wood's alterations in
nomenclature, are some of them gratuitous ; but even with regard to those which

* I write from memory, and am, therefore, liable to some trifling inaccuracy.

2f 2

220

are not, does he seriously imagine or expect that they will ever come into general
circulation, or that their cacophony will he endured ? I do assure him that they
never will.

One word on the name troglodytes, which Mr. Wood says should be written
troglodytes, but which error I must; also prevent from being perpetuated. The
word originally was the name of a people, and given to them from their custom of
inhabiting subterranean dwellings, r^yi* a den, and %6w to enter. Mr. C. T.
Wood says that the name is engaged for a genus of Mammals. He commits the
same error in the word Nicticorax, &c. &c. as every classical scholar must admit.

I cordially agree with Mr. Wood, that it is to be regretted that unnecessary
changes have been made in scientific works by Naturalists of high repute, as, in
addition to the confusion produced, an example is thereby set which may be, and is,
prejudicial to the interests of science; and it is on this very account that I must,
in conclusion, take some notice of the favourable opinion he gives in the last
number of The Naturalist, of Mr. Neville Wood's book, which, he says, has
two or three errors, such as Phamicura for Ruticilla, and BraJcehopper for Lo-
i custel. To the first of these appellations, I suppose Mr. C. Wood objects as being
of Greek derivation, for in Loudon's Magazine, loco citato, he says, that he ob-
jects to Greek* words being employed at all in ornithological nomenclature ; but as
he gives no reason for this objection, we have yet to learn their ground of offence.
As, however, I have avowed myself an advocate for their use, I shall feel thank-
ful for any arguments adduced on the other side ; and if I deem them sufficient,
I will lose no time in giving my assent. Having nothing at heart in these re-
marks but the advantage and interest of ornithology as a branch of science, I trust
that Mr. G. T. Wood will receive my strictures in the spirit in which they are
given ; remembering his own quotation from Mr. Blyth as to the good that will
result from dispassionate discussion of the principles of nomenclature.-)-

I must reserve the synoptical list of British birds, which I propose giving, for
a future number ; and in the mean time will conclude this paper by stating that
the idea of the conclave of Naturalists, to decide on the retention or discarding of
names, is not my own, but was suggested some time ago by my friend, Mr. H. E.
Strickland — a fact I omitted to mention in my last communication.

* "I abjure the practice of mixing Greek words and Latin together, cmiusini more bilin-
guis, in the compounded names of genera or species : it is equally useless and absurd."

f Mr. C. T. Wood, in speaking ofnomina adulutoria, says that Mr. Lansdown Guilding's
opinion entirely accords with his own, and quotes Mr. Guilding, where he says that such
names should never be applied to genera. But Mr. Wood is speaking of specific names,
and seems to suppose that Mr. Guilding's words bear him out in what he says about them.
Here there appears to be some mistake ; certainly, however, I agree with both, that the
names in question should not be applied to genera. I think the instances of their being so
used, are comparatively rare.

[To be concluded in our nc.it.]

REMARKABLE INSTANCES OF NIDIFICATION.

The instance recorded by me, in a former number, of the eccentric nidifica-
tion of a Wren (Anorthura) having elicited a singular parallel from another Cor-
respondent (see page 181), I shall give a few more occurrences of a similar nature
and equally interesting. I may here state; in reply to that Correspondent, that
the nest of the Chimney Swallow (Hirundo garrula, Blyth), appropriated too
unceremoniously by the noisy little Wren, was built in an outhouse, and it was so
constructed that the feathered tenants could only just enter by the space left
between the upper part of the front wall of the nest and the ceiling of the shed.

In the hall of my former residence, Chimney Swallows attempted to build in
the upper corners of the walls, for several years successively, making use of the
ceiling instead of laboriously constructing the costly dome of the Rose Muflin
( Mecistura rosea).* So unweariedly did these nature-taught architects ply
their hod and mortar that they contrived to advance far in their " temples not
made with hands" before much attention had been attracted by their journeys
backwards and forwards. The vigilant eyes of the house-maids — a class of per-
sons, by the bye, who are most of them destructives — were speedily directed
towards the procreant cradles of my little favourites, and they were destroyed.
Nothing daunted, the Swallows renewed their attempts at establishing their in-door
colony, working like so many masons ; but it was all labour in vain. I would
willingly have marked the lintels of the entrances, that the destroyer might pass
by ; but the unlucky Swallows were apt to get into a sky-light, which proved as
fatal to them as was Doubting Castle of Giant Despair, in the Pilgrims Pro-
gress, to the unfortunate mortals who entered in thereat. I, therefore, had the
door closed till the mania was over.

I have noticed several other rather strange choices of places for building ma-
nifested by birds ; and as the feathered bipeds have no Architectural Magazine,
their choice of a site may be determined by caprice rather than by fixed principles.
I refer the reader to page 513 of the Field Naturalist's Magazine for a very
remarkable instance of attachment to its nest manifested by a Garden Willet
(Sylvia melodia, Blyth). I have known a similar instance of attachment to home
in the Noisy Willet ( Sylvia loquax, Herbert) ; and though the nest in this in-
stance was certainly not " made a complete ruin by a flock of Ducks," yet it was
sufficiently damaged to afford abundant apology for desertion. I have witnessed
the nests of the Common Redstart ( Rulicilla lusciniaj, the Robin Redbreast
( Rubecula familiaris ) , and several other common birds, in extraordinary situa-
tions, which, at some future time, I may probably describe.

C. T. Wood.

* Longtailed Tit and Pants caudatus of old authors : Leach has very properly consti-
tuted a new genus for the reception of this species and its congeners. The Muscicapa luc-
tnom of old authors I propose to call the Pied Collet (Apliedula lucluosaj.

222
NOTES OF A BOTANIST.

(Continued from page 124 ,).
Peculiarities of Form in the Structure of the Blossom.

Amidst the endless diversity discoverable in the forms of the blossom, we
find some unusual singularities, and these striking deviations, we may rest assured,
have their peculiar design in the beneficent arrangements of a prospective Provi-
dence. The Fly, Bee, Wasp, and Butterfly Orchises — the flowers of the Oncidi-
um papilio, and those of the Peristeria elata, not to name myriads more of re-
markable epiphytes, adorned with blossoms as exquisitely beautiful as they are
singularly curious — all have a specific purpose to fulfil in the economy of creation.
Not the least remarkable among blossoms are the flowers of the Aristolochia :
those of the A. trifida have a prolonged lip, which, from its slender form, might
be truly called " a hair lip." A proper inspection of the distribution of the blos-
soms will unveil the design of this curious conduit. The flower is a true conden-
ser of the aqueous vapour that settles on it ; and, on the principles of radiation,
the structure and the colour will facilitate the deposition of dew, while the elon-
gated lip as duly transmits the stream to the roots of the plant. Many plants, at
the period of inflorescence, require an unusual supply of water ; such as the Hey-
dychium favum, and others.

The Kaulfussia amelloides presents a singular feature in its individual petals :
they are rolled up, or curled like a lady's tresses, and temperature seems to be
intimately connected with the phenomenon ; nor is it unlikely that moisture has
something to do with it, cold being the result of its evaporation. I found that the
flower of the K. amelloides, when pressed in contact with a heated metallic plate,
instantly unrolled its petals, which were as suddenly coiled up again on transfer-
ring the disc of the flower to the surface of cold water. On the other hand, the
flowers of the Mesembryanthemum, on their approach to the source of heat, in-
flected their petals inwards towards the centre.

Maturation of Seeds.

In a former section, it will be remembered, I adverted to the natural ventila-
tion of seeds, and incidentally mentioned some interesting provisions made for
this purpose. To secure their maturation, we find insulation and uniformity of
temperature not unfrequently essential conditions, and these are accordingly sti-
pulated for in the physiology of plants. A continental writer has, in a recent
number of the Magazine of Natural History, favoured us with some crude and

223

undigested experiments made on the Arachis hypogcea, or " ground nut ;" and
his conclusions are, as might be expected, meagre and unsatisfactory : namely, that
darkness may be necessary to perfect the maturity of the pod, and that it may
further absorb " something" from the earth, and this " something" may be water.
To those who have attended to the phenomena of this extraordinary plant, the
true cause is evidently to secure the uniformity of temperature maintained by
terrestrial warmth. The temperature of the earth and the air are very diffe-
rent : that of the former will remain comparatively uniform during the night,
whereas the latter will be subject to incessant vicissitudes. It is thus that, in a
medium of uniform temperature, immature seeds may be ripened ; and in this
manner have I matured the green fruit of the Bannana : a thousand proofs might
be adduced in verification. The Colchicum autumnale ripens its seed-vessel and
contents below the surface of the ground, and if circumstances do not permit the
cyclamen to bury its seeds for the same purpose, it is interesting to observe how
carefully it coils the stalk round the vessel, so as effectually to conceal it ; not
merely to shroud it in darkness, but to preserve externally the uniformity of tem-
perature maintained by the plant.

On the same principle are similar phenomena developed in aquatic vegetation.
The Ranunculus aquatica matures its seeds below the surface, the Valisneria
spiralis retracts its seed-vessels to the bottom of the river, and the Nelumbium,
Nymphea, and Nuphar withdraw their seed-vessels from the surface, to escape
from the effects of radiation, and take advantage of a medium comparatively
unchangeable and free from those alterations to which the aerial medium is con-
stantly subject. Sometimes bags or bladders of air fulfil the purpose of insulation,
as in the seed-vessels of the Passijlora cerulea and Colutea frutescens ; at other
times, silk and cotton are the means employed ; examples are supplied in the
Asclepias Syriaca, Gessypium hei'baceum, and " Silk-cotton Tree." We have
an evident proof that this is the intention, or at least the inference amounts to
probability, in the fact that we meet with the same provision in denizens of the
desert, between the tropics, as in arctic and antarctic lands ; thus, the seeds of the
Stapelia are enveloped in a silky down, as well as those of the Lilliputian Wil-
lows, on the shores of West Greenland.

The Economy of Bulbs.

Under this section it is not my intention to enter upon a description of the
various structures presented by bulbs, or the different offices or functions they are
destined to fulfil. My task, at present, will be confined to the provisions in their
economy to meet extraordinary contingencies. The distillatory function of the
Calla JEthiopica and Agapanthus umbellatus will be remembered; but the
change of place or position is not less remarkable. While plants generally

224

remain fixed to the spot, and their roots radiate in every direction, and extend far
and wide, as purveyors in search of food, there are others that are truly locomo-
tive ; the Orchis and Monkshood move laterally from their original position —
a phenomenon still more remarkable in the Arum dracunculus. In these the
motion is superficial ; but some Cape bulbs display a feature equally curious.
Some of the Ixias form their future bulbs below the original or parent bulbs, so
that they sink deeper into the sand ; a most wise and beautiful provision-, when
it is considered that they are constantly subject to denudation from the moving
sands and the blasts of the desert. This is the case, too, with the Aniholyzas,
and even the Anomatheca cruenta.

(To be continued).

INSTANCES OF CURIOUS VARIETIES OF BIRDS.

One of the mostremarkable varieties of plumage in the feathered race that
ever fell under my observation, was a Cuckoo entirely white. I regret that I
know nothing of its history, or even where it was shot ; but it is still in the pos-
session of Mr. Reid, Animal Preserver, of Doncaster, where I saw it. I
have known two or three instances of white Jays, one of a white Jackdaw Crow,
one of an entirely white Hedge Coalhood (or Hedge Alp, as it might be named),
and several of partially white Garden Ouzels, (Merula vulgaris). The distri-
bution of the black and white is generally pretty much the same in the varieties of
the last-mentioned species. In my collection is a variety of the Garden Ouzel,
a female, which was about to lay when it was shot. " I have a female Whin Lin-
net (Linaria cannabina)" writes Mr. Blyth, " which I purchased last year,
having a very little white ; it has moulted this season, and has now become at least
one-third white, its bill and feet also losing their colour. Next autumn I expect
it will turn entirely white." A Rook was recently shot by the keeper to John
Silvester, Esq., of the Grove, near Ashbourn, the head, feet, and bill of which
are nearly white, and the primary feathers of the wing are perfectly white."

N. W.
Campsall Hall,

.. Nov. 2, 1836.

225

REVIEWS

The Natural History and Classification of Birds. By William Swainson,
A.C.G., F.R.S.L.S. Vol. I., being vol. LXXXIII. of Lardner's Cabinet
Cyclopaedia, pp. 365. London : Longman & Co.

The savage who first placed upon his head a flaming feather from the plumage
of the Toucan, as little considered the importance of an] investigation into the
structure and habits of birds as he who, in the present day, runs over the pages of
the richly illustrated works arrayed in all the splendours of art the zoological
draughtsman can bestow, and fondly fancies himself an ornithologist. It is not
now the pastime of turning over plates or drawings that will constitute any one an
ornithologist ; it must not be concealed that deep and attentive study is required
to fully comprehend all the details of the science, and that there are difficulties in
scientific arrangement and classification sufficient to blunt the edge of the ardour
of the most enthusiastic. Mr. Swainson not unadvisedly, then, intimates that no
" Introduction to Modern Ornithology," calculated for the present state of science,
yet exists, and proposes to supply the deficiency in the present work, which he has
arranged in three departments : Part I. — On the structure and natural history of
birds in general : Part II. — On the bibliography, nomenclature, and preservation
of birds : Part III. — On the natural history and relations of the different orders,
tribes, and families of birds.

On these topics Mr. Swainson dilates with the practised hand of a master ; he
has been an observer in the cabinet and the field, and it would be injustice not to
admit that, with much information on the external anatomy of birds, the volume
combines some very agreeable writing. In short, it is what we always must ap-
prove— scientific information imparted in a pleasing manner. For the present,
we must defer our examination of Mr. Swainson's classification till the appearance
of the second volume, particularly as it proceeds no farther than the insessorial
order ; and as he states it to be " the result of the last six years' study," it will
be most advantageous to discuss its merits when placed before us entire and com-
plete. We shall now, therefore, assume to ourselves the privilege of a " rapto-
rial" bird, and shall pounce down without ceremony upon whatever appears to de-
serve our notice, and meets our exploring eye within Mr. Swainson's preserve.
We feel obliged, however, to take exception to the somewhat lordly manner with
which Mr. Swainson delivers his dicta ex cathedra, and his almost total neglect
of his contemporaries, unless they have been concerned in the manufacture of
splendid quartos or folios, or it is their goodfortune " in courts to shine. " Thus,

VOL. I. 2 G

226

while the most unqualified praise is bestowed upon the Prince of Musignano, for
his additions to Wilson's Birds, which are " exceedingly scarce volumes," and
were never " offered for sale ;" poor Bewick, whose admirable figures of British
Birds gave an impetus to the study of native ornithology never before effected by
the most splendid Planches Enlumine.es — is cursorily passed by as not to be " for-
gotten," and Mudie's volumes are unmentioned. There is also an unfairness in
obviously alluding to a person without mentioning his name, a littleness that every
candid mind must disclaim. Why, then, is Audubon's controversy with Water-
ton, about the sense of smell in the Vulture noticed, but Waterton's name avoided ?
" Amateurs," it is stated at p. 211, have often visited Demerara, " whose sole ob-
ject seems to have been that of procuring perfect skins : as to the habits of the
birds themselves, their structure, or their classic names, we know almost as little
about them as if they never existed." This passage obviously alludes to Mr.
Waterton's well known Wanderings, where it has always struck us that the neg-
lect of scientific names was to be deplored. But at the same time, is no idea of
the glorious productions of that splendid region obtained from the Wanderings!
We surely see the Coutinghas and the Humming-birds, if we cannot classify them,
and the measured note of the Bell-bird rings even now upon our ears from the
depths of the humid forests. At all events, to condemn an author by implication,
and yet ingeniously avoid naming either him or his work, appears to us an act of
injustice, which, whether proceeding from friend or foe, we will ever honestly
expose. As to the Prince of Musignano, we cannot consider that author the
greatest benefactor of mankind who publishes works, however admirable, which
are unattainable except to a favoured few, who shew them as they would shew a
wild animal they were afraid to lose, within the inelosure of a brazen lattice.

But let us touch upon more pleasing matters with respect to " the butterflies
of vertebrated animals," as Mr. Swainson somewhat strangely denominates birds.
Following up this idea, we presume it is suggested that birds with concealed crests,
that can be shut or expanded at pleasure, use them as decoys for their insectivo-
rous prey. As this is a new idea, and deserves investigation, we present Mr.
Swainson's observations on the subject in his own words, and it will give an idea
of his powers of reasoning : —

" These crests are generally either of a bright yellow, red, or golden colour ;
sometimes, though very rarely, white. If the feathers of the crown, which are
not conspicuously elongated, are laid perfectly smooth, the crest does not appear,
although its presence is sometimes indicated by a slight streak of the same colour.
When the bird, however, is excited, the central feathers of the crown suddenly
expand, radiate almost in a circle, and display what is often a most beautiful and
striking ornament. The bright colours of the crest, in fact, are only at the roots
of the feather, which are all tipt with the ordinary colour of the plumage ; so that
when these are expanded they are no inapt representation of the opening petals of

227

a Marigold, or some beautiful little syngenesious jlower ; the predominant colour
of that class, no less than of the crests that represent them, being different shades of
yellow. Now, it is a circumstance no less singular than remarkable, in conjunc-
tion with what we shall presently state, that of between fifty and sixty birds pos-
sessing this sort of crest, every one is purely insectivorous, that is, living entirely
upon insects, which are caught, not by hunting, but are seized only on their near
approach. We have frequently had occasion to advert to the fact that all the
tyrant flycatchers of Brazil never pursue their prey, or go out in search of it, by
wandering about from tree to tree, like other birds. They take their station on a
particular branch, and there patiently wait, like a Spider on its web, for such in-
sects as come within range of a sudden dart. It is to this family of birds that
the crests we have been describing are almost entirely restricted. We have fre-
quently seen the Bentevi of Brazil, the most familiar as well as common species
in that country, open and shut his fine yellow crest when merely occupied in
watching for insects. This fact, joined with the considerations already mentioned,
has more than once suggested to us the idea that these flower-like ornaments are
occasionally used as snares to attract the attention of insects, so as to bring them
within reach of being captured by a sudden dart."

This is curious and interesting, but Mr. Swainson omits to state what might,
perhaps, throw a greater light on the subject — the trees principally frequented by
these flycatchers, and the colour of their flowers. We should know this before
we positively decide that the insects mistake the gold-coloured crests for flowers,
particularly as syngenesious flowers, to which the crests are compared, do not
grow upon trees, nor do trees produce them. We had marked various interesting
passages for quotation on the sight, tongue, feet, and voice of birds, strikingly
illustrative of the harmony perceptible in every department of nature, and the as-
sociation of one tribe of beings with another ; but as we may have another oppor-
tunity to dilate on these subjects we proceed to notice the second division of Mr.
Swainson's work, because suggestions arise there that we may not have a legiti-
mate opportunity of remarking upon again. We would just mention, en passant,
the observation that " the powers of voice are certainly greater in birds, when their
size is considered, than in any other class of animals, or even in man. This fact
is established by experience and by comparative anatomy : we know that the crow-
ing of a Cock may be heard at a far greater distance than the shout of a man, even
had he the lungs of a Stentor ; and it may be even questioned whether the same
remark may not be applicable to the full and sonorous warbling of the Thrush."

Mr. Swainson's remarks on the progress of ornithological science are very ju-
dicious, and deserve the particular attention of the student. His observations on
ornithological bibliography are also deserving of notice, though here, we conceive,
he has fallen into an error. On the very point where information would have
been desirable he fails to give it, merely remarking that, " in regard to European

2g2

228

ornithology, it is needless to enumerate the very many works that have been pub-
lished, in one shape or other, on the birds of the different kingdoms.'' It is true
that he presents us with a long " list of the chief geographic ornithological works,
arranged under the five zoological provinces," and intimates his wish to enumerate
" such works only as are absolutely essential to an ornithological student, or are
eminently beautiful in their execution." The " ornithological student," however,
that Mr. Swainson has in his eye, must be some " Prince Maximilian" or the
" Prince of Musignano ;" since none but princes are likely to obtain one quarter
of the expensive works he has enumerated. We have no objection to know that,
by an outlay of about three hundred and fifty pounds, we may possess some of the
most splendid works on " illustrative ornithology ;" but this golden Tantalian cup
may glance in the eyes of the poor student, but must glitter in vain. We think,
therefore, that Mr. Swainson should have condescended to recommend a few
standard works which any one could readily purchase for five or ten pounds. As
he has not done so, we at once say that the beginner may be very well satisfied
with Bewick's British Birds, Mudie's Birds, Bechstein's Cage Birds, Neville
Wood's British Song Birds, and Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology,
if his pocket will allow, for the price of the latter is fourteen pounds : as the
letter-press of Selby may, however, be had separately for a guinea, the plates may
be dispensed with pro tempore. The first edition of Montagu's Ornithological
Dictionary obtained if practicable, and certainly Mr. Swainson's publications in
the Cabinet Cyclopaedia. Of course, The Naturalist will be examined each
month, as it is indipensable for the student to possess a periodical on his favourite
pursuit. Now this really is to the purpose ; and Temminck and Gould may follow
when gold sufficient can be found ; but the Planches Enluminees (forty-eight
pounds), Le Vaillant's Birds of Paradise, &c. (thirty-two pounds), and others,
recommended by Mr. Swainson, seem to us out of the question, except for splen-
did libraries.

Mr. Swainson has entered at some length upon the " laws of nomenclature,"
with regard to birds. This subject, however, claims, and must have, distinct notice,
which would be out of place here. Just, though severe, reproaches are thrown
out against the " wholesale coinage of complimentary names which now begin to
crowd every page of our catalogues, almost to the exclusion of those by which
the species can, in some degree, be made known. Surely there are other ways of
expressing our thanks or gratitude to those who assist our labours, than by this
very cheap' mode of cancelling the obligation. This prostitution of what was once
a scientific honour, but which is now within the reach of almost every one, how-
ever ignorant of science, or merely following it as a trade." We have always
thought that the crowd of names now proposed as carelessly as a " how-d'ye-do ?"
must eventually be obliterated — common sense demands it ; for if " John Jones"
is sent up into the air as a Kite under the name of Jonesii, what is to distinguish

229

some other " John Jones," who is fortunate enough to find another bird, and anx-
iously emulates the flight of his namesake ? In fact, at the present moment, names
occur in scientific nomenclature, which it is a disputed point whom they were in-
tended to commemorate — like tombs from which the original occupiers have been
expelled, to accommodate another race that in its turn has passed into obscurity
and oblivion. The philosopher will be careless about transient distinctions, which
will vainly attempt to confer eminence where it does not already exist. Mr. Swain-
son is less happy in his objections to the reform in our ornithological vernacular
nomenclature, which has been so vehemently insisted upon by several able writers
in The Analyst. We shall not here touch upon a contest into which we have
hitherto refrained to enter ; but we think when Mr. Swainson says that " the
question has been discussed in some recent periodicals" surely with the word
Analyst in his mouth, he might have suffered it to drop from his pen. This
petty extinguishing system we shall always notice and reprobate, especially as Mr.
Swainson takes abundant care to quote himself, not without acJcnoivledgement.

We think the observations of Mr. Swainson at p. 274, on the fitting up of
Museums, particularly well timed, and recommend them to the notice of the offi-
cers of all the newly established Natural History Societies. This is an epoch in
the scientific history of our country, and much depends upon the manner in which
the arrangements will be made in the new Museums. The collections now mak-
ing will be permanent or perishable, according to the plans now entered upon. At
Shrewsbury, Worcester, Warwick, Nottingham, and other places, Museums of
Natural History are forming, and their arrangement ought only to be entrusted
to zealous, experienced, and competent persons. If opinionated conceit be suffered
to prevail over zealous activity, hard-earned knowledge, and careful experience — if
effect be preferred to taste, and utility sacrificed to variety, splendour and show
may indeed triumph over science, but the tide-time having been irretrievably lost,
posterity will have to re-commence a labour that might have been saved,
amidst faded splendour, destroyed specimens, and broken relics. Looking at the
past, and casting a wakeful eye into the future, we give this friendly warning to all,
and refer them to Mr. Swainson's useful details for further information.

The Naturalist's Library. — Ornithology. Conducted by Sir William Jardine,
Bart., F.R.S.E., F.L.S., &c. Six vols, foolscap 8vo., illustrated with numer-
ous coloured plates and wood-cuts. Edinburgh : W. H. Lizars. 1833 — 6.

This is unquestionably the golden age of Natural History, and perhaps of
ornithology more than of any other branch of it. We do not lose sight of the
just and daily increasing claims of geology ; but, important and fascinating as that
study is, eminent as are its indefatigable professors, and surprizing as are the pro-
ductions of their unwearied exertions, we cannot feel positively assured of being

230

on safe ground; and the mist and obscurity is still so palpable that the assurances
of the very best guides fail to convince us that the ground is not shaking around
us, or that the hypothetical causeway we are trusting to may not in reality at last
deposit us in some unfathomable gulf, instead of safely landing us on the " old" or
" new red," as the case may be. Ornithology, on the other hand, has passed
through its incubationary processes in safety ; we feel no doubt as to the science
that stands arrayed before us in full plumage — we see the museum display to our
charmed eyes the assiduous labours of collectors from every region of the globe
— the feathered choristers of the groves are themselves in our view in the green
wood — and volume after volume wings its flight, decorated by the pencil of the
best artists, and illustrated by the commentaries of scientific research, to convey
their histories and their economy before the whole world.

But when we call this the golden age of ornithology we are not only referring
to the magnificent productions of an Audubon or a Gould. Planches Enluminees
and Birds of Paradise have long ago graced the libraries of the prince and the
noble ; and it may be seen, on reference to the pages of Mr. Swainson in the
Cabinet Cyclopaedia, how easily three hundred and fifty pounds might be laid out
in illustrated works on ornithology recommended by that gentleman. But these
are luxuries not to be thought of by the student, and perhaps regarded only with
wishful eyes by many a practical naturalist. It remained for the present age to
produce a series of illustrations alike correct in a scientific view, interesting as
works of art, and, from their moderate price, within the reach of every member of
the social community. This is exemplified in the beautiful work now before us.

We shall now proceed to an examination of the Naturalist's Library seriatim.
The two first volumes embrace the Trochilidce, or Humming Birds, with memoirs
of Linneus and Pennant. The preceding account of the distribution and economy
of this richly decorated tribe is extremely interesting. The delineations of the
birds are, in general, very good, though the colouring seems to us, in many in-
stances, dull, and inadequate to express the jewelled splendour of the originals.
But we have in our eye the Humming Birds of Bullock as they once glittered in
their effulgence before us, and more recently that magnificent case of Leadbetter's,
on which the sun seldom shines, but the effect of which, when traversed by a beam
of light, can rarely be paralleled. The third volume contains the Gallinaceous Birds,
with a memoir of Aristotle. Here the artist is evidently more at home ; the
colouring is improved, and the figures are seen to greater advantage before a
freely-etched, picturesque, but uncoloured, background. Gallus Sonneratii
(female), Phasianus torquatus, Phasianus veneratus, and Tragopan Hastingsii,
are particularly good. The fourth volume contains the Game Birds, with a me-
moir of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. A few of the plates seem rather coarse,
but, on the other hand, the British Grouse are admirably delineated from the
pencil of Selby himself. The fifth volume embraces the Pigeons, with a memoir

231

of Pliny. Here, somewhat unaccountably, the Turtle Dove is omitted. The
sixth volume, the last as yet published, contains the natural history of the Psitta-
cidte, or Parrots, and is undoubtedly altogether the best of the series, the figures
being drawn by Lear, well known by his abilities as a zoological draughtsman,
and the descriptions by P. J. Selby, Esq.

The very sight of the Parrots, favourites of the cage in Europe, from their
first introduction by the followers of Alexander, recall a hundred " pretty Polls"
to our recollection, while the grating shrieks from the Parrot-room of the Zoologi-
cal Gardens, still resounding in our ears, remind us that till they have borrowed a
little of the vernacular idiom of mankind, though their plumage might vie with
angels, that their voice, like that of the Peacock, can only be compared to a fiend's.
As the power of imitating the intonations of the human voice, and even repeating
long sentences so singularly developed by this family, is possessed by only a few
other birds of the Sturnidce and Corvidce conirostres, we should have been
pleased to have seen this curious subject more dilated upon, especially with regard
to the construction of the tongue, and the wild habits of the birds. It is, however,
merely cursorily alluded to. " The power of imitating the human voice, and learn-
ing to articulate a variety of words and sentences, is not possessed by all the spe-
cies, but is principally confined to the short and even-tailed Parrots, in which the
tongue is large, broad, and fleshy at the tip." The subject is indeed again slightly
brought forward in the History of the Ash-coloured Parrot, (Psittacus erytha-
cus, Lin.) of which Mr. Lear has given a resemblance so faithful and accurate,
that we can almost swear to the sly old rascal. As this bird is so well known, the
following extract may be interesting : — " Many of our readers will recognise an old
and amusing acquaintance in the characteristic figure of this well-known species ;
not, indeed, conspicuous for that variety and brilliancy of plumage which distin-
guishes the great majority of this tribe, but remarkable for its docility and mimicry,
the faculty it possesses of imitating the human voice, as well as any other sound,
its never ceasing garrulity, and its clear and distinct articulation. In most of these
particulars it surpasses the rest of its congeners ; on which account it has always
been held in high estimation by the bird-fancier and lover of living curiosities.
This we learn from the large sums that have at all times been offered and given
for highly-gifted or well-taught individuals. Even as early as A. d. 1500, we read
of a Parrot at Rome, supposed to be of this species, for which 100 gold pieces were
given by a Cardinal. Its merits, however, appear to have been of a kind well cal-
culated at that period to create an unusual degree of astonishment, and a feeling
of the marvellous, as it had learned to repeat with clearness, and without hesita-
tion, the whole of the Apostles' creed. Willughby, also, in his old and excellent
work on Ornithology, mentions the high prices brought by Parrots of various spe-
cies in Holland, and other parts of the continent. To enumerate the various anec-
dotes related of this bird, would not only occupy more space than the nature of our

232

work will allow, but would, in a great measure, be only repeating wbat has already
so frequently been told in the works and compilations of other writers. We shall
only observe, that in many of the marvellous stories recorded of Parrots, particu-
larly all such as relate to answers seemingly appropriate and consequent to ques-
tions put to them, and which some authors would almost seem to imply were dic-
tated by intelligence, or that the birds really understood the import of what was
asked, are merely the result, under accidental and fortunate circumstances, of what
had previously been taught them by frequent repetition, to articulate by rote."
—pp. 106—7.

To the latter part of this dictum we cannot altogether subscribe, feeling confi-
dent that in various instances, Parrots have " intelligence" enough to understand,
if not the exact meaning of the words they utter, the subject to which they refer.
We know an old lady, whose feet were so excessively tender, as almost to preclude
her from walking, and hence she always went abroad in her Bath chair. She had
a favourite Parrot, who when the tea equipage was placed upon the table, was in-
variably taken out of his cage by the footman, and placed on the board, as a pro-
per accompaniment to the antiquated china. Poll, no doubt an attentive observer,
had long perceived there was " something rotten in the state of Denmark," and
hence, whenever his mistress failed to dole out what he considered his fair ration,
he would, in a threatening manner, exclaim — " Peclc your toes, Madam." As he
sometimes flew down from his position to put this threat into execution, the old
lady, to avoid the assault upon her toes, indulged him with a further allowance,
which, of course, only led to increased insolence on his part, and the threat of
" Peck your toes, Madam" was still oftener reiterated. At length, one day Poll
having cried " Wolf," as he thought, without that attention being paid to the sub-
ject which it demanded, proceeded to suit the action to the word with such effect,
that the old lady was compelled to scream loudly for help ; Poll having adminis-
tered a dose of toe-pecking that put her in dreadful pain for some days. This was
too much to be borne, and the culprit received sentence of transportation. The
footman was directed to sell or give him away, — and what afterwards became of
of him, we never learned. Now, though in this case we think it highly probable,
that the mischievous threat had been taught the bird by the servants, yet Poll
must have seen the effect it produced in occasionally increasing his allowance,
though, doubtless, he did not calculate upon the final denouement. But we must
not allow old Grey-pate to detain our attention any longer. We have referred to
his figure as admirably executed, and the singular crested Plyctolophus Leadbeateri,
and the beautiful Platycercus palliceps, are also charmingly done. The back-
ground landscapes are certainly a set-off to the picture ; and though omitted in the
plates of the Pigeons, will, we trust, in future be adhered to. The vignettes to
each volume are very tasteful — the last particularly so, representing the tri-colour
crested and love Parrots, by Stewart.

233

On the whole, we cheerfully give the meed of approbation to this beautiful,
scientific, and moderate-priced series of ornithological illustrations, and hope to be
able to welcome it, as its future volumes appear, with undiminished favour, to its
termination. Nevertheless, in some respects, we think there might be a little
improvement. The manners and habits of the birds, when known, might be more
enlarged upon than they now are, many being very short and meagre. Ample
space might be found for this in the curtailment, if not entire omission, of the
biographies. Raffles and Bewick, indeed, we might submit to, and the portrait
and memoir of the latter prefixed to the Parrots is interesting. But then Bewick
had nothing to do with Parrots ; and to have to wade through a hundred and
twelve pages of a memoir of Aristotle, and eighty-two of Pliny, prefixed to ac-
counts of the gallinaceous birds, is more than we could venture on ; we have not
had pluck to attempt it, and our copies remain uncut on these particulars. In
fact, this savours rather too much of the " make-weight" system, and in future
we hope will rather be honoured in the " bi'each" than in the observance. This
we conceive not to be the place for long biographies, especially those of the eyeless
ancients, whom we know where to find if we want them ; though perhaps a pithy
sketch of, and a look at, such bird-lovers (not fanciers) as Bewick, Wilson, or
Audubon, is not to be objected to. We should, however, be sorry to say a word
disparaging to so interesting and spirited an undertaking as this is, requiring, of
course, an extensive sale to remunerate its projectors ; we only wish its useful and
attractive powers to be developed to the utmost possible degree.

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS.

Entomological.

Abstract of Dr. Erichson's Systematic Distribution of the
Bostrichidje, (Bark Beetles).

(From Wiegmanris" Archivfiir Naturgeschichte" \stes.hefi, 1836.^

The Bostrichidce constitute a portion of Latreille's Xylophaga ; but as this
group consists of very heterogeneous materials, they have less affinity with any
other genus of that tribe than with the Curculios. Cis, however, from the struc-
ture of its mouth, may be allied to the Bostrichidce, but from which it still widely
differs by its tetramerous tarsi. The apparent affinity of Apate with the Bostri-
vol. i. 2 H

234

chidce is deceptive, for although they are pentamcrous, yet the concealed joint is
the first, and not, as in the Bostrichidx, the fourth. This is also the case in some
genera of the Cleridae ; I, therefore, consider that the most natural situation of
Apate is between this family and the Anobia, notwithstanding their resemblance to
Bostrichus. This appears to be confirmed by the discovery by Professor Ratzeburg
(who, as he has informed me, was long struck by the remarkable similarity of the
holes bored by Apate and the Anobia) of the larva of Apate, which in contradistinc-
tion to the footless larvae of the Bostrichi, very much resembles those of the
Anobia.

The Bostrichidx may be divided into three very natural groups, characterized
by the proportions of the head and thorax. In the first, the thorax is generally
narrowed anteriorly, and encompasses the posterior portion of the head, leaving,
however, the greater portion of it free, and for the reception of which there is a
more or less considerable concavity beneath in front of the anterior coxa?. The
head is anteriorly elongated into a short thick rostrum. In the second group the
globose head is wholly retractile within the thorax, which arches itself like a capu-
chin over it, forming a deep emargination, beneath which, however, it is always
even in the middle distinctly margined. The third group, lastly, which contains
but one genus, has the thorax neither emarginate nor impressed beneath, and a
free head frequently wider than the thorax.

Group I. — Hylesines.

Head exserted, the rostrum short, thick, and advanced. The antennae (ex-
cepting Phloeotribus ) inserted at the sides of the rostrum. Thorax beneath ante-
riorly emarginate, with an impression (often obsolete) for the reception of the head.
The third joint of the tarsus generally emarginate or bilobate.

Genus I. — Hylastes, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae seven -jointed;
the knob four-jointed, orbiculate, compressed ; the tibiae externally denticulated.
This genus contains, 1. Hylastes ater, Payk., which is the Hylesinus piniperda
of Fabricius, as the type, with nine other species. But it is further separated into
two divisions, viz. : — a. The mesosternum truncated anteriorly ; the third joint of
the tarsus cordate, not dilatated : and b. The mesosternum conical and prominent ;
the third joint of the tarsus dilatated and bilobate.

Genus II. — Hylurgus, Latr. The funiculus of the antennae six-jointed, the
club quadriannulate, subglobose ; the tibiae externally denticulated. The only
known species is the H. ligniperda, Latr.

Genus III. — Dendroctonus, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae five-
jointed, the knob quadriannulate, suborbiculate and compressed. The tibiae exter-
nally denticulated. The type of this is the Bostr. micans of Kugelan, frequently
mistaken for the Hyles. ligniperda, Fab. ; besides which it contains, 2., Scol.
terebrans, Oliv., 3., Dermestes piniperda, Lin., and two others.

235

Genus IV. — Phloeotrupes, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae six-
jointed, the knob quadriannulate, orbiculate and compressed. The tibiae externally
convex, muricate, and internally concave. This contains two Brazilian species, both
new.

Genus V. — Phloeoborus, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae six-jointed,
the knob quadriannulate, oblong, acuminate. The tibiae compressed externally,
denticulated. Contains three Brazilian species, all new.

Genus VI. — Hylesinus, Fab. The funiculus of the antennae seven-jointed,
the knob quadriannulate, oblong, acuminate. The apex of the tibiae compressed
externally, denticulate. The type is the H. crenatus of Fabricius.

Genus VII — Phloeotribus, Latr. The antennae inserted in the front of
the face, the funiculus five-jointed, the clava trilamellate. The tibiae compressed,
externally denticulated. The type and only known species is the P. Olece, Lat.

Genus VIII Diamerus, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae six-
jointed, the knob solid, suboval, compressed. The tibiae compressed, externally
obsoletely denticulated. The only species known is the Hylesinus hispidus,
Klug, from Madagascar.

Genus IX. — Polygraph us, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae four-
jointed, the knob solid, suboval, acuminate. The tibiae externallydenticulated.
Comprising also but one species, the Hylesinus pubescens, Fab.

Genus X. — Eccoptogoster, Herbst. The funiculus of the antennae six-
jointed, the knob solid, compressed, suboval. The tibiae compressed, entire, with
the apex uncinate. Here range 1. E. destructor, Oliv., which lives in the Birch ;
2. E. scolytus, Herbst., which is destructive to Elms ;* 3. E. pygmceus, Fab. ;

4. E. intricatus, Koch., which is the E. pygmceus of Gyllenhal : it lives in Oaks ;

5. E. multistriatus, Marsham ; 6. E. minutus, Panz.

Genus XL — Camptocerus, Lat. The funiculus of the antennae seven-
jointed, the knob solid, compressed, suborbiculate. The tibiae entire, their apex
uncinate. The species of this genus are confined to South America, and consist
of the following, described by Fabricius : — 1. Hylesinus asneipennis ; 2. Hyl.fas-
ciatus ; 3. Hyl. gibbus ; 4. Hyl. suturalis ; 5. Hyl. niger.

* Some mistake appears to exist with regard to the species so destructive to the Elms
in the vicinity of the metropolis, which must be this, and not the E. destructor, as supposed
by our entomologists. The insect is committing ravages to a great extent, and unless
some timely check be devised, it is to be feared that, in the course of a few years, not a
single Elm will exist near London. The remedy already suggested is, that trees which
are found to be infected should be immediately cut down and barked ; and it is supposed
to be erroneous that only diseased trees are attacked : further observation has shewn that
it is the male which prepares the tree for the reception of the female by boring holes in
the bark. It has been supposed that the mortality occasioned in these trees was owing to
their striking the root into the blue London clay, and thus becoming poisoned ; but that

this is incorrect is proved by young as well as old trees being subject to the calamity Ed.

2h2

236
Group II. — True Bostrichi.

The head globose, retractile within the thorax. The antennae inserted at the
sides of the head, between the base of the mandibles and the eyes. The thorax
produced anteriorly above the head. The anterior coxae always approximate.
All the joints of the tarsi simple.

Genus XII. — Xyloterus, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae four-
jointed, the knob solid, the labium parallelopiped. Here belong the 1. Bermestes
domesticus, Lin. ; 2. Bostr. lineatus, Oliv. ; 3. Bostr. 5. lineatus, Adams,
Ann. de la Soc. Imp. des Natur. de Moscou.

Genus XIII. — Crypturgus, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae two-
jointed, the knob solid, the labium parallelopiped. The two following species are
widely dispersed: — 1. Bostr. cinereus, Herbst. ; 2. Bostr. pusillus, Gyllenhal.

Genus XIV. — Hypothenemus, Westwood. The funiculus of the antennae
three-jointed, the knob obsoletely annulated, the labium slightly narrowed towards
the base. The only species known is the H. eruditus, West., Trans, of the En-
tom. Soc. of London, part i., page 34, plate 7, figure 1. The author remarks
that there is evidently some mistake in the figure of the ligula, for it does not
exist in any of the Bostrichidee, as figured by Mr. Westwood.

Genus XV. — Cryphalus, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae four-
jointed, the knob four-jointed, the labium oblong, scarcely narrowed towards the
base. The Apate Tilice and Apate Fagi of Fabricius come here, as also the Bos-
trichus asperatus of Gyllenhal.

Genus XVI. — Hypoborus, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae five-
jointed, the knob quadriannulate, the labium subovate. A small species common
in the south of France and Portugal, and indicated as Bostr. fici by Dejean, forms
the type of this genus, by the name of H.ficus : it is three quarters of a line long.

Genus XVII. — Bostrichus, Fab. The funiculus of the antennae five-
jointed, the knob quadriannulate and tunicate, the labium triangular. The
type of this genus, which is very rich in species, is the Dermestes typographus of
Linne. Very few exotic species are known, but the very wide dispersion of some
is remarkable, for instance, the Bostr. ferrugineus, Fab., is found in all parts of
America, as well as in Madagascar.

Genus XVIII. — Amphicranus, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae
two-jointed, the knob sub-solid, the labium triangular. The only known and
beautiful species is a native of Brazil ; a solitary specimen of it is in the Berlin
Royal Museum ; its specific character is A. thoracicus. Niger, nitidus, capite
thoraceque sanguineis, elytris subtiliter punctatis, apice oblique truncatis, uni-
dentatis — length, three and a half lines.

Genus XIX. — Corthylus, Erichs. The funiculus of the antennae one-
jointed, the knob quadriannulate, the labium triangular. Here come 1. Bostr.
compressicornis, Fab., 2. Bostr. fasciatus, Say.

237
Group III. — Platypus, Hbt.

Head exserted ; thorax cylindrical, impressed laterally for the reception of the
legs ; the tibiae short, the anterior externally convex, transversely porcate ; the tarsi
slender, the first joint very long. The genus Platypus is the only one belonging
to this group, and is widely distributed over almost the whole earth. The differ-
ence of the sexes is frequently striking. The male is generally to be distin-
guished by the larger size of the first joint of the antennae, and the female by
the dentate apex of the elytra.

We purpose in our next number giving an abstract of Mannerheim's paper on
the Staphylinidce, which, from its not being generally accessible to the English
entomologist, may proveacceptable.

Botanical.

Edible Fucus. — The Philippines yield a great proportion of the large quan-
tities of edible bird's nests which are consumed in China, as well as now also in
Europe. At present, we will merely draw attention to the edible sea-plants found
upon the coasts of the Philippine islands, as well as upon those of the Bashees, the
islands of the empire of Japan, the Moluccas, &c, and which serve both as arti-
cles of export and food. In the markets of Macao and Canton large chests of
this dried fucus are to be found, imported from Japan. The species which sup-
ports this branch of commerce is the Sphmrococcus cartilagineus, var. cetaceus,
Ag., which is extremely abundant in India, and which, eaten by the Salangane
( Hirundo (Cypselus) esculenta, Lin.), is thence used for the construction of
her nest ; for the substance, which has become a jelly in her stomach, is rejected,
and with this she forms her nest. These celebrated Indian bird's nests, which, in
their original state, are soiled with feathers and dirt, are conveyed to China, where
there are large establishments for the purpose of cleansing them, for which parti-
cular instruments are employed ; and yet they are scarcely ought else than the
relaxed Sphcerococcus cartilagineus. In their preparation, however, such a
variety of condiments are used that they may justly claim a high rank amongst
the epicurean dishes of the Chinese. The Japanese have long been acquainted
with this plant, and artificially prepare the substance of the nests. The fucus, after
being previously powdered, is boiled into a thick jelly, which they then pour out
in long strings like Macaroni, and which is known in commerce as Dschinschan,
called by the Dutch Ager-ager. The Chinese eat the bird's nests, both the real
and the artificial, as sauce to their meat. The Europeans resident in China prefer
them prepared in the shape of a jelly, and to which the Dschinschan is excellently
adapted ; for one boiling is sufficient to transform the dried substance into a jelly,

238

which is then made palatable with wine or the juices of fruits. The dried Dschin-
schan can also be cut into small pieces and thrown into hot soup, where, in the
space of a minute, it dissolves, and thus resembles transparent Macaroni.

We have enlarged upon this subject because latterly much has been said about
the Carraghean, which is nothing else than the dried Sphazrococcus crispus,
which is found in large quantities on the western and northern shores of England,
and which, doubtless, possesses the same qualities as the Sphcerococcus cartilagi-
neus, var. cetaceus. We can, however, by no means imagine that the jelly ob-
tained from it possesses any other but a highly nutritive quality, which is, at the
same time, not at all oppressive to the digestive organs. — Meyen, in Wieg-
mann's Archiv.

Paraguay Tea. — Rengger, in his Travels in Paraguay, confirms the
statement of Aug. St. Hilaire, that the Tea of Paragua and the Paraguay Tea are
the produce of one and the same plant. The differences of taste are caused by
the modes of preparation and preservation. The plant which produces it is the
Hex Paraguariensis of St. Hilaire ; it resembles the Pomegranate tree in form
and in the shape of its leaves, yet, when full grown, it is considerably larger and
thicker. The elliptical leaves are directed upwards, and its small white blossoms
hang in bunches. The smaller twigs are cut off and baked over a slow fire, and
then broken up by stamping, that the tea may be more closely compressed ; it is
then packed in square leathern bags, which are called zurrones or tercios, and
containing eight arrobas. The finest kind of Paraguay Tea consists exclusively
of the leaves of the tree, which, after being roasted, are coarsely pounded in a
wooden mortar, and is called Caa mini. The common sort, which, besides the
leaves, contains also the smaller twigs, is called hierba de palos ; and there are
several surreptitious or mixed kinds. This tea, which is usually called hierba in
Spanish, must be only coarsely powdered, else it loses both smell and taste, and
the mouth, in drinking it, is filled with the dust. Nor must it be over-roasted,
on account of the resin it contains ; and the dealers have a ready test for this by
taking a little in their hands and slightly blowing it, when, if the greater quantity
flies off, they condemn it. This tea loses its flavour in a couple of years, even if
the tercios be compressed as hard as stones, but where exposed to the air this natu-
rally takes place much earlier. When it becomes old and strong it can only be
used as a colouring matter for dying black tints. This hierba, or tea, passed cur-
rent formerly in Paraguay as money, and its commerce consequently was but a
system of barter.

Thea communis. — The discovery of the tea plant in Upper Assam promises
to become of considerable importance to British commerce. That it was cultivated
in Ava, the Birman Empire, as well as the eastern frontiers of Thibet, has been

239

long* known, but its existence in Upper Assam, within the dominions of the East
India Company, and spread over a district of hundreds of miles, gives promise of
its being cultivated upon an extensive scale : indeed, extensive plantations have
been already formed in the mountains of Camun in Sirmare, and Gurwhal between
the upper Jumna and the Ganges.

Zoological.

Crustacea. — We find that Mr. J. F. Brandt has published at Moscow, a
Conspectus Monographic Crustaceorum Oniscidorum. He divides them into
two tribes, the Ligies and the Oniscinees. The first tribe forms two genera,
Ligia and Ligidium. The second tribe is separated into two sections, the Por-
cellione.es and the Armadillins. The first are divided into Hexarthrica, contain-
ing the genera Trichoniscus, and Platyarthrus, and Schizarihrica, containing the
genera Porcellio, Oniscus, and Philoscia. The second section of the Oniscinees,
viz., the Armadillins are divided into the Armadillidies and the Cubarides. The
first contains only the genus Armadillidium. The second are again subdivided
into Monoexocha, containing the genera Cubaris and Armadillo, and the second
subdivision, the Diplorexocha, contains the single genus Diplorexochus. — Her-
mes.

The Gossamer. — A pupil of the Academy at Metz has written to the Aca-
demy of Sciences, stating that he has detected that the film which floats so abun-
dantly in the air on fine days in the Autumn, is produced by Spiders. M. Coulier,
however, says that he has discovered that they are produced by an Acarus describ-
ed by Geoffroy, and that, besides, the remains of this creature are ordinarily found
attached to these white and tenacious filaments. Latreille constructed the genus
Gamasus of this Acarus, and in fact it is frequently found spreading wide tissues
over trees, but it can scarcely be supposed that these filaments are exclusively pro-
duced by the Acarus. Ray, Lister, and the majority of English Entomologists,
since their time, ascribe it to a Spider, whose proceedings have been often watched.

Geological.

Amber. — M. Aycke,* who for many years has farmed the collecting of Am-
ber in Prussia, and who consequently has had the opportunity of inspecting it in
large quantities, conveys much interesting information upon the subject, in the

* Fragmenlv Zitr Naturgeschichte des Bernstein a, Danzig, 1835, 8vo.

240

work noticed below, whence we abstract the following' account. — The opinion now
generally entertained is that Amber is a fossil resin, and that the trees which pro-
duced it were coniferous, and belonged to extinct species of the genus Plnus. M.
Aycke observes that Amber, as found in its native beds, has evidently been depo-
sited by violent causes, floods, &c. The best proof of which is produced both in
the manner in which the Amber is deposited, as also in the pieces of rubbed wood
found intermixed with it, and which are mfcre or less transformed into carbon.
The lumps of wood usually found in the vicinity of Amber, all belong to the Coni-

ferce, and Mr. Aycke has even discovered some in which the Amber was still to be
found lying between the concentric yearly layers, and which were thereby forcibly
separated from each other. In the summer of 1835, a small deposit of Am-
ber was found a few feet beneath the surface, in the Thiergarten at Berlin ; but
there it was deposited in a pure sand, and the pieces were not of an uniform colour.
Some pieces of wood which were found with the Amber, M. Meyen had the oppor-
tunity to examine, and the results were, that the microscope distinctly showed that
the large pieces of wood transformed into carbon, evidently belonged to the genus
Pinus. A smaller piece, almost entirely carbonized, is rubbed into a nearly glo-
bular shape on one side, and a third piece, two inches and a half long, appears to
be the scale of a Pine-apple of very considerable dimensions. Besides these pieces
of strongly carbonized wood, a small piece was found in a very excellent state of
preservation, belonging to some amentaceous tree, but extremely diflicult to de-
termine of what genus. Near Brandenburg, a deposit of Amber has, also, been
found, which appears to yield large pieces in considerable quantities. M. Aycke
gives us very precise information upon the discovery of Amber in connection with
roots, which might easily mislead to the supposition that this Amber had been
secreted by their encompassing and enclosing fibres. He notes his asto-
nishment at finding these roots in their natural upright position with their fibres
directed downwards, still fresh and flexible as when living, and that there was not
the least trace of carbonization to be found in them ; but in the strata above
there were no stems or larger ramifications of these roots ; and indeed roots are but
seldom found therein of the thickness of a quill, for they generally consist of fasci-

. culated fibres forcibly rent asunder, and which, as in the Conifer oe, branch off in the
finest and most delicate ramifications. These fibres of roots, not only encompass
considerable pieces of Amber, but frequently their capillary ramifications hang
firmly attached to them. M. Aycke observed that these roots do not, by any
means, belong to the Coniferce ; and M. Meyen, by the kindness of Alex. V.
Humboldt, obtained some for examination, and microscopic investigation proved
that they were dicotyledonous. It was not possible to detect that they had secreted
the Amber ; but the very opposite opinion is entertained by M. Meyen. — Wieg-
mann's Archiv.

W ,1ft • .;i^^/-j

♦ ♦ *

t t

• •■■■•«

ORIOLUS GALBULA.

FAMILY. DENTIROSTRES. GENUS. ORIOLUS.

THE GOLDEN ORIOLE.

By William Mac Gillivray, A.M., F.R.S.E., M.W.S., &c.

The Golden Oriole, which by Temminck is classed among the omnivorous
birds, and by Cuvier is referred to the Dentirostral Family of the Order Passeres
or Insessores, belongs to a genus formerly of great extent, but by modern ornitho-
logists reduced to a small group, of which the species present the following cha-
racters : —

Bill rather long, stout, nearly straight, rather broad at the base, compressed.
Upper mandible having the dorsal outline slightly arched, the ridge narrow, the
sides flat and sloping at the base, slightly convex and more inclined towards the
end, the edges sharp, with a slight notch close to the small, slightly deflected tip.
Lower mandible with the angle moderately long and narrow, the sides nearly
erect, the edges sharp, the dorsal outline nearly straight. Mouth of moderate
width. Tongue slender, emarginate and papillate at the base, thin and horny
toward the tip, which is bifid. Nostrils oblong, bare in the anterior part of the
large nasal membrane, which is feathered. Eyes of moderate size ; eyelids
feathered.

Head oblong, moderately large, the forehead slightly rounded. Neck rather
short. Body ovate, compact. Legs rather strong, short : tarsus short, com-
pressed, covered anteriorly with seven large scutella, posteriorly with two plates
united at a very acute angle, and several transverse rugae below. Toes of mo-
derate size, covered above with a few large scutella, papillate beneath ; the first
stout, of about the same length as the second ; the fourth a little longer, and
united at the base to the third, which is considerably longer. Claws of moderate
length, arched, compressed, laterally grooved, acute ; that of the hind toe much
stronger.

Plumage generally blended, the feathers oblong and rounded. Short bristles
at the base of the bill. Wings rather long, of seventeen quills ; first primary
very short, being scarcely more than a third of the length of the third, which is
longest ; second shorter than fourth ; secondaries of moderate length, broad, and
rounded. Tail rather long, straight, slightly rounded, of twelve rather broad,
rounded feathers.

242

In the systems of Linneus and Latham the genus Oriolus was composed of a
number of species having very little affinity to each other, having been placed toge-
ther, as it would seem, more on account of a kind of agreement in the colours of
their plumage than from a similarity in the form of the bill, or in their habits.
The genus thus constituted has, however, been broken up by Daudin, Vieillot, and
others, into several genera, so that at present it contains only those species, all
belonging to the old continent, which bear a strong resemblance in form to the
Golden Oriole.

This beautiful bird is about the size of the Blackbird ( Turdus merulaj,
which it also resembles in form, although its tail and feet are considerably shorter,
and its wings proportionally longer. Indeed, its resemblance to many of the
Thrushes is such that several authors have named it the Golden Thrush. It is
very intimately allied to two or three Indian and Chinese species, which resemble
it, not only in form, but also in colour, although characteristic differences are
apparent. As it agrees in every particular with the generic character given above,
it is unnecessary, in describing it, to repeat the details already presented.

The male has the plumage blended, the feathers being oblong, with disunited
barbs, those on the fore part of the head short. The wings, when closed, reach
to within an inch of the end of the tail, which is nearly even at the end. The
bill is of a light brownish-red colour ; the iris, according to Temminck and Mon-
tagu, red ; the feet blueish-grey ; the claws of the same colour as the bill. The
plumage is generally of a rich and pure gold colour. Between the bill and the
eye is an oblong black spot or band. The wings are black, but the smaller
coverts are yellow, as are the margins of the wing, the tips of the primary coverts,
and the tips of all the quills, except the two outer ; while the external margins of
the quills are yellowish-white, those of the two outer excepted. The two middle
tail-feathers are greenish-yellow at the base, brownish -black in the rest of their
extent, except the extreme tips, which are yellow ; all the rest are black, with the
extremities bright yellow, the space of that colour gradually enlarging on the
outer feathers.

Length to end of tail 91 inches ; wing from flexure 6 and 2-12ths ; tail 3
and 3-12ths ; bill along the ridge 1 and 1-1 2th, along the edge of the lower man-
dible 1 and 3-12ths ; tarsus 1 ; first toe & its claw 5-12ths ; second toe ^, its
claw 3i-12ths; third toe 9-12ths, its claw 5-12ths ; fourth toe 8-12ths, its claw
4-12ths.

The female is somewhat less than the male. The bill and feet are similarly
coloured. The plumage of the upper parts is yellowish-green, the forehead
lighter, and the upper tail-coverts greenish-yellow. The fore part of the neck is
pale greenish-grey, its sides greenish-yellow ; the breast white, the sides and lower
tail-coverts yellow ; the throat marked with longitudinal pale-brown lines, the
breast with larger lines of a brownish-black tint. The wings are brown, their

243

edge greenish-yellow ; the tips of the quills, excepting the outer, and the primary
coverts, pale-yellow. The tail is dark brown, the terminal yellow spot on the
feathers of much less extent than in the male.

Length to end of tail 9 and 2-12ths ; wing from flexure 6 ; tail 3 and 3-12ths;
bill 1 and l-12th.

The young, in its first plumage, is of a dusky yellowish-grey tint above, each
feather having the central part greyish-brown ; the lower parts yellowish-white,
each feather with a central brown line ; the sides and lower tail-coverts bright
yellow ; the wings and tail brown, marked with yellow as in the adult. The male
is easily distinguished from the female by its lighter colour.

The species most nearly allied to the Golden Oriole ( Oriolus galbula) are
the Yellow Oriole ( O. aureus J, the Chinese Oriole ( O. ChinensisJ, and the
Blackheaded Oriole ( O. melanocephalus ) . Whether the first of these be really
distinct I can scarcely venture to affirm. It is somewhat smaller, its wings are
proportionally shorter, its bill larger, but the colouring is precisely similar, only there
is a small black spot behind the eye, in addition to the black local space of the
Common or Golden Oriole.

This latter — the only species of the genus that is ever seen in Europe — arrives
in France and Italy toward the end of April. It is not uncommon in many parts
of Germany, but is rare in the northern countries, and in England is not a regular
visitant, a few individuals only having been seen there at long intervals ; so that
with us it ranks merely as an accidental straggler. It is said to prefer low,
wooded districts, and to resort chiefly to the margins of forests, residing among
the lower branches of the large trees, or in the thickets. Its food consists chiefly
of insects and larvae, but as the season advances it feeds also on berries, and occa-
sionally visits the gardens and orchards, where it manifests a partiality to cherries.

Its nest is described by authors as of an oblong form, shaped like a purse, hav-
ing its aperture above, and suspended from a forked branch, some say at the top,
others at the lower part of a tree. It is composed externally of long straws neatly
interwoven, internally of mosses and lichens, with a lining of grass, and sometimes
wool. The eggs are four or five, of a regular oval form, smooth, white, with a
few brownish-black spots, sometimes intermixed with paler markings. The young
continue writh their parents after they come abroad, and the families do not unite
at the period of their departure, which takes place about the end of August.

The young are said to be difficult to rear, and not to thrive in captivity, other-
wise, creatures so beautiful would, no doubt, be great favourites as cage birds,
although their natural notes are loud and shrill, and their song deficient in melody.

I have not met with any account of the digestive organs of this species, nor,
indeed, with any tolerable description of its manners. Judging from its external
appearance, its organization is probably similar to that of the Thrushes, which
have a narrow oesophagus, a rather powerful gizzard; lined with a horny rugous

2i2

244

membrane, and an intestine of moderate length, with very small coecal appendages.
The form of the -wings and tail shews that the flight must be powerful and sus-
tained, similar to that of the Redwing and the Fieldfare ; and the feet, although
fitted for hopping on the ground as well as for gliding among branches, are, per-
haps, better adapted for the latter purpose.

Although the Golden Oriole has occurred in several counties in England, and
in a few instances in Ireland, no authentic case of its occurrence in Scotland has
been recorded, at least to my knowledge. The birds in the museum of the Uni-
versity of Edinburgh, mentioned by Mr. Selby as having furnished subjects for
his drawings, and as having been shot on the Pentland Hills, were brought from
France by the late Mr. Wilson, janitor to that university.

REMINISCENCES OF THE RHINE;

ORNITHOLOGICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL.
( Concluded from page 207 >

Cerambyx Textor. — With its long horns, scrambling and out-stretched legs,
large size, and dark-black colour, the uninitiated observer would start with disgust,
exclaiming, " what a frightful creature !" if an Entomologist exultingly presented
him with this fine insect. And so it is, to those who judge of these and
some other similar tenantry of the insect world, under the weight of early associa-
tions or prejudices : but to the Entomologist, its apparent deformities assume a
different aspect ; and in each limb, articulation, and joint, and specific character,
clearly and strongly developed as they are, he pronounces it to be one of the most
attractive specimens of insect perfection. With such feelings I welcomed the slow
march and dignified attitude of one of these fine Cerambyces emerging from the
sod on the side of a pathway near Aix-la-Chapelle. I secured him, as well as cir-
cumstances would permit, in folds of paper, but in the course of the following night
he escaped to undergo, doubtless, the melancholy fate of being disposed of like a
common Black Beetle by the thoughtless chambermaid, who might find him pe-
rambulating my bed-room floor next morning.

Green Locust ( Gryllus viridissimaj. — I found only one specimen of this
conspicuous insect, on the stem of a Willow, near Strasbourg. I confined it in a
tin box with two or three other insects, one of which was a Carabris of some
size ; when, to my astonishment, on opening the box on the following day, I found

245

only the locust, who had devoured the whole of his companions, with the excep-
tion of a few tarsi and remnants of limbs and antennae. This is not the first in-
stance I have known of the voracious appetite and extraordinary ventral capacity
of these insects, which are usually supposed to live only on vegetable food.

Lygceus apterus. — One of the wingless bug family, a pretty attractive insect,
with its party-coloured elytra, black and red. On the gravelly esplanade before
alluded to at Carlsruhe they actually swarmed ; hundreds and thousands were in
rapid motion, particularly on those parts which were fresh turned up by the
rakes or scufflers.

In addition to the above, to which, I believe, I have affixed correct appellatives,
some others were taken which I can only refer to generally. In the forests of
Germany, one species of the genus Scaritidce — formerly, in the simpler days of
entomological science, known and classed with the Carabidce, or Beetle tribe —
was not uncommon. A stout, well-conditioned Beetle, about an inch long, with
globular, projecting eyes, broad thorax, on which the head seemed to be indented
or inlaid without any intermediary cervicular process, with bony jaws fitted for all
purposes of laceration of food or personal defence. I never met with one of these
stout little fellows fearlessly preparing for resistance when under the restraint of
an entomological finger and thumb, without comparing them with those squab,
short-bodied, square-built, broad-shouldered, hard-featured, immoveable-eyed sort
of people, of the genus humanus, so common in the world. I feel confident that
your readers will recall, in a moment, a dozen such to their recollection ; men
full of health and vigour, of iron muscle and nerve, ready and willing to fight
their way through the world unaffected by times or circumstances under which
more pliant characters would quail ; men who, if they shook you by the hand,
would make every joint crackle under their hearty grasp, and who, if invited to
dinner, would swallow an entire first course, without fear of indigestion or incon-
venience.

It may not be irrelevant to insert, in an article on entomological notices, some
information respecting the destructive powers of those minute insects, the Bostri-
cidce, on the forests of Germany, received from M. Warnkynck, a very intelligent
Inspecteur des Chasses, resident at Klorter, near Rippoldsau, in the middle of the
Black Forest. On looking over his collection, he pointed out the following as
most injurious : —

Stephens' Catalogue, p. 148, linearis 9 Most destructive of all.
ditto 145 Very bad.

ditto 144

ditto 145

On the White Pines.
Found near Carlsruhe. On the Finns sylvestris.

Bostrichus Uneatus.

typograpkicus.

villosus.

calcographicus
or laricis.

curiaderis.

pinaslri.

246

With one other reference I shall conclude, and perhaps I could not select a
more appropriate one, recalling as it does the closing in of those delightful conti-
nental evenings when, after the setting of a sun in glory and splendour unknown
in our hazy and turbid atmosphere, the dews have fallen and left the world in
darkness, the still air glowing with radiant warmth unaccompanied with damps
and chills, rendering it so treacherous a temptation for enjoyment in less fa-
voured climates. I allude to the Fire Flies (Lampyris Italica ?), which, avail-
ing themselves of this sweet time of night, now light their phosphorescent lamps
and flit before the traveller like twinkling stars. There is something mysterious
and unearthly in their silent flight ; slowly sailing in suitable harmony with the
quiescence of the time of night, bursting into brilliancy, as it were, from vacancy,
and then as suddenly vanishing into nothingness. Not an evening passed after
a sultry day in the districts of the Upper Rhine, from Briihl and Andernach up
to Baden, when these lovely, ghost-like insects might not be seen. The Germans
call them by a name implying the lamp of the dead, and a more appropriate one
could not be applied ; for we might well conceive that, if the spirits of departed
beings were allowed to revisit this nether world, they would gleam and flit before
us with that gliding, solemn, silent motion, peculiar to the Fire Flies of Germany.

E. S.

NOTES ON THE MONTHS.
January.

" There 's beauty all around our paths, if but our watchful eyes
Can trace it 'midst familiar things and through their lowly guise ;
We may find it in the winter boughs as they cross the cold blue sky,
While soft on icy pool and stream their pencilled shadows lie ;
When we look upon their tracery by the fairy frost-work bound ;
When the flitting Redbreast shakes a shower of crystals to the ground."

Mrs. He mans.

The observation of the natural appearances of the year during each of its
revolving months, is an occupation suited to every rank and age, and is productive
of the purest and most exquisite enjoyment of mind, as well as of the most salu-
tary influence upon the body. Yet this source of gratification and improvement

247

is too generally neglected, either from a wrong bias being early given to the mind,
or from other defects of education. Scarcely has the infant mind begun to look
abroad and survey the face of nature, ere his seniors turn the attention of the
youthful inquirer to man's productions and his occupations, and bestow upon him
only such an education as will fit him to follow in the path themselves have trod.
Now, while we aim at rendering the mind of youth a rich store-house of whatever
is most excellent among the productions of human genius, we should likewise aim
at making it a mirror fitted to reflect whatever is most lovely in nature. For this
purpose a careful examination of the processes of nature throughout the different
seasons of the year should enter into our general systems of education. In
January the suitableness of the arrangements adopted both by the animal and ve-
getable kingdom to the existing conditions of the atmosphere might be pointed out.

The earth itself undergoes a temporary but extensive change on its surface,
the colour of which, at other times, is either green or brownish-black — a colour
much more favourable to the escape of the heat which the earth had received
from the suns of the preceding summer than white. The great humidity of the
air, also, in December and January, contributes to abstract much of the heat from
the earth, which is hindered from receiving any from the now distant sun by the
foggy state of the atmosphere. The retention of the remaining heat is, therefore,
a most desirable object ; to effect which, so soon as the temperature falls below
a certain given point, the surface of the earth has its colour changed to white, by
which the radiating power is greatly altered and reduced. In the northern parts
of Britain, the colour of the fur of the Hare and the plumage of the Ptarmigan
become white, for a similar reason. The fur of those animals which cannot
change their colour becomes finer and thicker, which then serves better to guard
them against the cold. This renders the furs of animals of northern countries
more suitable as a protection for man when they have been killed in winter.

A certain temperature is necessary for vegetables to retain their vital princi-
ple ; hence those which are of a large size, such as shrubs and trees, which do not
die down to the ground like herbaceous plants, become coated with hoar-frost ; so
that their surface is universally rendered white, and their internal warmth retained,
by the same means, and for the same reason, as that of the earth. The winter
landscape is, therefore, not without its attractions, either that of novelty, arising
from the suddenness with which the change above mentioned takes place, or of the
more enduring feeling of interest which will spring from an inquiry into the causes
and objects of these changes. A walk in dry, frosty weather, when suitable cloth-
ing is worn, is at once healthful and pleasant, and may be rendered productive of
lasting happiness and enjoyment, by having the attention directed to the numerous
proofs, with which every situation and season abounds, of the continued operation
of those nicely-balanced laws which had their origin and have their maintenance
in the mind and will of the Great Architect of the Universe.

DISPERSION OF PLANTS.

[From a Correspondent].

From a memoir read to the Botanical Society of London on Thursday, the
17 th of November, on Local Botany, it appears that two-thirds of the British spe-
cies grow within about twenty-five miles of the metropolis ; also that five-sixths
of the British genera and nine-tenths of the British natural orders are found
within these bounds ; that the greater part of the British plants are to be found
in the continental floras of Europe ; that upwards of 300 grow in the United
States of America ; that the flora of a part of Hindostan, by Wight and Arnott,
containing about 2800 species, comprises not more than 30 British species ; and
among the 6000 plants of tropical America there is not one dicotyledonous species,
and only a very few monocotyledonous species. It appears that the genera com-
mon to this country and the Indian flora above cited are 120, being four times
the amount of common species ; and that the genera common to England and the
equinoctial flora of America are 270. The author farther states that one-half
the British species, and above two-thirds of the British genera, grow in any parish
of moderate extent ; also that he collected, classified, and described 670 vascular
species growing on Hampstead Heath and in the woods and fields adjoining; that
latterly he has gathered about 900 species of the same kind (vascular) within
twelve miles of Croydon, and has reason to believe that many more exist in that
district.

Dr. Murray, an acute observer and excellent botanist, author of a valuable
work on the wild plants of the north and east of Scotland, entitled The Northern
Flora, some years ago published in Jameson's Philosophical Journal, a paper,
in which he states that " a great proportion of Scottish plants are found in the
Valley of Alford ;" and, again, that " the mass of Scottish species grow in the
environs of Paris." It farther appears that the extent of Great Britain, from the
Channel Islands to the extremity of the Mainland in Shetland, is equal to the
extent of that part of continental Europe from the Gulf of Venice to the
north end of the Peninsula of Jutland ; but the number of species in these parts
of Europe is more than double the number found in Great Britain and Ireland,
although the average temperature of this country is about equal to that of Mid
Europe ; and, with the exception of Switzerland and part of Hungary, the range
of elevation is greater : from which it would seem that the comparative deficiency
of species here is, in some degree at least, to be attributed to our insular
situation.

NOTICES OF THE CAPTURES OF INSECTS;

WITH CURSORY OBSERVATIONS THEREON.

By J. C. Dale, Esq.
I Continued from page 13. J

Coleoptera. — Carabus auratus. — Two specimens of this fine and rare
insect were taken at the same time with the C. intricatus, by Mr. Bluett, of
Taunton, (to whom I am indebted for a specimen), at Shobroke, between Credi-
ton and Exeter.

Omaloplia ruricola. — I have taken another specimen of this insect at Lul-
worth, this year, as well as the variety called varia, which is nearly black.

Anomala Frishii. — I formerly took this insect in abundance at Mount Misery,
near Christchurch, Hants, amongst which there was a single specimen of the
green variety, the A. Julii. Subsequently, I took a solitary individual of A.
Frishii, near Parley, inland ; and I have this year received, from the latter place,
four specimens of the variety A. Julii, as well as an intermediate variety, but not
a single one of the A. Frishii.

Aphanisticus pusillus. — I took this insect on the 20th of May of the present
year, both at Lulworth and Glanvilles Wootton, by brushing grass.

Sibinia arenaria. — I found this in abundance at Black Gang Chine and
Freshwater Bay, in the Isle of Wight, also, this year. The first pair I possessed
were presented to me by Mr. Kirby, who, in company with Mr. Spence, captured
them near Exmouth, in Devonshire.

Sibinia primita ? — I have found this in plenty at Lulworth, and a single spe-
cimen at West Hume.

Galeruca rustica. — The only locality on record for this insect, is Whittlesea
Mere. I, however, took one, two or three years ago, at Plumley Wood, Dorset.*

Crypto cephalus bipustulatus. — I have taken at Knighton Heath, near Dor-
chester.

Cryptocephalus Moroei. — One specimen of this I found with the last, a
second at Glanvilles Wootton, and some others at Charmouth.

Neuroptera. — Hemerobius Jimbriatus. — This insect, which is figured by
Curtis, appears to be identical with the H. hirtus of the Linnean cabinet.

Strepsiptera — Stylops Kirbii. — On the 12th of May, this year, I saw two
individuals flying together amongst some brambles. One I was lucky enough to

* It also occurs in the Woods of Kent Ens.

vol. r. 2 k

250

catch, and a second the day following : a third I found dead in a cobweb at the
entrance of a Bees' nest, and two others, very much mutilated, also in a cobweb.

Hymenoptera. — Zarcea fasciata. — I took this insect, for the first time, at
Middlemarsh Common, this year.

Banchus Farrani, (Curtis, pi. 588.) — Two specimens of this insect I took
twelve years ago, on Parley Heath.

Bracon denigrator. — I took this insect, which is figured by Curtis, pi. 69,
near the Copse, at Parley Heath.

Tengyra Sanvitali. — This, which is thought to be the male of Methoca Ich-
neumonides, I took a specimen of at Durdle Door, near West Lulworth, on a
thistle, on the 15th of July, 1835 ; and I took two more on the 11th of July this
year, one of which I gave to my friend, Mr. Curtis, who seemed surprised at the
capture, and did not previously possess a British specimen ; but he had taken
three or four of the Methoca, at Ramsdown, Hants, as well as at Black Gang
Chine, Isle of Wight, where the Rev. Mr. Rudd also took it, and to both of
whom I am indebted for specimens.*

Hedychrum ardens, and Chrysis succincta. — I took these in company, at
Durdle Door, near Lulworth, which appears to be an excellent locality for choice
insects ; for, three or four years ago, I captured there, in the space of a week or
ten days, twenty or thirty species new to my cabinet, amongst which were Halic-
tophagus Curtisii, figured by Mr. Curtis in his British Entomology, pi. 433,
Hesperia Actceon, (Brit. Ent., pi. 442), Encyrtus pulchellus, Curt., and minute
Hymenoptera of the genera Eulophus, Ceraphron, Mymar, JRogas, Chelonus,
Aphidius, &c, in profusion.

Cerceris ornata. — This I took last year, at Black Gang Chine, in August, as
also,

Ccelioxys Vectis, (Curt. Brit. Ent., pi. 349).

Osmia Tunensis. — It appears from the MSS. -of the late Captain Blomer,
that he bred this insect from the shell of a species of Helix ; and I possess a
memorandum of Osmia atricapilla having been also found in a Helix.\

• There is not the least doubt of the Tengyra being the male of the Methoca, for M.
Wesmael, of Brussels, has repeatedly taken them in copula. The Tengyra, was introduced
to the British Fauna, by our friend, Mr. Shuckard, in 1833, who captured two specimens
at Hampstead, as well as many of the Methoca ; and he informs us that he has taken a
single specimen of the Tengyra, in August, this year, at Birch Wood, in Kent Eds.

f The specific name of the last Osmia should be xanthomelana, it being the Megachile
xanthomelana of Kirby, standing as such both in his Monographia and in his cabinet, which
is remarkable, as it is evidently a true Osmia. It is a question, worthy of determination,
which is the true instinct of the creature ? — whether to form a nest of clay for itself, as it
is shown to do by the observations and specimen presented by Mr. Waterhouse to the En-
tomological Society ; or to adapt the vacant shell of a Snail to the purpose ? We incline
for the former; yet, possibly, it may only build for itself in case of not finding a suitable

251

Lepidoptera. — Vanessa C. album. — I observed this insect here on April
22, this year, for the first time since October, 1816, when, and prior, it was always
in great profusion in the autumn.

Thecla pruni. — I found at Monk's Wood, Huntingdonshire, as, also,

Thecla W. album, in a wood at the same place, separated merely by a turn-
pike road from the former, but each seemed confined to its own wood.

Lyc&na Corydon. — I took this insect last year, on a heath in the New
Forest.

Lyccena agestis. — I took a specimen of the variety of this insect, which re-
sembles the L. salmacis, on the 5th of August, near Lyme Regis, where Messrs.
Queckett and Paul took two others, also, in the beginning of August : all three
were females.

Acherontia atropos — I am informed by Mr. 13. Morris, that he found, in
September, 1835, at Charmouth, a larva of this insect, similar to the figure of it
in Fuessly's Archives, and like the one observed by Captain Blomer, which I
mentioned in my paper, in the 1st number of the present publication.*

Agrotis nebulosa. — But two or three specimens of this insect were known
until captured this season by Mr. Raddon, on the Burrows of Appledore, Devon-
shire.

Catocola promissa. — I found the wings of this insect at Glanvilles Wootton,
on the 13th of July, this year, and this is the first indication I have observed of
its existence here.

Catocola Fraxini.-^-! possess a specimen of this which was taken at Cran-
borne, Dorsetshire, about fifty or sixty years ago.

Charissa pullaria. — On the 5th of August, this year, I took this insect, both
typical and varying from dull white to a pale black, and so much resembling a
variety of C. obscuraria, that I feel convinced these, as well as the C. dilucida-
ria and C. serotinaria are all* varieties of one and the same species.

Siona dealbata. — On the 27th and 29th of June of the present year, I took
a couple of specimens at the Caundle Holts, and it was taken at Langport, in
abundance, by Messrs. Queckett, Paul, and Serrell.

Scopula ferrugalis. — I took on the 2nd and 8th of November, 1828. The
late Captain Blomer found it, also, in November : but Samouelle gives June as
the time of its appearance.

Scopula longipedalis. — The late Captain Blomer took this at Teignmouth,
Devon ; and I have taken lately a couple of specimens at Lulworth and Torquay.

place for forming its nest — such as the shell of a Snail. We also know that this species
will form its cells amongst heaps of Oyster-shells or accumulations of garden rubbish,
ltobineau Desvoidy, and other French Entomologists, have observed similar habits in spe-
cies of Osmia, whence one is named Osmia helices Eds.

* This is a variety produced, probably, by disease, or the infestation of a Trogus. Eds.

2k 2

262

Geometra degeneraria. — I saw this insect on the 20th of June, and captured
it on the 12th of July, this year, amongst brambles, near Rufus' Castle, Isle of
Portland, and observed two or three more.

Geometra sinuata. — Taken, in June, 1829, by the late Captain Blomer, at
Ugbroke Park, Devon, and at Langport, by Mr. Queckett, in July, this year.

Geometra berberata. — I took a specimen at Glanvilles Wootton, on the 26th
of May, 1 823. There is one in the Linnean cabinet, taken at Maiden Bradley,
Wilts, by Lord William Seymour, on a ticket attached to which is written " un-
known to Jones."

Geometra tristata. — This insect, which has been taken in Devonshire, by the
late Captain Blomer and Mr. Cocks, I captured near Ambleside, in Westmore-
land, on the 26th of June, 1827.

Crambus, n. sp. ? — A specimen, allied to the C. pascuellus, but distinct
from it, I took on Parley Heath, in August, 1835, when collecting in company
with the Rev. G. T. Rudd ; and I find Mr. Raddon has another exactly like it,
which he took in Bewdley Forest, Worcestershire, and I observed a fine specimen
very nearly allied, in the cabinet of Sir Patrick Walker.

Pterophorus monodactylus. — This I took in June, 1836, near Liver Frome,
Dorset, and at Stafford.

Laria fascelina. — Dr. Abbot observes that a specimen of this insect re-
mained in the pupa state thirty-four days, a second twenty-eight days, and a third
twenty-seven days.

Laria pudibunda.- — I find from Dr. Abbot, also, that he took the larva of
this in June, which went into the pupa in July, and produced the moth in Octo-
ber. I once bred one as early as February 19, in the year 1828, and, in the
year 1819, as late as June 14.

Eriogaster lanestris. — The late Captain Blomer bred a specimen of this
insect, July 15, 1827 ; whereas its usual times of appearance are February,
March, and April. I have observed that the cocoon of this species is so hard
that it is extremely difficult to cut, excepting a few days prior to the insect's trans-
formation, when it readily opens at the end where the head of the moth is situated.
What causes this difference ? I have also observed a very small hole in the
cocoon, which is probably for the admission of air.*

Eriogaster populi. — I have bred this insect as early as October ; this was
in 1821 : and in 1831, as late as December 19.

* There was a discussion at the October meeting of the Entomological Society, which
bears upon the subject of the escape of moths from the cocoon, when it seemed to be the
general opinion that the insect secretes a liquid which acts as a menstruum upon the gum,
or silk, which constitutes the cocoon : in fact, it was stated that this liquid has been observ-
ed to be ejected by the mouth. — Eds.

253

Noctua atriplicis. — I possess a specimen taken at Stilton, or at Whittlesea
Mere.

Diptera. — Scatophaga scybalaria. — This insect, which is figured by Cur-
tis, has been taken in the Isle of Man, by the late Captain Blomer, and in Ire-
land, by Mr. Haliday.

Hemiptera. — Cicada Anglica. — This insect, which is figured by Curtis, in
pi. 392, is considered as synonymous with the C. hxmatodes of Linne. The
specimen labelled C. hcernatodes in the Linnean cabinet is very similar, but has
no red on the thorax. On the ticket attached to it is written " hoematodes of the
German Naturalists, Br. Clark," but this is somewhat doubtful.

Fulgora Europ&a — This insect is figured by Donovan, who says it was
found in Wales, by Hudson and Yeats, but it is now doubted as being British.
This was also the case with the Chrysomela cerealis, which had formerly been
taken by Hudson also, but was likewise doubted ; but many specimens have been
captured latterly, on Snowdon and other mountains in Wales, thus confirming
Hudson's previous discovery : and this being the case, we may certainly expect
that the Fulgora will come to light.

Naucoris aestivalis. — This insect, I understand, has been taken by Weaver, of
Birmingham, in Sutton Park. I have not seen it.

MR. SWAINSON'S REMARKS ON VERNACULAR
NOMENCLATURE EXAMINED.

By C harles Thorold Wood, Esq.

Now that nomenclature is receiving, on all sides, that consideration which,
till lately, has been so unaccountably denied it, we may expect that ere long some
fixed principles will be adopted, by which the path of those who now grope their
way in outer darkness may be rendered smooth and easy, and that it will be
entirely cleared of those perplexities which are so annoying to the student and the
amateur. I propose, in this paper, to examine the objections to improvements in
the vernacular nomenclature of birds, as set forth by Mr. Swainson, which, if left
unanswered, might have considerable influence in retarding terminological reform.

In an excellent review of The Classification of Birds, in the last No. of The
Naturalist, the reviewer observes, that Mr. Swainson has not been happy in his
objections to a reform in nomenclature : and agreeing as I do in this remark, I
shall now proceed to prove it. Mr. Swainson prefaces his observations as follows ;

254

" Nomenclature," he observes, " divides itself into two branches, for all animals with
which the bulk of mankind are familiar, have two names ; one being the scientific,
the other the vernacular." Our author's remarks on the first being, for the most
part, sound and judicious, I shall pass on to the second, with which Mr. S. does
not appear to be so conversant — probably from having paid less attention to them.
" Trivial, or vernacular names," says Mr. S., " cannot be said to come within the
range of scientific nomenclature, because they are not intended for those who
study Natural History as a science, but merely for the mass of mankind." Thus,
it seems, according to our author, that those who have not the leisure, or the abi-
lity, or the inclination to study Natural History as a science, are to be condemned
to learn erroneous names and, consequently, to imbibe incorrect ideas : in short,
that the benefits of a correct nomenclature are to be confined to the learned few ;
while the " mass of mankind" are on no account to participate in them ! I should
rather have said, that correct names were doubly essential to the many, as they
have not the means of rectifying the erroneous impressions that must unavoidably
result from them. " Vernacular names vary," continues Mr. S., " in different
periods, and not only in every language, but in every province. To attempt,
therefore, to have a uniform standard of the English names of birds, is as hope-
less, as we venture to think it would be useless." To say that because erroneous
names are now in common use, therefore it is hopeless that we shall ever be able
to supplant them by correct appellations, is surely not very reasonable : as well
might we say, that, because many errors prevail, it is unlikely that they will ever
give way to truth. That a reform would be " useless" is Mr. Swainson's opinion :
I shall now proceed to examine how far he has succeeded in proving this.

" First," he states, " there can be no doubt that vulgar errors in the naming
of birds are very general. The Goatsucker ( Caprimulgus ) does not suck
Goats ; the Hedge Sparrow (Accentor) is not a real Sparrow ; the Tit-mouse
(Parus) is a bird, and no quadruped ; the Tit Lark is a Warbler ; the Long-
tailed Mag is no Mag Pye ; and in this manner we might object, and reasonably,
to one-third of the English names now in use." It is well known that most of
our commoner British species have, as has been remarked of the Common Dipper,
" as many names as would suffice for a tolerably well-stocked aviary ;" and this
is the case with each of the birds above-mentioned. Among this multiplicity, it
would be strange indeed, if not one good appellation could be found : but instead
of seeking for the most appropriate, our author has here, in every instance,
singled out the worst, on which plan we might not only object to one third, but
also to three thirds of the English names. The Caprimulgus Europoeus of Lin-
neus, being known by the name Nightjar in one part of Britain, and by that of
Goatsucker in another, surely we may be allowed to select the appropriate one
and reject the other, even supposing that it was wrong to coin an appropriate
name. There are many parts of Britain in which the name Goatsucker is not

255

only never used, but also where it is entirely unknown : why, then, should we
persist in attempting to diffuse a name conveying an idea which we ourselves
allow to be erroneous ?

The same remarks will apply to the other names. Thus, in my intercourse
with the peasantry, I have found the appropriate name, Dunnoc, to be quite as
common as the erroneous one Hedge Sparrow : indeed, I am quite surprised Mr.
Swainson should advocate the latter, which has long ago been abandoned by all
writers on the British Fauna. Tit-mouse is, also, generally abandoned in all our
works, from the magnificent production of Gould on The Birds of Europe, to
Miss Taylor's little volume, The Boy and the Birds. From what quarter Mr.
S. obtained the strange name Longtailed Mag, I really cannot tell ; but if it is in
use in any part of the island, why should our author be at pains to bring into
notice obscure names, at the expense of the appropriate names in more general
use ? I have been accustomed to hear this bird called by the name Longtailed
Tit, but as it has lately been removed from the genus Tit, Mr. Blyth has pro-
posed the very appropriate name, Rose Mufflin. Mr. S. tells us that the " Tit
Lark is a warbler." What does he mean by this ? Does he mean to say that it
is a songster ? or does he intend to denote some particular genus ? And if the lat-
ter which genus is intended ? For the name Warbler has, at various times, been
used to denote the Willet (Silvia), the Fauvet (Ficedula), the Kinglet (Regu-
lusj, the Whinlin (Melizophilus), &c, &c. ; but, at all events, Mr. S. is wrong,
for the Anthus pratensis is in the genus Pipit. If Mr. S. makes such mistakes
as these with regard to British birds, how can his readers rely on his authority as
to foreign species ? " Some few of these," continues Mr. S., " in systematic
works upon our native Ornithology, where the most expressive English names are
inserted, may be altered. The Goatsucker may be called the Nightjar ; the
Hedge Sparrow, Flitiving, which will be rather better than Shufiiewing ; and so
on." There is, however, no * alteration" in writing Nightjar, instead of Goat-
sucker ; this is merely a choice between two names equally well known ; but as
these names are only intended for the " mass of mankind," it is of course of little
importance which we adopt ; indeed it may be doubted whether the erroneous
name is not to be preferred ! With regard to the Accentor modularis, why
should Mr. S. be at the pains to invent a new name, when there is one quite un-
objectionable in common use ? I shall not pretend to answer this question ; but
at all events I may assert that his proposing the new name, Flitwing, would have
the effect of frightening those averse to innovations, which the adoption of Dunnoc
would not.

The next sentence is founded on the erroneous idea that the new names can be
disseminated in a day or a week, and I shall therefore pass it over, with the re-
mark that the reformed nomenclature must first be adopted by authors, and all the
rest will follow easily; especially as the taste for works on Natural History is yearly

256

becoming stronger. Mr. Swainson continues — " Admitting that appropriate Eng-
lish names should be used, who is to invent them ?" I answer that there would
be but little need for exerting the inventive faculties ; for, as I said before, there
are very few European or American* birds which have not at least one good name.
" Once attempt to destroy the received nomenclature," observes Mr. S., " and
every field naturalist, every tyro of Ornithology will contend for the name he likes
best. The Longtailed Tit, for instance, has the following names by which it is
known in different counties : — Huckmuck, Bottle Tom, Longtailed Mag, Long-
tailed Capon, and Mumruffm. The Yellow Wren, which in fact is not a Wren,
but a Silvia (Silvia melodia), is called also Willow Wren, Ground Wren, and
Ground Huckmuck. A choice must be made from these, and by whom ?" No-
thing is more easy than to make difficulties, and allege them in excuse of our re-
fusing to do that which we know would be right, though are unwilling to perform.
But true greatness is shown by overcoming, and not by giving way to, difficulties.
With regard to the Longtailed Tit, I do not see why we should trouble ourselves
by trying to displace that established name, unless indeed we agree to remove it
to a new genus, in which case Muflin is at hand, without there being any necessity
for raking up unheard of names from every corner of the island. If it were necessary
to do this, a volume might soon be filled with such names as Captain, Proud-tailor,
&c. &c, which are in use in different parts. With regard to the Silvia melodia,
" Song Willet" is the most appropriate name I have heard applied to it, and Sibilous
Willet for the Silvia sibilans. The name Wren belongs to Anorthura, of which
there are only two European species. " Whatever reforms, therefore," continues
Mr. S., " which experienced amateurs will admit, must be few and judicious, giving
in general the generic or family name to the species ; calling, for instance, all the
ordinary species of the Silviadce, Warblers ; except, indeed, those few groups which
are already distinguished by a separate vernacular name, as the Redstarts, Wag-
tails, Robins, and Chats." Wheatear, Reedling, Nightingale, Tit, Muflin, Dun-
noc, and Pipit, he might and should have added, so that of the fourteen genera of
the Willet family described by Selby in his British Ornithology, eleven are popu-
larly known by distinctive names, and of the ten British genera in the Finch fa-
mily, nine are popularly known by distinctive names. The fourteen genera in the
Duck family are in that work described under as many vernacular generic names,
and I might multiply instances to the end of the chapter, were it necessary : every
one of course has the Feathered Tribes and the British Ornithology, and those
works will bear out my assertions. It thus appears that Mr. Swainson's plan —
not the one he opposes — would be productive of most alteration if carried through-

* It must be understood that I use the term America in the same sense as Audubon,
namely, for the Continent to the north of the Isthmus of Panama ; calling the southern
Continent Columbia.

257

out. That able zoologist lays it down as a rule that, " if a principle is good, its ad-
vantages will be more and more apparent the more it is followed in detail." Sup-
pose we test this principle by his own rule : we should then call the Blue
Tit, Blue Warbler ; the Grey Wagtail, Grey Warbler ; the Rock Dunlin, Rock
Snipe ; the Mute Swan, Mute Duck ; and so on throughout.

" The Silvia regulus" continues Mr. Swainson, " being at the head of this
family, should, more especially, be termed a Warbler, par excellence ; that is, if
the same rule is to guide us both in scientific and in vernacular nomenclature.
By this plan some sort of connection will be pointed out between the modern sub-
genera ; and we shall not have two birds, actually belonging to the same genus,
(like the Yellow and the Goldcrested Warblers), known by two names which have
no apparent relation to each other." The first proposition is founded on an erro-
neous basis ; and as the error seems to be very prevalent, it may be as well briefly
to expose it. Mr. S. here pronounces the genus Regulus to be the typical
group of the Silviadx (Willet family), and, in accordance with this idea, he says,
that the name Silvia should be taken from the Willets (of which there are three
British species) and given to the Kinglets, which he would thus deprive of their
established name, as, also, he would the Willets, thus creating a double confusion.
This is bad enough already ; but the plan carries yet other evils in its train ; for
other naturalists, dissenting from the opinion of Mr. S., may single out another
genus as typical. This is actually the case, for Mr. Blyth maintains the Fauvets
(Ficedula) to be the type of the family ; and he, following out Mr. Swainson's
plan, would wrest the name Silvia from the unhappy Kinglets, which would thus,
like other crowned heads, be deprived of their name as soon as they got it. There
would yet be a third class, who would contend, with Selby, that the Willets are
the true types of the family, (which I take to be the real state of the case), and
thus, in one family, there would be continual confusion. And again, suppose
some new genus were discovered, which Swainson himself should pronounce to be
the type, he would be obliged to re-take the name Silvia from the Kinglets, to
which he would then restore the old name ! I have touched on this subject be-
fore ; but as it is still in as full force as ever, I have thought it my duty to treat of
it more in detail. I have now given my own opinion, fortified by reason ; but I can
also bring the authority of Mr. Swainson into the field, and turn his own weapons
against himself. In that gentleman's work, On the Classification of Quadru-
peds, he says, at page 378 : — " We should gladly have retained the name of Ca-
pridw (Goat family) to this group, had we not ascertained that the Goats were
an aberrant, and not a typical genus ; these latter groups always giving their
name to the family." The family here spoken of Mr. S. calls the " Antilope fa-
family, ( ' Antilopidce ) '." Now this is precisely what I argue for. If the King-
lets are typical, I would call the family the Kinglet family ( Regulidw J ; if the
Fauvets, the Fauvet family (Ficedulidx) ; and so on. In another part, Mr. S.
vol. i. 2 L

258

tells us that the name Todidce should give way to Muscicapidce, because the
genus Muscicapa, and not Todius, is typical : then why not be consistent, and
act on this principle throughout?

Having thus considered the first proposition, let us scrutinize the second.
The Silvia melodia and the Regulus auricapillus, he tells us, " belong to the
same genus." This would lead most naturalists to imagine that Swain son adopt-
ed the genera of the old school, which is far from being the case. Either from
an aifectation of singularity, or from some other unexplained cause, Mr. S. does
not use the term, genus, in its usual and proper signification, viz., the lowest
groups of species ; these he calls sub-genera, and applies the name genus to the
groups next above these, for which Selby has very judiciously proposed the name
Domus, and the termination ites. The sub-genera disfigure Mr. Swainson's favour-
ite Northern Zoology — a work which would have been improved in many respects
had it been half the size and a quarter the price. To this work I refer for a prac-
tical illustration of the inconvenience of the sub-genus — a name which should be
altogether abandoned — and will now continue our examination.

Mr. Swainson next proceeds to consider the theory that each genus should
have a vernacular name peculiar to itself : " In regard to the second proposition,"
he says, " that each genus and sub-genus in general Ornithology should have a
distinct vernacular name, the difficulties are of a much more insuperable nature.
It would require the coinage of between 300 and 400 English names for birds of
whose manners and habits we know little or nothing : and, after all, what possible
use would this accomplish ? Is it not sufficient, for instance, to designate the five
primary groups of the Parrots (Parrot family) by their present well-known names
of Maccaws, Parrots, Cocatoos, Lories, and Parakeets, without breaking these up
into twenty-five others, which would make ordinary persons lose sight, in fact, of
the groups themselves, in a multiplicity of small distinctions which they never
could comprehend, and which would only perplex them ? But what should we do
with the Woodpeckers, (Woodpecker family) — a group of the same value, and
therefore containing as great a number of sub-genera as the Parrots (Parrot fami-
ly) ? Five-and-twenty names, at this rate, must be devised for all the variations
of a Woodpecker ! and they must be appropriate, for otherwise what is their use ?"
Mr. S. here takes great pains to refute and show the insuperable difficulties of a
proposition of his own making : for, as far as I am aware, he is the first who has
proposed to give an English name to every known genus of birds. This would be
a very useless scheme ; for the majority of these genera are known only to a few
scientific ornithologists, and perhaps known only to them as dried skins ; whereas,
English names are not intended for the scientific few, but for the unscientific
many — or, in Mr. Swainson's phrase, for the mass of mankind. Those few genera
that are known generally, should, of course, be called by their proper English
generic and specific names, and the rest, known only to the scientific, will be called

259

by their Latin names : but in no case should a bird not in the genus Psittacus be
called a Parrot, or not in Lorius be called a Lory. As the English language
extends into all parts of the globe, English names for each of the genera will spring
up naturally. It has been calculated that, within a century from this time, the Eng-
lish language will be the native tongue of upwards of three hundred millions of
the human race ; and when the great continent of America, and the vast island of
Australia shall be peopled by descendants of the inhabitants of Britain, surely
it will be worth while to coin English names for the accommodation of so respect-
able a majority of the human race.

" It is only," concludes Mr. S., " when we come to follow a theory, whether
in science or in common matters, down to its details, and see how it will work,
that we can judge of its practicability or of its use. Some few vernacular names,
indeed, may be occasionally added, but the construction of our language is not
well adapted for this purpose. To attempt expunging a well known vulgar name
because it does not happen to express a scientific group, appears equally repugnant
to common sense and sound judgment." We have seen how Mr. Swainson's
theory (namely, giving the English family name to all the genera) has stood his
own test ; we have assayed it in his own crucible, and have found that what he
recommended as gold has turned out to be mere lead : at the same time I fear-
lessly invite him to try the theory he opposes in the same crucible, and venture to
predict that it will come out scathless, even from a furnace seven times heated.
I do not understand what Mr. Swainson intends when he speaks of " expunging
a well known vulgar name because it does not happen to express a scientific group."
Instances should have been given, that all misconception might be avoided. Does
he allude to such names as Rook, Kittiwake, and Smew ? If so, I should answer
that, as these names do not inform us as to the genus to which each respectively
belongs, they are necessarily imperfect, and this imperfection might either be
avoided by adding the name of the genus, as Rook Crow, Kittiwake Gull, and
Smew Merganser, or else descriptive specific names might be substituted, as
Barefaced Crow, Gray Gull, Pied Merganser. But, perhaps, he alludes to such
names as Gold Finch, Bull Finch, Willow Wren, Tit Mouse, Bank Martin, &c.
These names must be either erroneous or correct ; if the former, no unprejudiced
person can for a moment hesitate as to whether they should be retained or not,
but if the latter, there is no need to discuss them. A person ignorant of Natural
History would suppose that the above named birds belong to the genera Siskin
(Carduelis), Alp or Coalhood (Pyrrula), Willet (Silvia), Mouse (MusJ,
and Martin (Maries) ; and in every instance he would be wrong. Can such a
nomenclature be desirable ? or, rather, does it not defeat the end for which no-
menclature was formed ? Yes ; and on this account I should recommend all who
have the interests of the " mass of mankind" in view to avoid all such names
as worse than useless.

260

I have now, sentence by sentence, shewn the unsoundness of Mr. Swainson's
views. That it is practicable to carry into execution the plans here advocated
may be seen by referring to Number XIV. of that valuable periodical The Analyst,
and that it is desirable to do so I think I have already, in some measure, shewn, and
shall, in all probability, do so more fully when I reply to Mr. Morris. That a writer
of such true depth, masterly precision, and admirable talent as Mr. Swainson should
have so signally failed when he turned aside from the straight and narrow path
which leads to truth, is a source of real gratification to those who are anxious for
the universal substitution of truth for error ; and though the latter may sometimes
prevail for a time, like the murky cloud of a summer's day, yet equally transient
will be its triumph.

A BOTANICAL TOUR IN HEREFORDSHIRE, MONMOUTHSHIRE,
AND SOUTH WALES ;

WITH INCIDENTAL NOTICES OF THE SCENERY, ANTIQUITIES, &C

By Edwin Lees, F.L.S. and F.E.S.L.

(Continued from page 21 7>

There are two enemies particularly annoying to the practical botanist in his
explorations. The first of these is the road-surveyor — maledictions on his head ! —
who, galloping along on his well-appointed steed, and thoughtfully pausing here
and there, has already, in idea, cut through one hill, avoided another, gained a
yard in one place, and overcome an angle in another, till the old winding, spread-
ing, sheltered, high-banked way, with its terraced footpath bordered by " Robin-
run-i'-the-hedge," " Houndstongue," " Five-fingered grass," " Soapwort," and
many an old remembered favourite, can be no longer recognized in the long, dull,
mathematical macadamization that has been just laid down according to modern
rule, and where no plant but the " cursed Thistle" is likely to vegetate for many
a long year.* For not only is the pedestrian brought down from his high but safe

* This is no fancied picture, since I can enumerate at least three remarkable plants
■which have all disappeared from the vicinity of Worcester within the last few years, occa-
sioned by alterations and improvements on and about the roads. The first is the Cynoglos-
sum sylvaticum, recorded by Dr. Nash as met with near " the third milestone on the Per-
shore road," but now not to be seen within many miles of the spot. The second is Anthris-
cm cerefolium, mentioned by Dr. Stokes as growing, in 1775? in great profusion, just beyond

261

eminence to a level with every mud-splasher who wilfully dashes along on the
very verge of the path, but every green oasis that formerly gladdened the eye is
hedged off — every gate, surmounted with a formidable chevaux-de-frize, frowns
upon the hopeful eye —

" Even the bare-worn common is denied" —

and not a stile remains to offer a meditative lounge, which must now be sought, if
at all, within those hallowed recesses where, thanks to legislative wisdom, you
perceive you are " Licensed to be drunk on the premises /"

But " what 's the use of sighing ?" I can have no hope to soften or macada-
mize the heart of the obdurate road-surveyor. But there is another enemy that
I may hope to touch, and that is the botanist himself. Whoever has sought for
the rarer plants, as I have done, in the habitats mentioned in " the books," must
have often with me have felt the pang of disappointment at finding no traces of
the species in the designated localities ; and so much did this feeling operate upon
the late Mr. Purton that, in his Midland Flora, he declared that no plants should
appear unless observed by himself or some living authority he could depend upon.
But the rapacity of even living collectors is unfortunately proverbial, and it often
defeats itself. I have known young enthusiastic botanists, on being taken to the
locality of a rare plant, rashly root up every one that could be found ; so that
either the species in question was actually eradicated there, or at any rate the habitat
became " unproductive" for some years to come. There was much good sense in the
country dame I have heard of who incessantly and invariably aimed to impress upon
all about her the maxim " always keep an egg in the nest :" and this is equally appli-
cable to botanical as to pecuniary affairs. If a rare plant, when found, is indiscri-
minately gathered, without " leaving an egg in the nest," not only is the next
botanist who may come to the spot disappointed, but it may be even imagined,
and not altogether unjustly, that the plant in question was never really met with
there, while even charity herself is compelled to suggest that " some mistake"
must have arisen. Hence my invariable custom is, where more than one plant
presents itself, to " leave an egg in the nest ;" and I recommend this principle to
my brother botanists. Of course, where specimens abound there can be no harm
in " making hay while the sun shines ;" and I shall now, therefore, without fur-
ther circumlocution, proceed to my herborizing avocations.

Abergavenny is a good central position to radiate from into the surrounding

the turnpike on the Tewkesbury road ; here I observed it for several successive years, till,
in 1830, the fiat went forth, the road was widened and altered, and the plant lost. I have
now in my herbarium a specimen of Verbascum virgatum which I gathered in 1 828, growing
by the side of the Kidderminster road, about two miles from Worcester; I again noticed it
the following year, but the strictest search since has been unable to detect it.

262

districts, tempting alike to the botanist and the lover of picturesque scenery. The
sparkling Usk rolls beneath its double bridge, glances on its cumbrous ruined castle
seated on a green elevated mound, and, ploughing into the gravel on its pebbly
shores, hastens along its beauteous vale to the ocean. Bounding the valley on the
west rises the stupendous Blorenge Mountain to the height of 1720 feet, the termi-
nation in this direction of that band of mountain limestone that encompasses the
South Wales coal-field ; clouds ever and anon wreath its summit, while the morn-
ing sun lights up the woods at its base, its green sides, and its protruding rocks,
leaving the vast punch -bowl hollows of the mountain shadowed in gloomy obscu-
rity. Northward the pyramidal height of the Sugar Loaf and its massive subject
buttresses of old red sandstone block up the vale, leaving but a scanty space for
the passage of the Usk on the one hand, and shelving off on the other towards the
isolated fortress of the Skirrid Vawr, whose terraced ridges and detached promon-
tories form a commanding object eastward ; while from thence to the south an
undulating woody ridge, capped by the feathery Little Skirrid, extends almost to
the very banks of the river.

" The lucid Usk, the undulating line

That nature loves ; whether with gentle bend

She slopes the vale, or lifts the gradual hill,

Winds the free rivulet, or down the bank

Spreads the wild wood's luxuriant growth, or breaks

With interrupting heights the even bound

Of the out-stretched horizon."*

To increase the charm of the scene, the foaming little river Gavenny, to which the
town owes its name, rushes from the eminences eastward through richly verdant
meadows to increase the liquid resources of the Usk at this place. The beauties of
the country around, Crickhowell only six miles northward, Ilagland's noted towers
eight miles to the south, with the matchless arches of Tintern within the range of
a more distant excursion, conspire to tempt the pausing footsteps of the tourist at
Abergavenny ; but, anxious to press forward while all was bright and gay over-
head, I determined to encamp here on my return for a short time. I, therefore,
took measures for proceeding to Newport as soon as breakfast was dispatched, and
meantime met the first rays of the saffron morn on the dewy banks of the Gavenny
and the Usk.

Sambucus ebulus, the Dwarf Elder, I noticed by a spring on the road towards
Skenfreth, and observed it in considerable plenty in a hedge not far from the
foot of the Derry.

Cotyledon umbilicus appeared in profusion and luxuriance on many old walls
in the town and suburbs.

* Sotheby.

263

Orobanche minor. — On the top of an old garden wall on the road to the
little Skirrid, overgrown with Ivy, and in a very rubbishy state.

* Mentha viridis. — Plentiful in a watery ditch below the bridge and not far
from the Usk.

Rosa arvensis. — In great beauty and abundance, adorning the thickets at the
foot of the Derry, and apparently the most common Rose in this vicinity.

* Salix rosmarinifolia. — In a marsh overspread with various willows, and
overgrown with brambles, reeds, &c, forming a favourite angling haunt for some
distance along the Usk, below the castle.

* S. amygdalina — Almond-leaved Willow. In the same shady, secluded spot.
Tussilago farfara. — Most abundant on the shores of the Usk.

In proceeding from Abergavenny to Newport, I could not help remarking the
greater exuberance of the Common Elder ( Sambucus nigra J, filling the hedges
to an extent I never before noticed in any other county than Monmouthshh-e, and
loading the air with its peculiar scent, while its snowy cymes whitened the country
far and wide. It is remarkable, however, that in this country it is never found
far removed from the works or habitation of man, and never within woods, unless,
perhaps, on the site of some abandoned cottage. This suggests the idea of its
not being really indigenous, but introduced into Britain at an early period, and
very likely by the Romans, who had no less than five principal stations in Mon-
mouthshire, one of which, Caerleon, was the metropolis of the province termed
Britannia Secunda ; and here the Roman power and jurisdiction was established for
more than three centuries.* Dr. Walker thought the Elder was not indigenous to
Scotland, justly observing that there existed no old trees, and the only veteran of
any bulk that I ever met with was in the vale of Neath, near the Porth-yr-ogof, or
Mellte cavern, which I shall have occasion to mention hereafter. Loudon remarks
that " it is frequent in Greece, and was formerly much employed in medicine there,
as the space it occupies in the works of Theophrastus bears ample testimony."-]-
We can scarcely doubt, therefore, that the fame of its virtues preceded it, and
ultimately led to its transportation from Greece, through Italy, to England, where
hot " Elder wine" is still considered to be no bad renovator on a cold frosty night,
if, indeed, the cauterizing potion can make good its passage to the interior — but
it requires some effort to do it. The Elder was probably indigenous to Italy, if
the account of Pliny is to be depended upon, who says " The shepherds are tho-
roughly persuaded that the Elder tree growing in a by-place out of the way, and
where the crowing of Cocks from any town cannot be heard, makes more shrill
pipes and louder trumpets than any other." £ Phillips, in his Companion for the
Orchard, gravely tells us that " Boerhaave, the celebrated physician of Leyden,

* Evans' and Britton's Monmouthshire.

f Loudon's Arboretum and Fruticetum Britannicum, p. 1029.

X Pliny's Natural History, translated by Phil. Holland, M.D.

264

is said to have held this tree in so great veneration that he seldom passed it with-
out taking off his hat and paying reverence to it." The old Dutch doctor must
surely have been a determined toper of Elder wine ! what else he could see in
the Elder to induce him to doff his cocked hat to it seems impossible to conceive.
Phillips omits to state his authority for this story, which, if true, was perhaps con-
nected with some superstition, from which the greatest men have been not
always exempt.

At Llanellen, four miles from Abergavenny, we crossed the Usk, and in a
hedge-row here *Rosa villosa appeared with its beautiful deep pink blossoms.

Grammnitis ceterach shewed itself for the first time in this quarter in the
interstices of a wall.

Further on, a gigantic old Ash tree, enveloped with Ivy, formed an interest-
ing spectacle. Passed Mamhilade Church, whose cemetery is wrapt in sombre
gloom, by eleven large Yew trees, one of which, near the building, is of very large
dimensions. A whimsical idea has been taken up by St. Pierre, and rather
strangely propagated by Dr. Johnston in his interesting Flora of Berwick-upon-
Tweed, that Ivy will not grow upon other evergreens.* The futility of such an
hypothesis was here very evident, for many of these Yews were densely clothed
with Ivy, as well as numerous Firs in the same vicinity. It must be admitted
that a gloomier object than a Yew or Fir cloaked in still darker verdure than its
own shadowy robe is hardly conceivable ; and I was much struck some years ago
with one of this description that I met with canopying, in sombre twilight, a dingle
near the Wrekin, where a silent streamlet wept through the lurid shade. In
Lower Sapey churchyard, Worcestershire, there is also a singular Yew which
the Ivy upon it has completely overpowered, surmounted the very topmost
branches, and formed a large ivied canopy upon the summit of the tree. I have
noticed Portugal Laurels, also, and various species of Pinus, robed in Ivy in
Witley Park, Worcestershire, and in numerous other places. These Ivy-enve-
loped evergreens are not disregarded by the birds, who find them very convenient
places for nidification ; and they are especial favourites with the Stock Dove,
where he coos away unseen and undisturbed.

At Llannihangel, two miles from Pontypool, I was much pleased to notice the
custom of planting the graves of the rural inhabitants with flowers — an old
observance, still piously kept up at present in South Wales. It is not, perhaps,
generally known that plants of pungent scent are chosen for this purpose, in pre-
ference to more specious and more elegant flowers. Thus, Rosemary, Balm,
Old-man, and Tansy are of most frequent occurrence ; the latter of which, and
some others, are alluded to by Mason, in his fine elegy commemorative of the
practice :

" Johnston's Flora of Berwick-upon-Tweed, vol. i., p. 209, under Pinnx sylvestris.

265

" Full many a flower,
Pansy and Pink, with languid beauty smile ;
The Primrose opening with the twilight hour,
And velvet tufts of fragrant Chamomile.

For, more intent the smell than sight to please,
Surviving love selects its vernal race ;
Plants that with early perfume feed the breeze,
May best each dank and noxious vapour chase."

The idea seems to be, to render the last sad home of the departed in the cold
ground as pleasing as possible, by throwing around it a grateful perfume ; and
perhaps this may have originally arisen from sanitary motives, the putrid effluvia
from the mortal remains being thus neutralized by the agency of the plants, no
danger need be feared from a silent communion with the loved object now for
ever at rest. A somewhat similar idea seems to have been entertained by Shak-
speare, when, in reference to the death of Fidele, he exclaims —

" With fairest flowers, while summer lasts,
I'll sweeten thy sad grave."

When the Pink is extensively employed for this purpose, as here and in Cad-
oxton church-yard, near Neath, the most beautiful, as well as elegant, effect is
produced. The Rosemary bushes are but gloomy, unsightly objects, and the rank
Tansy ( Tanacetum vulgare), however beautiful when in its proper place by the
river side, adorning the bank with its golden flowers, is here no better than a weed,
and sadly out of place. A distinction is to be made between planting the graves
with herbs, and strewing them with flowers — the latter only taking place immedi-
ately after interment, and being continued only at intervals, till the growing plants
put forth their blossoms. One of the most charming spectacles of this kind that
I ever saw, was in the church-yard of Trevethin, near Pontypool, in the month of
March some years ago, where several children were diligently employed in deco-
rating every grave with the brilliant flowers of the Daffodil, " that comes before
the Swallow dares." These, covered with dew-drops, and glistening in the morn-
ing rays of a vernal sun, produced a very brilliant effect. That this highly poeti-
cal custom has been handed down from antiquity, and was practised by the Ro-
mans and Romanized Britons in these very parts, no doubt whatever can exist.
When Martyn, in his notes to the 5th eclogue of Virgil, under the words " Spar-
gite humum film" says, that " it was a custom among the ancients to scatter
leaves and flowers on the ground, in honour of eminent persons, and some traces
of this custom remain among us at present," he doubtless alludes to the subject
under consideration, as the ground was to be spread with leaves in honour of
vol. r. 2 m

266

Daplmis, and a monument raised to his memory. This original heathen custom
was found not inappropriate to Christianity, and is alluded to by several of the fa-
thers, though St. Ambrose seems to imply a disregard to, or disinclination for, the
practice. " / will not" he says in his funeral oration on Valentinian, " sprinkle
his grave with flowers, but pour on his spirit the odour of Christ ; let others scat-
ter baskets of flowers. Christ is our Lily ; with this I will consecrate his relics."
One curious circumstance struck me in this church-yard, which, whether acci-
dental or the work of art, affected me considerably. A wild Rose bush ( R. caninaj
had taken its position, as an epiphyte, upon the sole Yew in the cemetery, from
whence its pink flowers depended in long waving tresses in beautiful profusion.
It seemed to me an emblem of struggling genius and virtue, surmounting the most
unfavourable circumstances, and flourishing in despite of the baleful and poisonous
influence of the envy and malice that hoped to overshadow and destroy it. Or it
might be considered emblematical of those unexpected joys which often irradiate
the horizon of life when only clouds seem rolling around ; or here, in particular,
it might symbolize the delightful hours we once enjoyed in the company of those
endeared to our hearts, and embalmed in our recollections ; but whom we can
never again engage in delightful association till the mournful Yew has waved its
branches over us. Such thoughts and reminiscences of departed joys are truly,
indeed, like the fragrant Rose flowering upon the dark Yew.

" .Long, long be my heart with such memories fill'd,
Like the vase in which Roses have once been distiU'd ;
You may break, you may ruin, the vase if you will —
But the scent of the roses will hang round it still."

The dark, dirty, and uninviting town of Pontypool, next presented itself to
view, where there is nothing to attract a naturalist, unless he pursues his course
to the hills and mountains beyond, which was not now my intention. The tor-
rent that brawls along its stony bed at this place, bears the name of the Avon
Lwid, or Grey river, from the circumstance of its waters, in rainy weather, pour-
ing down in a milk-white flood. This is rather a curious fact, and arises, as I
had formerly an opportunity of observing, from the soft breccia composing the
hills from which the springs forming the river arise. The waters pouring down
the declivities, disintegrate the soft white sandstone, which contains the quartzose
and jasperian pebbles as in a cement, and become so loaded with the comminuted
arenarian matter, that they appear like streams of milk murmuring amid the green
moss and rising copse-wood, till they mingle together amid masses of ironstone to
form the foaming " Grey River."

Nothing of any interest occurred between Pontypool and Newport, which lat-
ter town we entered by a massive stone bridge across the Usk. The church
stands on an eminence out of the town, with some fine Ash trees within its pre-

267

cincts, and commands a splendid view of the Bristol Channel, the Flat and Steep
Holmes, and the opposite coast of Somerset. While waiting for the arrival of
the mail to proceed to Swansea, I investigated the environs of the town, which
proved, however, rather unproductive.

* (Enanthe crocata ? I perceived in some quantity in flower, overspreading a
marshy spot in a field by the side of the Cardiff road. I afterwards noticed this
plant in several other parts of South Wales, where it appears to grow profusely.
Since Sir W. J. Hooker introduced the CE. apiifolia of Professor Brotero into
the British Flora, from the information of Mr. Banks, of Plymouth, this " Celery-
leaved Water Drop-wort" has found its way into six counties, but I cannot help
suspecting that here a distinction has been introduced " without a difference."
Botanists had taken up a notion (how true I am unable to say) that CE. crocata al-
ways abounded in a yellow juice. Hence Mr. Banks, finding a similar plant with " no
peculiar juices," is induced to consider it a new species, entirely on that account.
Now, certainly, if the existence or non-existence of the supposed " yellow fetid
juice" makes the plant before us either CE. crocata or CE. apiifolia, why then
my plant is the latter. But the question arises whether this " poisonous yellow
juice" is constant in CE. crocata, or whether it really appears at all ? I have
met with the plants abundantly on the banks of the Teme, Worcestershire, and,
though frequently gathering it, never verified the emission of the " orange-coloured,
fetid, very poisonous juice," which, according to Sir J. E. Smith, ought to exude
from " all parts of the herb when wounded." It is remarkable that Sir W. J.
Hooker merely observes " full, it is said, of a poisonous yellow juice," and intro-
duces CE. apiifolia " with some hesitation." I cannot conceive the two plants to be
essentially different, especially in the absence of any recent witnesses of the emis-
sion of yellow fetid juice from the CE. crocata, which very probably, if it appear at
all, is only at peculiar seasons, or in very variable quantities. Dr. Woodville, in his
account of CE. crocata in the Medical Botany,* says not a word about yellow juice,
though anxious to warn his readers on account of its poisonous qualities, being by
Dr. Poultney " esteemed to be the most deleterious of all the vegetables which
this country produces." Brotero's name implies the similarity of his plant to
Celery, and Woodville states that three French prisoners residing at Pembroke
mistook the CE. crocata for ivild celery, and, presenting it to their comrades, had
nearly caused the death of the whole of them, and two actually died from partak-
ing of it. The death of five boys in Ireland from the same circumstance is also
recorded. I should fear mischief from the use of the term apiifolia, unless it
can he satisfactorily shewn that the plant intended is innoxious, and differs in other

* Supplement, quarto edition, p. 143. In the second edition of Withering, under the
co-editorship of the late Dr. Stokes, a most acute botanist, the yellow juice of CE. crocata is
unnoticed.

2 m2

268

particulars from crocata, independent of the emission or non-emission of the yel-
low or orange-coloured juice. Mr. Watson, with the best intentions, here only-
increases the difficulty by inquiring, in his Botanist's Guide, for apiifolia only,
and leaving out all mention of crocata. No light, however, is thrown upon the
subject by any of his correspondents, for three set the plant down without any par-
ticular habitat, while even the acute Mr. J. E. Bowman puts a query to his " apii-
folia 9" observing " I found what / take to be this on the Menai Strait, above
Vayrwl, and in a dingle near Beaumaris.* Since penning the above I have re-
ceived the second edition of Lindley's Synopsis, where, in the Supplement, the
following remark occurs, coinciding with the views I have taken. " In the Bri-
tish Flora, Dr. Hooker admits, under the name CEnanthe apiifolia, of Brotero,
a plant resembling CE. crocata, from which it differs, among other things, in hav-
ing no yellow poisonous juice : but in the third edition of that work the species
is abandoned, upon the ground of such juice not being constantly present in CE.
crocata itself. Of course, it will not constantly be present in that plant more
than in any thing else, inasmuch as the presence of such secretions depend upon
seasons and other circumstances ; but from what has been said about the supposed
CE. apiifolia, we recommend that plant to a new and more diligent investigation :
it is said to grow about Plymouth."

On several Rumices, growing by the side of the rail-road, I noticed the Dock
iEcidium (2E. rubellum, Pers.) in great plenty, displaying its white clustered pseu-
doperidia in extreme delicacy and beauty. It is not common in fructification in
the midland counties, and hence Purton has figured it under the name of JE.
rumicis.-f

Being anxious to investigate the vicinity of Swansea, I found it expedient to
proceed there by mail, which going the whole way to Milford, I found every place
but one engaged — that one was unfortunately inside. Little account, therefore,
can I give at present of the plants intermediate between Newport and Swansea,
except that * Cotyledon umbilicus, not noticed by Mr. Watson as inhabiting Gla-
morganshire, appeared very plentiful on almost every rock and wall I could
occasionally discern between Cardiff and Briton Ferry. At Cardiff I had an op-
portunity of walking round the area of the castle, and glancing at its ruined keep ;
when, as I was about to retire, a porter, in the livery of Lord Bute, would in-
sist upon conducting me into the only lion's den about the place — a square damp
dungeon close to the entrance, with a solitary ray of light hardly able to wind its
way in through a corner cranny, where he assured me Robert, Duke of Norman-
dy, had been confined for above twenty years ! I had forgotten all about Duke
Robert, and repented that I had been thus allured by my conductor, and must

* "Watson's New Botanist's Guide to the Localities of the Rarer Plants of Britain, p. 229.
f Purton, Midland Flora, vol. iii., t. 26.

) '

Fig 5.

Fig 2

i .

269

surrender the image and superscription of his majesty on such a dismal and
wretched pretence as this. If Robert ever had been confined in the dungeon I
was ushered into, there was little necessity to put out his eyes, for they would not
even have shown him a spider on the wall. I darted hastily off, resumed my
seat, and resolved to abandon dungeon explorations, where no sight of plant, no
sound of insect, or form of beauty was likely to repay my search.

( To be continued).

ON THE EVIDENCE OF DESIGN OBSERVABLE IN THE VITAL

ECONOMY OF THE COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE, (Linn.),

OR COMMON MEADOW SAFFRON.*

By William Allport Leighton, Esq., B.A., F.B.S.E., &c.

The innumerable instances of design, or the adaptation of certain means to a
corresponding end, visible in apparently the most insignificant works of nature,
merit the attention and claim the admiration of man. In the vegetable world,
no less than in other departments of creation, this observation holds in full force,
for almost every plant which either displays its beauteous blossoms to gladden and
attract the eye, or which merely uprears its minute verdure from the surface of
the tempest-riven rock or time-worn ruin, only to lend its aid in forming one of those
varied tints which contribute so materially to the picturesque beauty of such situ-
ations, will be found, on careful examination, to possess contrivances for the sup-
port and reproduction of the particular species which evince the most consummate
skill, the most unbounded wisdom.

In the Colchicum autwmnale, or Meadow Saffron, these provisions are pecu-
liarly worthy our careful attention. This plant is included in the Linnean Class
Hexandria, and belongs to the Natural Order Melanthacece ; a tribe abounding
in a powerfully acrid and poisonous principle, which, under the guidance of expe-
rience and judgment, has proved of essential service in medicine. The lower
portion of the stem of the Colchicum autumnale is swollen into a cormus or solid
bulb (see Fig. I, a, a),f and lies deeply buried in the earth, invested by the dried

* Read before the Shropshire and North Wales Natural History and Antiquarian
Society, November 1, 1836.

+ a, the entire plant as it appears in the autumn — b, the young bulb and stem attached
to the parent bulb — c, the parent bulb, (the young bulb being removed), showing the
groove and the attaching fibres— o, exterior and interior views of the young plant detach-

270

and partially decomposed leaves and spathas of preceding years. In a groove (b)
on one side of this bulb, at a point a little above the life-knot, or part from which
the true roots depend, and connected with it by a bundle of horizontal fibres (c%
is attached a smaller bulb fdj, which, during the summer months, absorbs its
chief nourishment from the parent bulb, gradually swelling and enlarging, and, so
soon as the first chilly winds of autumn have breathed over the earth, elongating
its summit, and protruding through the soil a long tubular spatha or sheath (e),
which envelopes the entire bulb, stem, and roots. In this sheath lie two or more
perfectly formed flowers, each consisting of an elongated tube crowned with a
purple limb of six petals, and also the rudiments of one or two other blossoms.
On removing the membranous sheath, we perceive at the base of the floral tube,
immediately above the young roots, a few rudimentary leaves (f) closely encir-
cling the slightly swollen bulb. On stripping off these leaves, a small bud or
germ fgj, destined to become the bulb of a succeeding year, appears attached to
that side of the young bulb which is farthest from the parent bulb of the present
year. On entirely removing the leaves, and opening the elongated tube of the
flower, we discover that to the three inner divisions of its perianth are attached
six stamens fkj surrounding three linear stigmas fij, whose filaments are con-
tinued down the floral tube to its base, where they communicate with a three-celled
germen or ovary (h) containing the ovules or undeveloped seeds. No sooner
have the anthers performed their office of fertilization on the stigmas than the
corolla fades, withers, and dies off ; the young bulb becomes swollen, its roots burst
through their membranous covering, and protrude downwards. Throughout the
winter it absorbs, through the lateral attaching fibres, the greater portion of the
parent bulb, the surplus of which subsequently decomposes. The nutriment thus
stored up remains dormant during the winter months, and until the first warming
breezes of spring again stimulate into motion the vital juices, when the hitherto
buried germen, protected from frost or accident by its several coats, is pushed
upwards to the surface, the fully developed capsule (I), surrounded by shining
green leaves, displays itself, and, on becoming fully matured, opens its inflated
cells (m), scattering the seeds over the earth. The leaves also, in their turn,

ed from the parent bulb — e, exterior and interior views of the young plant, divested of
the spatha, and showing the undeveloped leaves — f, exterior and interior views of the
young plant, showing the floral tubes, the reserve blossom, and the embryonic germ — o,
the floral tube opened, showing the positions of the anthers, pistils, &c h, the pistils di-
vested from the floral tubes, exhibiting their connections with gei-men and bulb — i, the
appearance of the plant in the spring.

a, the cormus, or solid bulb — b, the groove in which the young plant lies — c, the bundle
of lateral attaching fibres — d, the young bulb — e, the spatha— /, the young leaves — g, the
embryonic bulb — h, the germen — i, the stigmas — k, the anthers — /, the developed germen
— m, the fully ripened capsule — n, the reserve blossom — o, transverse section of the ger-
men, h.

271

now wither away, and the embryo germ or bud is, by a similar process, carried
forward to maturity.

In using the term " solid bulb" in the above description, I would wish it to
be clearly understood that I only avail myself of the common botanical phrase
expressive of the peculiar kind of bulb of this and similar plants ; for I am fully
convinced, by observations which I have recently made, that no such thing as a
solid bulb, strictly speaking, exists in nature. Every bulb is, in fact, a bud, in
which the stem enveloped in the leaves is, like the cylindrical tubes of a closed
telescope, depressed into the plane of its axis. The scales or tunics of which every
bulb consists are, in reality, so many leaves modified and swollen by excess of
nutritive matter, and many of them bearing in their axils smaller bulbs, the unde-
veloped buds of future plants. This is abundantly evident from a mere inspection
of the Crocus bulb (Fig. 2, a)* usually cited as an example of the solid bulb, but
which in reality consists of the base of the stem much swollen, enveloped by a
series of swollen and modified leaves closely agglutinated and concentrically over-
lapping each other (Fig. 2, a), and supporting in their axils a series of embry-
onic bulbs or buds (Fig. 2, b) spirally arranged. On tracing these concentric
leaves throughout the bulb to its summit, it will be found that the shoot or shoots
(Fig. 2, c) destined to produce flowers, &c, in the present year, are one or more
of these embryonic bulbs more highly developed than the rest. In these shoots,
also, the same concentric arrangement of the leaves will be found to exist. The
bulb of the Colchicum autumnale (Fig. 3),-j- usually adduced as another instance
of this form of bulb, is of a similar construction, though at first view very differ-
ent. The stem in this case is excessively and immoderately swollen, the envelop-
ing leaves so firmly agglutinated as to be only distinguishable in a thickened
scale or protrusion (Fig. 3, a) immediately below the young bulb (Fig. 3, b),
which maintains its proper place in the axil ; and in those instances in which a
second embryonic bulb occurs, this is invariably in such a situation that a line
drawn from the first embryonic bulb to it will form a portion of a spiral. This,
in short, is the mode of growth we might naturally expect in these plants, belong-
ing as they do to the great natural class of Monocotyledons — a growth perfectly
analogous, although performed in a shorter period, to that of the Palms, and other
tropical tribes of this class.

The benevolent Paley adduces the unusual periods of the autumnal flowering
and vernal ripening of the seeds of the Colchicum autumnale, as an apt illustra-
tion of his doctrine of compensation. No apology may be deemed necessary for
repeating his exquisite and well-remembered words : — " 1 have pitied," he says,

* a, bulb of the Crocus — a, the leaves swollen into concentric scales — I, the embryonic
bulbs in the axils of the leaves — c, the embryonic bulbs developed into flowering shoots.

•f a, bulb of the Colchicum — a, the leaves swollen into thickened scales or protrusions — b,
the young bulbs and stems in the axils of the leaves.

272

* this poor plant a thousand times. Its blossom rises out of the ground in the
most forlorn condition possible ; without a sheath, a fence, a calyx, or even a leaf to
protect it ; and that not in spring, not to be visited by summer suns, but under all
the disadvantages of the declining year. When we come, however, to look more
closely into the structure of this plant, we find that, instead of its being neglected,
nature has gone out of her course to provide for its security, and to make up to
it for all its defects. The seed-vessel, which in other plants is situated within the
cup of the flower, or just beneath it, in this plant lies ten or twelve inches under
ground within the bulbous root. The tube of the flower, which is seldom more
than a few tenths of an inch long, in this plant extends down to the root. The
styles always reach the seed-vessel ; but it is in this, by an elongation unknown to
any other plant. All these singularities contribute to one end. In the autumn
nothing is done above ground but the business of impregnation. The maturation
of the impregnated seed, which in other plants proceeds within a capsule, exposed
together with the rest of the flower to the open air, is here carried on, and during
the whole winter within the heart of the earth. Seeds, though perfected, would be
unable to vegetate at this depth in the earth. A second admirable provision is
therefore made to raise them above the surface ; the germ grows up in the spring,
upon a fruit stalk, accompanied with leaves. The seeds now, in common with
those of other plants, have the benefit of the summer, and are sown upon the sur-
face."

From the outline here exhibited of the vital economy and peculiar structure of
this plant, it is conceived, that, without overstraining the subject, the argument
may be carried some steps further, and that we may reasonably infer that there is
design in the mode of its flowering ; in the provision made for its reproduction, in
case of the germen remaining unfertilized ; and also, in the relative position of the
embryonic germ or bulb.

First. — There is evidence of design in the mode of flowering. The delicate
flowers expanding their petals, as the harbingers of winter, without the protection
of leaves or other envelope, exposed to the ungenial influence of a changeful sea-
son, when scarcely any other plant ventures to blossom, run many risks of being
prevented from attaining their destined end, either from the nipping keenness of
early frosts, the rude and crushing tread of cattle feeding on the pasturage in which
they grow, or the playful and innocent wantonness of heedless childhood cropping
the. showy blossoms to deck their baby-toys. Nature here, therefore, steps in and
provides a remedy. For, unlike most other plants, this does not expand all its
blossoms at the same time, but reserves, as it were, a portion, to be resorted to only
in cases of necessity. Should injury overtake it in its prime of beauty, a second
flower is provided, which, supplied with nutriment from the parent-bulb, is pushed
forward and takes the place of its unfortunate predecessor. Should this also
be destroyed, a third floret (Fig. 1, n) is often visible at the base of the other two,

273

which, absorbing the requisite nutriment, becomes developed, expands its petals to
the genial though feeble sunshine, and thus, at length, effects the fertilization of
the ovules.

Secondly. — There is evidence of design manifested in the provision made for
the continuance of the individual. Should it so happen that all the blossoms were
successively cut off, and the very existence of the plant apparently threatened with
destruction, that Beneficent Power, whose fiat first called it into existence, here di-
minishes not his protecting care. The nutriment, destined for the complete de-
velopment and perfection of the inflorescence and germen, being no longer
wanted for those purposes, is diverted to the enlargement of the young bulb of
the present year, on which, safely cradled amid the tender leaves, reposes the em-
bryonic germ, (g), which in its turn, also receives the invigorating influences of
its parent, and in due time proceeds to its destination.

Lastly. — There is full evidence of design in the relative positions of this em-
bryonic germ and the parent bulb. As before shown, this germ always appears on
the side of the bulb of the present year, which is farthest removed from the pa-
rent bulb. It is a well-known fact, (no matter as regards our present argument,
whether attributable to exhaustion, excretion, or any other cause,) that the soil in
which any particular plant has vegetated, becomes less adapted for the immediately
subsequent growth of other individuals of the same species. Now, had the embryo
bulb been attached to the side next the parent bulb, there is a probability that it
would either have entirely perished, or, at all events, have become of a weak and
sickly habit, in consequence of the inability of vegetating in a suitable and unex-
hausted soil, or from having its vital powers destroyed or impaired by the heat ne-
cessarily evolved during the decomposition of the parent-bulb. And this, in fact,
really does take place, for in some strong bulbs which have been examined,
a second embryonic germ occasionally occurs on the side in immediate con-
tact with the parent bulb, as well as one on the opposite side. This, however,
so far as has been observed, is seldom or never developed beyond the first stage
of growth ; the vital activity being in all probability checked by one or other of
the causes above assigned.

These are no visionary speculations, but plain and simple facts, clear and de-
monstrable to all. They are in themselves eloquent : they require no index to
point out to us that " Great Workmaster" to whom they would lead our thoughts ;
nor need they, it is humbly hoped, any stimulus to excite in our hearts feelings of
gratitude and adoration.

" This must, however, be understood with some latitude ; for in very strong bulbs the
second embryonic bulb does often become fully developed : but in this case its position will
be found to be, not in immediate contact with the parent bulb, but rather on one side.

VOL. I. 2 N

ST. JAMES'S ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

We have received a prospectus of this society, the object of which is stated to
be the " forming a collection of water-birds in the garden of St. James's Park ;
and its operations will subsequently be extended to other parks, if the funds of
the society be found sufficient." As naturalists, every project of this nature has
our sincere wishes for its success, and perhaps, as the moderate subscription of
one pound is all that is required, some of our readers may be pleased to take the
opportunity of assisting an institution which will doubtless afford facilities for " ob-
servations upon the variations and periodical change of plumage, which are so in-
teresting to naturalists." The names of Yarrell, Swainson, Mudie, and Jesse, so
well known in the scientific world, are a pledge that some useful purpose is designed
by, and will be obtained from, the " Ornithological Society." But if purposes of
show only were intended we should still advocate the plan as a probable means of
raising the standard of taste among the lower orders in London, who may now,
perhaps, for the first time observe the members of the feathered tribes without
the mischievous wish to pelt them being gratified. Much has been done by the
present age in this respect, and all we want is to see the principle carried out to
its fullest extent, so that animals may be seen, admired, and examined, without the
insane wish to bait, torture, or injure them. The birds in St. James's Park will
have this advantage, that they will be " open to the view of all classes of the
people" every day, and thus even the poor mechanic and his family, shut out from
light and almost hope for a dreary week, may, in the intervals of public worship
on Sundays, solace their eyes with a sight which no philanthropist would wish
them to be deprived of. Living specimens, we perceive, of any of the rarer
swans, geese, ducks, divers, grebes, waders, &c, will be very acceptable to the
society, to whom we can only say " Go on and prosper."

REVIEW.

Sacred Philosophy of the Seasons ; illustrating the Perfections of God in the
Phenomena of the Year. Part I. : Winter. By the Rev. Henry Duncan,
D.D. Edinburgh. 1836.

The author of this work furnishes a beautiful instance of one who is " not
weary in well-doing," but who has been continually " going about doing good."
After devoting many years in the earlier part of his life to ensure to the poorer
classes of his countrymen the benefits of habits of prudence and economy, by

275

means of Saving Banks, he now comes forward to confer upon the minds of his
countrymen of every rank a boon of equal, if not greater value. He desires to
engender in them a habit of viewing all the natural occurrences of the year as
evidences of the being and attributes of an Omnipotent and Benevolent Deity.
He wisely coincides in opinion with Dr. Paley, that " if one train of thinking be
more desirable than another, it is that which regards the phenomena of Nature
with a constant reference to a Supreme Intelligent Author."

It has been well said by an elegant American writer, that " the study of Na-
ture, like the contemplations of religion, is * for ever rising with the rising mind.'
Nature opens to Genius that immense horizon, in which, to the end of time, it
may exercise its strength, and at every step behold the boundary receding to a
greater distance." But how much greater the pleasures and advantages when the
study of Nature and the contemplations of religion are united ! To express this,
we must call in the aid of the poet : —

" There is a lofty thrilling joy —

The bounded powers of speech it spurns —
Which lightens in the raptured eye,

And in the swelling bosom burns :
'Tis that ineffable delight,

When, like the glorious lord of day,
The soul, exulting in its might,

Speeds through the realms of thought away.

* When soaring, limitless, afar,

Wide through the universe it strays,
Till not the feeblest twinkling star

On Night's swart brow escapes its gaze.
But higher far its strong wing soars

In loftier and sublimer flight,
When in rapt trances it adores

The very God of Life and Light !"

Nor is it in connexion with natural religion alone, that the amiable author
treats his subject : the bearings of it upon revealed religion are equally pointed
out, in a manner as creditable to his liberality of mind as to his piety. The fol-
lowing extract will exemplify our meaning : —

" Would we read the book of Nature aright, and see God in his creation, we
must have recourse to the book of Revelation ; for these two great volumes,
written by the same hand and for a similar purpose, cast a strong light upon each
other. As the book of Nature, by the visible impress of Divinity stamped upon
it, is fitted to prepare us for the more glorious display of the divine perfections
contained in the book of Revelation — so is this latter the truest and safest guide
to the profitable perusal of the former. In the Bible, the great productions and

2 n2

27G

aspects of Nature are always mentioned in connection with the glory of God :
they are introduced often in . strains of the boldest poetry, to teach the infinite
power and goodness of Jehovah. We there find the noblest descriptions of natu-
ral objects ever penned ; and one great moral runs through them all. Every
masterly picture of the grand or the beautiful in Nature is but a delineation of
God's wondrous attributes. It is, therefore, a positive duty, sublimely taught us
both by precept and example, to cherish a sense of the infinite skill and bounty
displayed in the creation. We should associate, with all that attracts the eye by
its beauty or excites our admiration by its delicate structure, the liveliest expres-
sions of adoration and gratitude. Every survey of natural scenery, every exami-
nation of even the smallest of God's works, should be to us a devotional exercise.
To a mind accustomed to consecrate all its perceptions of beauty and design to the
inward worship of God, every mountain and field, every leaf and flower, teems
with instruction. The lustrous wing of the ephemeral insect, as well as the
noblest animal form, affords food for the loftiest admiration. The man of true
piety and refined feeling enjoys the beauties of Nature with the keenest relish ;
for Nature is but a pictured volume, in which he reads the character of the
Divinity. Every object that meets his eye — be it vast or minute, simple or com-
plex— suggests the most exalted conceptions of Him

" Who gives its lustre to an insect's wing,

And wheels his throne upon the rolling worlds." — pp. 169 — 170.

In respect to the scientific details, they are gleaned from the best authorities,
generally from very recent ones. The Bridgewater Treatises have supplied much
of the materials ; and, indeed, as far as natural phenomena are concerned, what-
ever was available for his purpose in these bulky and expensive volumes has, by
our author, been brought together and placed within the limits of the purse, as
well as the time, of ordinary readers. When completed it will form an excellent
epitome of these treatises, and be more in accordance with what we are persuaded
was the intention of the noble testator than the plan adopted by those who under-
took to give effect to his will. The author says, modestly, " The most important
and animating views of the Creator and His operations, in reference to the seasons,
are found scattered through many publications, which it has been the agreeable
task of the writer to combine in a new series and render generally accessible. In
doing this he has frequently quoted the precise words of the various authors from
whom he has borrowed his facts. He has no ambition to acquire fame as an
original writer ; his more humble, but perhaps not less useful, aim being to in-
struct and edify those who may not be in possession of many works on Natural
Theology, by rendering them acquainted with the discoveries which have been
made by others in the most interesting of all sciences." — Preface, iii.

277

In a few instances we have noted slight inaccuracies, such as, p. 121, the
spadisc of the Arum cordifoliwm is stated to exhibit a rise of 250° above the
surrounding temperature — a thing obviously impossible. P. 215, the traveller in
America after whom the river was named was Alexander (not George) McKenzie.
P. 107, newly-distilled dew should be nevfly-deposited dew.

In discussing the seeming imperfections in the physical government of the
universe, the author has recourse to the doctrine of the philosophic poet, which
alone can obtain the acquiescence of reflecting and good men : —

" 'Tis but a part we see, and not the whole ;"

and still more in the moral

" All partial evil, universal good."

" Nor must we forget that the schemes of the self-existent are notbounded by
time but embrace eternity. In the present world, the moral government of
God is only begun. That may appear imperfect and disordered of which we
only see a part, when, if the whole were displayed and understood, every minute
particular, and the united result of the whole, would be found to be the perfection
of wisdom." — p. 105.

We had marked many other passages for quotation which our limits will not
permit us to adduce ; we can only quote one, and must content ourselves with
stating that we eagerly long for the subsequent parts, as we consider it the most
delightful — we may truly say fascinating — work it has been our lot to meet with
for a very long time. We give this particular passage because it is new as well
as strikingly true, and will serve to shew how much the world has lost in the con-
versations and casual observations of Burns not having been preserved by some
discriminating person. Indeed, there is great reason to believe that the best
sentiments of that remarkable man have perished.

" While yet a school-boy, I enjoyed an opportunity of hearing, in my father's
manse, a conversation between the poet Burns and another poet, my near relation,
the amiable Blacklock. The subject was the fidelity of the Dog. Burns took
up the question with all the ardour and kindly feeling with which the conversation
of that extraordinary man was so remarkably embued. The anecdotes by which
it was illustrated have long escaped my memory ; but there was one sentiment
expressed by Burns, with his own characteristic enthusiasm, which, as it threw a
new light into my mind, I shall never forget. ' Man,' said he, ' is the god of the
Dog : he knows no other ; he can understand no other. And see how he worships
him ! — with what reverence he crouches at his feet — with what love he fawns upon
him — with what dependence he looks up to him — and with what cheerful alacrity

278

he obeys him. His whole soul is wrapped up in his god ; all the powers and
faculties of his nature are devoted to his service ; and these powers and faculties
are ennobled by the intercourse. Divines tell us that it ought just to be so with
the Christian ; but the Dog puts the Christian to shame.' The truth of these
remarks, which forcibly struck me at the time, have since been verified by expe-
rience ; and often have events occurred which, while they reminded me that ' Man
is the god of the Dog,' have forced from me the humiliating confession that ' the
Dog puts the Christian to shame.' " — p. 308.

When the author shall have treated of the respective seasons which complete
the cycle of the year, he may appropriately sum up his arguments and case in the
words of a young, but most promising, poet : —

" Cyril had learned to worship and obey
The God whose mercy gave each passing day :
Nature beamed forth in smiles and happy glee ;
All else rejoiced, and wherefore should not he ?
Earth was his temple, and the boundless sky,
Glitt'ring with gem-like stars, its canopy ;
His books the hills and valleys ; and his prayers
A hush of holy peace, as eloquent as theirs.

" Who that hath wandered in the beauteous hour
When dusky twilight shares with night her power —
When weeping dews the thirsty valleys fill —
And mists are rolling down each darkened hill —
When birds are hushed — when toil and labour cease-
When heaven and earth are universal peace —
And, though no sound pervade the solemn air,
The very silence is replete with prayer ;
Breathing from flood, and field, and mountains rude,
The voiceless orisons of gratitude ; —
Who that hath felt this hour's deep eloquence —
Who that hath life's most ordinary sense —
Who that can move, think, feel, or understand — .
Can doubt the power of an Almighty Hand ?
Go, read the stones upon the rugged hill ;
Go, list the music of the singing rill ;
Go, learn from ocean, forest, field, and flower,
The infinite wisdom of Eternal Power.
All have their language and alike upraise,
In one continual round, Jehovah's praise.*

* Cyril ; a Poem. By George Wilson, Leeds. 1835.

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS.

Geological.

Upon Fossil Infusoria, by C. G. Ehrenberg.

M. C. Fischer, the proprietor of the manufactory of porcelain at Pirkenham-
mer, near Carlsbad, has observed that the substance resembling siliceous concrete
( Kieselguhr ) , which occurs in the peat bogs near Franzensbad, in Bohemia,
" consists almost exclusively of the cases of several species of Navicular, and ap-
pears to be the fire-proof remains of the (in parts) intensely heated bottom of the
ocean."

Together with this information M. Fischer sent me a piece of the siliceous
mass about 2" long, 1" broad, and |" high, as well as some specimens of the peat,
intreating me to ascertain the animal and to publish the result. Microscopic in-
spection immediately confirmed the discovery of M. Fischer, that the siliceous
concrete (Kieselguhr J of Franzensbad consisted almost exclusively of very well
preserved Naviculce, with which some Bacillariee were intermixed, and the per-
fect transparency of their siliceous cases and their freedom from all organic matter,
renders it probable that an unusually intense heat had purified them and amassed
them together. It is not likely that they should have originated at the bottom of
the sea, for the majority of the animals both in form and the relative numbers of their
striae correspond very accurately with those of the Nav. viridis, which is found in
all the fresh water about Berlin as well as elsewhere. In the specimens of peat I
could also recognise Naviculce, yet they were generally different, although still ex-
isting species, fewer in relative proportion, and the prevailing forms very dissimilar.

Original specimens of the siliceous concrete (Kieselguhr) of the Isle of
France, and of Santa Fiora, in Tuscany, which were analyzed by Klaproth, shewed
that they likewise consisted almost exclusively of the envelopes of Infusoria of
several genera of Bacillariee, yet sometimes of the same, and almost all still living,
species, in conjunction with rare siliceous spicula of fresh and sea- water sponges,
without any intervenient binding material. This, therefore, is an additional con-
firmation of Kiitzing's discovery that the cases of the Bacillariee consist of silica.

I myself discovered, several years ago, that the ochraceous slimy substance,
which sometimes covers the bottom of marshy brooks and moats, and which ap-
pears to have been considered as a deposit of the oxyde of iron, is a very delicate
Bacillaria, which at a red heat becomes red like the oxyde of iron, and is very fer-
ruginous, but which does not lose its form either by a red heat or upon being treated
with acids, and consequently possesses a siliceous case most approaching to that of
the genus Gaillonella. I therefore figured it last year, as Gaillonella ferruginea
in plate 10 of my Infusorien Codex, which will now soon appear. All the ochre

280

encompassing bog-iron ore exhibits the same siliceous filiments as a deposit after
the extraction of the iron. The above circumstances make it probable that the G.
ferruginea played an important part in the formation of bog-iron, either by the direct
amount of its own iron, or by the attraction of all in its vicinity.

The following are the fossil species of Infusoria which T have detected in the
above-named substances : —

1. In the siliceous concrete (Kieselguhr) of Franzensbad: — 1, Navicula
viridis of very different sizes, the largest l-9th'" forming the major part of the mass ;
2, N. gibba ; 3, N. fulva ; 4, N. Librile ; 5, N. striatula ; 6, N. viridula —
(the last two are salt-water animals, all the first are inhabitants of fresh water) ;
7, Gomphonema paradoxum ; 8, G. clavatum ; 9, Gaillonella varians ? All
fresh-water animals, and none to be distinguished from the living species.

2. In the peat of Franzensbad: — 1, Navicula granulata is the most nume-
rous, and wa*s hitherto unknown ; 2, Nav. viridis, rare ; 3, Baccillaria vulgaris ?
4, Gomphonema paradoxum ; 5, Coccone'is undulata. All living animals, the
last found in the salt-water of the Baltic.

3. In the mountain flour (JBergmehl) of Santa Fiora : — 1, Synedra capitata,
forming the chief mass, an hitherto unknown form ; 2, S. ulna ; 3, Navicula
Librile; 4, N. gibba; 5, N. viridis; 6, N. capitata; 7, N. zebra; 8, N.
phcenicenteron ; 9, N. inequalis, alt still living in fresh water ; 10, N. viridula,
found still in salt-water ; 11, N. granulata; 12, N. Jbllis, unknown species.
13, Gomphonema clavatum ; 14, G. paradoxum ; 15, G. acuminatum, all still
found in fresh water ; 16, Cocconema cymbiforme, a still existing fresh-water
animal; 17, Coccone'is undulata, still found in salt water; 18, Gaillonella ita-
lica, n. sp. ; 19, the siliceous spicula of a Spongia or Spongilla.

4. Klaproth's siliceous concrete (Kieselguhr) from the Isle of France
exhibited : — 1, Bacillaria vulgaris ? constituting the chief mass, and is still found
every where in salt water ; 2, B. major, an unknown species ; 3, Navic.
gibba, still living both in fresh and salt water ; 4, Navic. alia sp. undeter-
mined ; 5, N. bifrous. All these animals are not so well preserved as those in
the former rocks, and appear, with the exception of the latter, to be salt-water
animals.

The majority of these fossil Infusoria are still found living near Berlin, and in
the waters of the Baltic near Wismar. The majority are so well preserved that
they may be closely inspected. Thus, for instance, it is not only possible to count
the number of the ribs, but also the six apertures of the case of Navicula viri-
dis, the four apertures of Gaillonella, the two apertures of Gomphonema, &c.
The rock of the Isle of France only, appears to contain a preponderance of salt-
water animals. The few hitherto unknown forms may be considered very appropri-
ately as still existing, although yet undiscovered animals. What is most striking is
the preponderance of individual species which thereby characterize the different rocks,

281

for instance, the Navic. viridis in the siliceous concrete ( Kieselguhr) of Franzens-
bad, Bacillaria vulgaris in that of the Isle of France, and Synedra capitata in the
pulverulent silica (Bergmehl) of Santa Fiora. The still existing ones are more
mixed, and live only about, and on plants upon which they feed.

The foliaceous triopoli of shops (Bldttertripel) likewise showed that its mass
equally consisted of Infusoria. The polishing slate of Bilin in Bohemia, which
forms entire beds, I have discovered to consist almost exclusively of Infusoria which
may be ascribed to the genus Gaillonella ( G. distans) Podosphenia nana, n. sp.
Navic. scalprum $ and Bacillaria vulgaris, (the last are still living, salt-water
animalculae) present themselves only occasionally, the first alone is sometimes in
equal abundance with the Gaillonella. There are found in the same polishing
slate, the impressions of plants and an extinct species of fish, the Leuciscus pa-
pyraceus of Bronn, according to Agassiz. In the adhesive slate of Menilmon.-
tant I found only the doubtful traces of the altered Gaillonella distans. An indi-
vidual of this species, which forms almost without any connecting substance
the polishing slate, is 1-200'" larger, many are smaller, and one cubic inch of
this stone contains 41,000,000,000 (! ! Eds.) of these animals.

Entomological.
Abstract of Count Mannerheim's Paper on the Family of the

COLEOPTERA BrACHELYTRA.

(From Oken's " Isis," 1836. Heft 5 J.
Brachelytra, Lair. (Microptera, Grav.J

Antennae thickened towards the apex, often moniliform, rarely serrate or cla-
vate, and the clava never perfoliate or lamellate ; the body generally elongate,
narrow ; elytra abbreviated, large in the majority, small in a few, and in very
many covering one-half of the abdomen ; the anus furnished with retractile
vesicles.

A. Labrum emarginate. — Tribe I. Staphylinides*
b. Labrum entire.

*. Tarsi pentamerous.

i. All the joints of the palpi distinct.

1. Antennae inserted in front of the eyes.
* Legs simple. — Tribe IV. Omalides.
** Legs spinose. — Tribe V. Tachinides.

VOL. I. 2 o

2. Antennae inserted opposite the inner margin of the eyes. — Tribe
VI. Aleocharides.
II. The last joint of the palpi concealed. — Tribe II. Stenides.
6. Tarsi trimerous or tetramerous. — Tribe III. Oxytelides.

Tribe I. Staphylinides ( Fissilabra ) .

The antennae inserted either in front or between the eyes ; labrum emarginate ;
the palpi short, filiform, all the joints distinct ; the head separated from the thorax
by a distinct neck ; the abdomen, when alive, stretched lengthwise ; the legs ge-
nerally spinose ; the tarsi pentamerous.
i. Labial palpi securiform.

a. The maxillary palpi filiform ; the antennae short, increasing towards the apex,

with the six last joints dilated and compressed ; the mandibles porrect,
very forcipate, and about as long as the head.
Genus I. — Oxyporus, Fab. rufus, maxillosus, Schoenherrii, Manner-
heimii. 4.

b. The maxillaiy palpi securiform ; the antennae longer, filiform, much shorter

than the head, not porrect.
Genus II. — Astrap^eus, Lat. Ulmi. 1.
II. All the palpi filiform.

A. Antennae inserted between the eyes, behind the mandibles and labrum.
1. The anterior tarsi dilated, either in both sexes or only in the males.
*. The thorax much wider than the elytra, orbicular, anteriorly sub-trun-
cated, laterally much widened ; the fourth to the tenth joints of the
antennae internally produced, serrate, the terminal one narrower and
sub-acuminate.
Genus III. — Velleius, Leach. Dilatatus. 1.
0. Thorax semi-orbiculato-quadrate.

a. Antennae short, the five terminal joints broader, transverse, the last

obliquely truncated above and sub-foreolate ; the head and thorax
smooth.
Genus IV. — Creophilus, Kirby. Maxillosus, variegatus. 2.

b. The antennae, with the six last joints, shorter, sub-transverse, the

terminal one obliquely truncated and sub-emarginate.
Genus V. — Emus, Leach, hirtus, nebulosus, speciosus, chrysocephalus,
pubescens, murinus, inauratus. 7.

y. Thorax longer than broad, rounded behind ; the fourth to the tenth
joints of the antennae equal and lenticular.
a. The collar much narrower than the head.

* The last joint of the antenna laterally obliquely truncated, sub-
emarginate.

Genus VI. — Staphylinus, Auct. Chrysocomus, erythropterus, castanop-
terus, stercorarius, dauricus, erythropennis, bimaculatus, lutarius, cinnamopterus,
badius, aeneocephalus, chalcocephalus, aeneicollis, olens, azurescens, cyaneus, simi-
lis, morio, sub-punctatus, uralensis, praelongus, erythropus, brunnipes, splendens,
laminatus, tristis, fuliginosus, molochinus, variabilis, scitus, laevigatas, impressus,
rufocinctus, picipes, maurus, maurorufus, praecox, attenuatus, boops, subuliformis,
eeneus, nitidus, caeruleipennis, decorus, cyanicornis, politus, fuscipennis, lucens,
atratus, carbonarius, rigidicornis, cephalotes, varius, marginatus, fimetarius, sordi-
dus, sub-fuscus, albipes, fuscus, nitidulus, discoideus, vernalis, ventralis, quisqui-
liarius, ochropus, ebeninus, immundus, sanguinolentus, dimidiatus, bipustulatus,
opacus, agilis, varians, irregularis, fulvipes, micans, virgo, punctus, multipuncta-
tus, cinerescens. 80.

** The last joint of the antennae entire.

Genus VII. — Cafius, Leach, xanthomelana, nanus, splendidulus, pumi-
lus, aterrimus, nigritulus. 6.

b. The collar swollen, scarcely narrower than the head.

Genus VIII. — Physetops. tartaricus.
2. The anterior tarsi simple in both sexes.

Genus IX. — Gyrohypnus, Kirby ( Xaniholinus, Dahl.) Longiceps,
ochraceus, batychrus, punctulatus, parumguttatus, lentus, tricolor, pyropterus,
fulminans, pilicornis, nigriceps, alternans, parvulus, linearis, melanocephalus,
procerulus, planatus. 17.

b. Antennae inserted in front of the eyes, in a process of the head, behind the

labrum, at the inner base of the mandibles.

1. The collar narrow; the head large, petiolated, posteriorly truncated.
Genus X — Eulissus, Mann, chalybaeus. 1.

2. The collar swollen, scarcely to be distinguished from the head.
Genus XI — Platyprosopus, Mann. (MetopiusJ. elongatus. 1.

c. Antennae inserted in front of the eyes, beyond the labrum, at the base of

the mandibles.

1. Bodily slightly convex ; the thorax linear, quadrangular.

«. The antennae not geniculated ; the last joint of the tarsi longer than the
preceding.
Genus XII. — Lathrobium, Grav. elongatum, fulvipenne, rufipenne,
punctulatum, multipunctum, brunnipes, lineare, minutum, quadratum, terminatum.
10.

0. The antennae geniculated ; the first joint of the tarsi longer than the
following.
Genus XIII. — Cryptobium, Mann, fracticorne. 1.

2. The body depressed ; the thorax trapeziform ; the last joint of the tarsi

longer than the preceding.

2o2

284

Genus XIV. — Achenium, Leach. Depressum. 1

Tribe II. — Stenides (Longipalpi, Lat.)

The antennae inserted either between or in front of the eyes ; the labrum
truncated, transverse ; the maxillary palpi almost as long as the head, the last
joint subulate, withdrawn, and concealed ; the head with a distinct neck ; the ab-
domen, in the living insect, generally stretched lengthwise ; the legs simple ; the
tarsi pentamerous.

i. The antennae inserted before the eyes, thickened towards the apex.

A. The fourth joint of the tarsi bifid.
Genus I. — Pjederus, Auct. morio, littoralis, riparius, ruficollis, longius-
culus, extensus, angustatus. 7.

b. The fourth joint of the tarsi entire.
Genus II — Rugilus, Leach ( Stilicus, Latr.) orbiculatus, laevigatas, fus-
culus, bicolor, castaneus, rubricollis. 6.

ii. The antennae inserted in front of the eyes and thickened suddenly at the

apex.
Genus III. — Eristhetus ( Evwsthetus, Grav.). scaber.
in. The antennae inserted between the eyes and thickened suddenly at the
apex.
A. The ligula obsolete; the anus with two setae.

Genus IV Dianous, Leach, caerulescens. 1.

b. The ligula extended. The anus without setae.
Genus V. — Stenus, Latr. bipustulatus, maurus, juno, ater, boops, cicinde-
oides, oculatus, tarsalis, binotatus, bifoveolatus, buphthalmus, canaliculars, niger,
nigritulus, geniculatus, proboscideus, pallipes, argus, fuscipes, opticus, carbonarius,
circularis. 22.

Tribe III. — Oxytelides ( Denticrura, Latr.)

The antennae inserted in front of the eyes, beneath an elevated and prominent
margin of the head. The labrum transverse and entire. The palpi shorter than
the head, the joints distinct and the terminal one subulate. The head with a dis-
tinct neck. The abdomen in the living insect only partially stretched lengthwise.
The anterior tibiae only compressed, and generally externally denticulato-pectin-
ated. The tarsi trimerous or tetramerous.

i. The four anterior tibiae denticulato-pectinated.
A. All the tibiae entire.

Genus I. — Bledius, Leach., ( Siagona, Prognatha, Latr.) tricornis, tau-
rus, unicornis, elongatus, fracticornis, castaneipennis, atricapillus, pallipes, femora-
11s, talpa, arenarius. 11.

285

B. The two or four anterior tibiae externally excised.

a. The posterior tibia? likewise denticulato-pectinated. The body short,
much broader in front.
Genus II. — Platysthetus, Mann, cornutus, morsetans, nodifrons. 3.

0. The posterior tibiae simple. The body elongate, sublinear.

Genus III. — Oxytelus, Grav. carinatus, piceus, longicornis, sculptura-
tus, depressus, Americanus, nitidulus, pusillus, caelatus. 9.
ii. All the tibiae simple.
Genus IV. — Trogophl.s;us, Mann, corticinus. 1.

Tribe IV. — Omalides (Depressa, Latr.).

The antenna? inserted in front of the eyes, beneath an elevated and prominent
margin of the head. The labrum transverse entire. The palpi short, with dis-
tinct joints, the last minute, conico-acuminate. The head with a distinct neck.
The abdomen, in the living insect, flat ; the legs simple ; the tarsi pentamerous.
I. The last joint of the tarsi elongate ; the rest collectively generally equal.

A. The four anterior tarsi dilated and spongy.
Genus I. — Phloeocharis, Mann. Subtilissima. 1.
b. All the tarsi simple.

1. The penultimate joint of the maxillary palpi dilated, the terminal one

small and subulated.
Genus II. T^enosoma, Mann, gracile, pusillum. 2.

2. The terminal joint of the maxillary palpi conical and subacuminate.
*. Antennae thickened towards the extremity.

a. The body short ; the thorax short, transverse, not narrower behind ;

the elytra covering the major portion of the abdomen.
Genus III. — Omalium, Grav. boreale, consimile, rotundicolle, piceum,
assimile, inflatum, pygmaeum, sibiricum, quadrum, fimetarium, tectum, ranunculi,
lapponicum, ophthalmicum, sorbi, depressum. 16.

b. The body oblong ; the thorax short, transverse, somewhat narrowed

posteriorly ; the abdomen generally twice as long as the elytra.
Genus IV. — Anthobium, Mann, rivulare, caesum, oxyacantha?, exiguura,
pusillum, planum, viburni, florale, nigrum, Gyllenhalli, salicis, salicinum, brunne-
um, deplanatum, striatum. 15.

/S. The antenna? filiform ; the body oblong ; the thorax, both before and
behind, narrowed and rounded.
Genus V. — Acidota, Kirby. rufa, cruentata, crenata. 3.
ii. The last joint of the tarsi either as long, or a little longer, than the
preceding.

286

A. The last joint of the maxillary palpi sub-acuminate, slightly less than the
preceding ; the antennae filiform.

Genus VI. — Lesteva, Latr. ( AntJwphagus, Grav.). dichroa, testacea,
caraboides, angusticollis, lapponica, alpina, plagiata, globulicollis, longipes, obscura,
longula, pubescens. 12.

b. The maxillary palpi subulate, the penultimate joint incrasscted, the apical

slender, aciculate.
Genus VII. — Proteinus, Latr. brachypterus, minutus. 2.

c. The maxillary palpi subulate, the second joint much the largest. The an-
tenna? clavate, the 10th and 11th joints forming a large globose knob.

Genus VIII. — Micropeplus, Latr. porcatus, staphylinoides. 2.

Tribe V. — Tachinides ( Microcephala, Lat.)

The antenna? inserted in front of the eyes, but never beneath a prominent or
elevated margin of the head ; the labrum rotundate ; the palpi short, the terminal
joint subulate or acuminate ; the head much narrower than the thorax and inserted
in it as far as the eyes ; the abdomen, in the living insect, inclined ; the legs
spinose ; the tarsi pentamerous.

I. The body globose, narrowed posteriorly ; the abdomen almost entirely

withdrawn beneath the elytra ; the palpi filiform, acuminate.
Genus I. — Hypocyphtus, Schiip (Cypha, Kirby). longicornis laevius-
culus.

II. The body broad, narrowed posteriorly.

A. The palpi subulate, with the terminal joint small, aciculate ; the segments
of the abdomen entire.
Genus II. — Tachyporus, Grav. saginatus, chrysomelinus, marginatus,
abdominalis, nigripes, obtusus, ruficollis, pusillus, nitidulus, pubescens, cellaris,
bipunctatus, pedicularius. 13.

b. The palpi filiform, the terminal joint acuminate and longer than the pre-
ceding one ; the segments of the abdomen emarginate in both sexes.
Genus III. — Tachinus, Grav. fimbriatus, subterraneus, bipustulatus,
humeralis, laticollis, dubius, rufipes, pullus, intermedins, fimetarius, marginellus,
collaris, silphoides. 13.

in. The body elongate, sub-attenuate on both sides.

A. The palpi subulate, the terminal joint small and aciculate.
Genus IV. — Mycetoporus, Mann, lepidus, splendidus, pallidulus, longu-
lus, punctus. 5.

b. The palpi filiform, the terminal joint the longest and acuminate.
Genus V. — Bolitobius, Leach, formosus, cingulatus, analis, cernuus,
striatus, lunulatus, atricapillus, pulchellus, trimaculatus, pygmaeus. 10.

287

Tribe VI. — Aleocharides.

The antennae inserted between the eyes, opposite their internal margin, but
not beneath the lateral margins of the head ; the labrum entire, truncated ; the
terminal joint of the maxillary palpi conical or subulate ; the head either concealed
or with a distinct neck ; the abdomen, in the living insect, extended lengthwise ;
the legs unarmed or spinose in a very few ; the tarsi pentamerous.

i. The maxillary palpi elongate, the terminal joint conical and acute.

A. The antennae incrassated in the middle, with the first joint slightly the
largest.
Genus I. — Dinarda, Leach, dentata. 1.

b. The antennae slender towards the extremity, subsetaceous, the first joint
very robust, the apex emarginate.
Genus II. — Lomechusa, Grav. strumosa, paradoxa, emarginata. 3.
ii. The maxillary palpi short, the terminal joint subulate.

A. The antennae filiform, not geniculated, the joints equal ; the mouth form-
ing a rostrum ; the four anterior tibiae spinose.
Genus III. — Gymnusa, Karsten. brevicollis, dubia. 2.

b. The antennae geniculated at the base, thickened towards the extremity ;
the mouth not rostrated ; the tibiae hirsute or pubescent, not spinose.
1. The head more or less withdrawn beneath the thorax ; the body pos-
teriorly more or less attenuate ; the anterior angles of the thorax
muchdepressed.
«. The antennas short, more or less thickened in the middle, the third
joint more than twice as long as the second ; the body generally
robust ; the thorax convex, narrower than the elytra ; the elytra
often very short ; the legs hirsute ; the first joint of the tarsi
slightly the longest.
Genus IV. — Aleochara, Auct. fuscipes, tristis, bipunctata, intricata,
carnivora, maerens, haemorrhoidalis, lanuginosa, villosa, fumata, laevigata, brevi-
pennis, pulla, nitida, bilineata, morion, exigua. 17.

&. The antennae short, slightly thickened towards the extremity, all the
joints equal, the terminal one only the largest and oblongo-ovate ;
the body elongate and tapering ; the thorax broader than the
elytra, laterally rotundate and deflexed ; the legs pubescent, the joints
of the tarsi equal.
Genus V. — Sphenoma, Mann, abdominale. 1.

y. The antennae somewhat longer, slightly thickened towards the apex,
the second and third joints nearly equal ; the body narrowed pos-
teriorly ; the elytra of about the width of the thorax ; the legs
pubescent, the first joint of the tarsi a little longer than the following.

288

Genus VI. — Oxypoda, Mann, ruficornis, lividipennis, melanaria, opaca, um-
brata, pellucida, lateralis, alternans, procerula, sericata, cingulata, obtuscata. 12.
2. The head more or less exserted ; the body scarcely narrowed posteri-
orly ; the thorax generally rotundate, with the angles scarcely de-
flexed ; the legs pubescent.
«. The five terminal joints of the antenna suddenly thickened.

a. The body convex, narrowed anteriorly ; the first joint of the tarsi a

little the longest.
Genus VII. — Microcera, Mann, inflata. 1.

b. The body sub-depressed, not narrowed ; the tarsi slender, the joints

sub-equal.
Genus VIII. — Oltgota, Mann, pusillima. 1.

S. The antennae, with the two basal joints, robust, sub-globose, the re-
mainder setose.
Genus IX. — Trichophya, Mann, pilicornis. 1.

y. The antennae more or less distinctly thickened towards the apex.
a. The head sub-sessile, not broader than the base of the thorax.
* The thorax of the width of the head ; the body flat, linear ; the
antennae moniliform ; the last joint of the tarsi about equal to
the rest collectively.
Genus X. — Homalota, Mann, plana. 1.

** The thorax transverse, globose, broader than the head, posteri-
orly reflexed and marginate ; the body short, depressed, but
revolved into a globe when frightened ; the joints of the tarsi
equal.
HrENUS XI. — Gyrophjena, Mann, nitidula, nana, affinis, polita. 4.

*** The thorax broader than the head, rounded laterally ; the

body in the majority subdepressed, posteriorly sublinear ; the

first joint of the tarsi longer than the next following.

Genus XII. — Bolitochara, Mann. Collaris, lunulata, prolixa, carbonaria,

circellaris, inquinalis, teres, annularis, analis, reptans, haemorrhoa, crassicomis,

longiuscula, sericans, luridipennis, castanoptera, socialis, nigritula, axillaris, atra-

mentaria, aterrima, excavata, bifoveolata, linearis, angustula, atra, elongatula, ob-

longa, complana, terminalis, exilis, quisquiliarum, planiuscula, depressiuscula, com-

pressa, tenella, evanescens, humeralis, limbata, funesfa, depressa, flavipes, cinna-

monea, pumilio, atrata, boleti, suturalis, pulchella, elegantula, longicornis, validi-

cornis, fungi, agaricola, fuscula, parvula, pallidula, impressifrons. 57.

#### The thorax elongate, of about the width of the head, scarcely
rounded laterally ; the body elongate ; the abdomen somewhat
dilated posteriorly ; the first joint of the tarsi, especially of the
posterior legs, much longer than the next following.

289

Genus XIII. — Drusilla, Leach, canaliculata, exarata. 2.

b. The head exserted, always broader than the base of the thorax.
* The base and apex of the thorax of equal width ; the base
of the elytra not folded ; the joints of the tarsi equal.
Genus XIV. — Calodera, Mann, nigrita, protensa, testacea. 3.

** The apex of the thorax broadest ; the base of the elytra
not folded ; the first joint of the tarsi longer than that
next following.
Genus XV. — Falagria, Leach, sulcata, obscura, nigra, picea. 4.

*** The apex of the thorax narrow, stipitate ; the base of the
elytra folded. The joints of the tarsi equal.
Genus XVI. — Autalia, Leach, rivularis, impressa. 2.

VOL. I. 2 P

INDEX.

Animal Prognostics, 23.

Argulus Foliaceous, (Jurine) Observations

on the, as injurious to Gold and Silver

Fishes, by Miss Dobson, communicated

by Mr. G. Samouelle, 28.
Alyssum calycinum, Discovery of the, in

Charnwood Forest, 32.
Animals, On the Differences between Ver-

tebrated and Invertebrated, by Robert

Mudie, 58.

British Insects, Notes on, by J. C. Dale,

M.A., 12.
Botanist, Notes of a, by J. Murray, F.L. and

G.S., 17, 120, 222.

Blackcapt Fauvet (Fieedula atricapilla ), Ex-
periment on the Nest of a, 68.

British Ornithology, Remarks on the present
Nomenclature of, with a view to its revi-
sion and correction, by the Rev. F. O.
Morris, lGt), 216.

Boa Constrictors, 175.

Birds, On the Nests of, 181.

Botanical Tour in Herefordshire, Monmouth-
shire, and South Wales, with incidental
Notices of the Scenery, Antiquities, &c,
by Edwin Lees, F.L.S., &c, 209, 260.

Botanical Terms, Remarks on, 208.

Birds, Instances of Curious "Varieties of, 224.

Common Dipper ( Cinclus aquations ), History
of the, by William Mac Gillivray, A.M.,
F.R.S.E., &c, 105.

Comparative Anatomy, Observations on the,
with a Translation of Blumenbach's
Chapter on Bones, 8

Cuttings, Notices of, in a District of the Lon-
don and Birmingham Railway, by the
Rev. J. Bull, jun., F.G.S., 65

Common Coot, (Fulica atra, Linn.), On the
habits of the, by Neville Wood, Esq., 74

Common Gallinule ( Gallinuia chloropusj, Un-
usual Locality of the Nest of the, 85

Chelifer, On the, 163.

Colchicum autumnale, (Linn.), or Common

Meadow Saffron, On the evidence of de-
sign observable in the vital economy of
the, by W. A. Leighton, B.A., 269

Fen Reedling ( Sattcaria arundinacea, Selby),
Reed Wren or Reed Warbler of other
ornithologists, On the, by E. Blyth, 33.

Fishes, Adaptation of, to Depths of Water,
69.

Fritillary ( Melxtaa dia), Descriptions of the
Purple-underwinged, and Argynnis a-
glaia, var., by J. C. Dale, A.M., with a
coloured engraving, 145.

Gar-pike (Belone vulgaris), Notice of the
Reported Capture of the Common, in
the River Tame, 39.

Grey Wagtail (Molacilla cinerea) a Song
Bird, 77

Heart in the Testudo mydas, or Green Tur-
tle, An account of the Structure of the,
20

Hatfield Chase, Some Account of the Leve
of, by the Rev. F. O. Morris, 80

Hedge Coalhood ( Pyrrhula vulgaris), Food
of the, by J. P. Selby, 208

Insects, Census of, 78

Invertebrata, On the Circulation of the, by

Langston Parker, 124
Insects, Notices of the Captures of, by J. C.

Dale, M.A. 249

Kingfisher ( Alcedo ispida), Description of
the, by Robert Mudie, with a coloured
engraving, 193

Mvosotis, Observations on the British Spe-
cies of, by R. J. N. Streeten, M.D., 169
Months, Notes on the,246

Nature, Study of, No. 1, Reciprocal Influence
of the Natural Sciences, by Robert Mu-
die, 4

291

Natural History, On the Cultivation of, 84
Nature, On the Moral Advantages of the

Study of, 102
Nests of Birds, On the, 129
Naturalist, The, Abroad; or Days in the

Woods and Fields : including incidental

botanical and entomological Notices, by

Edwin Lees, F.L.S. and F.E.S.L. ; No.

I — The First Day of Summer, and the

Libellulidae, 150
Nidification, Remarkable Instances of, by

C. T. Wood, 221

Oscillaria Pharaonis, Observations on the, 134
Ornithorhynehus Paradoxus, Description of

the, by F. Ryland, 97
Ornithological Notes, 182
Ornithological Society, St. James's, 274
Oriole, Golden, (Oriolus Galbula) Description

of, 242

Papilio Machaon, Remarks on the, by J. Cur-
tis, 37
Pollen of Flowers, 73
Pigeon, Observations on the Ring, 184
Plants, Dispersion of, 247

Redshank, Remarks on the, 41

Ring Pigeon (Columba palumbus, Linn.), On
the Habits of the, by Neville Wood, 130

Reminiscences of the Rhine, ornithological
and entomological, 164, 202, 244

Reviews : — Recherches sur les Poissons Fos-
siles, par Louis Agassiz, 42 — Jenyns'
Manual of British Vertebrate Animals'
46 — Transactions of the Geological So-
ciety of Pennsylvania, 86 — A History of
British Quadrupeds, by Thomas Bell,
F.R.S., 92— A History of the Rarer Spe-
cies of British Birds, by T. C. Eyton, 136
The Ornithologist's Text Book; the
British Song Birds, by Neville Wood,
Esq., ibid — The Naturalist's Library, con-
ducted by Sir William Jardine, Bart.,
F.R.S.E., F.L.S', &c, Entomology, vol.
iv., 140 — German Periodicals : Archiv.

fiir Naturgeschichte ; von Dr. Ar. Fr.
Aug. Wiegmann, 141, 185 — Isis; Ency-

clopadische Zeitschrift, von Oken, 141

The Natural History of Birds, by W.
Swainson, A.C.G., F.R.S.L.S., 225— The
Naturalist's Library ; Ornithology, vols.
1 to 6, 229

Sacred Philosophy of the Seasons, by the Rev.
H. Duncan, D.D., 274

Swiftfoot, ( Cursorius isubellinus) Description
of the, by Shirley Palmer, M. D., 1

Swallow Tail, ( Papilio podalirius), Observa-
tions on the scarce, 32

Snails, Music of, by Mrs. S. Kennaway, 38

Silurian and other Rocks of the Dudley and
Wolverhampton Coal Field, On the,
with a Sketch proving the Lickey Quartz
to be of the same age as the Caradoc
Sandstone, by R. I. Murchison, F.G.S.
and V.P.R.S., 113

Swiftfoot, The; Extract of a Letter from
James Wilson, 132

Sea, Phosphorescent Appearance of the, by
C. Dubois, F.L.S., 176

Skate-fish, Ova of the, 178

Scientific Journals, Extracts from Foreign,
48, 94, 142, 191, 233, 279

Swainson's, W., Remarks on Vernacular
Nomenclature examined, by C. T. Wood?
253

Turnip-fly, (Athalia spinarum), Observations
on the, 180

Vegetable Kingdom, On the application of
the Principles of Induction to the Inves-
tigation of the, and the Inferences in re-
lation to Natural Theology, by Robert
Dickson, M. D., F.L.S., 146

Vegetation of the Earth, On the Nature and
Uses of the Primaeval, by Robert Dick-
son, M.D., F.L.S., 197

Whitebreasted Fauvet, (Ficedula garrula),
Description of the, by Edw. Blyth, 49

Wall Swift, ( Cypselus murarius), Scarcity of
the, 72.

END OF VOL. I.

THE NATURALIST;

ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE

annual, Vt$ttafo\t> anir Mintwl utitgiiom*,

(to be continued monthly),

EDITED

BY NEVILLE WOOD, ESQUIRE.

Vol. II. April — December.

LONDON:

WHITTAKER AND CO., AYE-MARIA-LANE.

1837.

EDWIN LEES,

Fellow of the Linnean Society, Member of the Entomological Society of London, &o. &c.,

IN ACKnOWLKDGMENT OF

THE MANY VALUABLE PAPERS WITH WHICH

HE HAS ENRICHED THIS WORK,

AND AS A SLIGHT RETURN FOR THE KIND INTEREST HE HAS EVER EXPRESSED IN IT,

Ww geronir Uoiutne

IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED,

THE EDITOR.

THE NATURALIST.

ON THE LEMURID^, OR FAMILY OF LEMURS.

In an interesting paper by Mr. Ogilby, in the Zoological Proceedings, for March,
1836, our readers will find an able review of the Qiiadrumanous and Pedimanous
groups of Mammalia, and of the natural affinities which subsist between them.
The merit of fairly distinguishing between the two groups, is certainly due to
Mr. Ogilby ; but he is not alone in his distinction, founded upon the characters
presented by the heads and feet, between the Monkeys of the old and new conti-
nents. It is a distinction to which the writer of the present article has long since
alluded ; and Azara observed, that all the five fingers of many of the American
Monkeys originated on the same line with each other, the thumb being destitute
of the power of antagonizing with the rest, an observation overlooked by all
naturalists, or regarded as an error, till pointed out and justified by this talented
writer. In the conclusion of the paper referred to, Mr. 0. proposed a new order,
under the title Cheiropoda, in which shall be included all mammalia possessed of
hands, whether those hands be on the anterior or the posterior extremities, or
equally on both. The subjoined table is an abstract of the proposed arrange-
ment : —

Class MAMMALIA.
Order Chetbopoda ; or Mammalia with opposite thumbs.

1. On the anterior extremities only » Bimana.

Example — Man .

2. On both anterior and posterior extremities... Quadbumana.

Sect. 1. "With anthropoid teeth.

Monkeys of the old World.

Sect. 2. With abnormal Teeth.

Lemuridw (Lemur Family.)

3. On the posterior extremities only ..Pedimaha.

Sect. 1. With anthropoid teeth.

Monkeys of the new World.
Sect. 2. With rodent teeth. '

Cheiromys (Aye-aye).
Sect. 3. With abnormal teeth.
Didelphidee (Opossum Family).
No. 7, Vol. II. b

2 ON THE LEMURIDjE; OR,

It is with the Lemuridse that we are at present concerned ; and our object in
the introduction of the preceding sketch, is to shew the relative situation of the
family, with regard to the groups around it. Agreeing with the old world Simise,
in the possession of true hands, and hand-like feet, it differs from them mate-
rially in the character of dentition, a point to which we shall more fully revert
hereafter. While, however, the quadrumanous structure of the limbs, on the
one hand, approximates the Lemurs to the Simise of the old world, the dental cha-
racters of the pedimanous Simice of the new world throws them, in turn, into
the closest affinity with the quadrumanous Simise, an affinity strengthened by a
general coincidence of anatomical structure, and of habits and instincts. What
the Lemurs are to the old world monkeys, that the ~Didelphid<B are to the mon-
keys of the new world, and, in this sense, the Lemuridce and the Didelphidce,
are the analogues of each other. Setting aside that singular and imperfectly-
understood animal, the Cheiromys (of which the only specimen in Europe is
that in the Paris museum), an anomalous creature approaching in some cha-
racters the Pedimana, in others the rodents, and apparently constituting a new
type in the organization of the mammiferous kingdom — let us attempt a brief
analysis of the Quadrumana and Pedimana, as arranged by Mr. Ogilby, in
order to clear up the subject before us.

In the first place, then, the Simi& of the old world have anthropoid teeth ;
that is, the general and outstanding characters of their dentition are such as
obtain in the dentition of man ; and they have opposable thumbs, both on the
hands and on the feet. To this rule there is, however, a very remarkable ex-
ception; the genus Colobus, peculiar to Africa, is destitute of an externally
developed thumb, and in this respect it agrees with the genus Ateles (Spider-
monkeys) of South America. But it may be further observed, that in none of
the old world Simice is the thumb, opposable as it may be, developed as we see
it in the human hand. Indeed, in the Indian Orang (Pithecus Satyrus) it is
very short, and, unless the fingers be bent down to meet it, cannot be used as
their opponent. It is also short in the genus Semnopithcus, but is most developed,
as far as our personal observations go, in the Baboons (CynocephalusJ of Africa.
If we turn from the old world Simice, to those of the New, we find that, while
yet retaining the anthropoid teeth, the thumbs are not at all opposable to the
fingers ; they are, where present, invariably on the same plane. The feet have
toes, as in the Simice of Asia and Africa, in which latter group, indeed, the hind
thumbs, are more truly such, than are the analagous parts in the hands. In the
Simice of the old world, the tail is often wanting, often short, and never prehensile.
But, per contra, as if to atone , for the imperfection of the thumb, the tail in the
pedimanous Simice is very frequently an admirable organ of prehension, as in
the thumb-less Spider-monkeys, serving the purpose of an additional limb ; or it
is semi-prehensile, as in the Squirrel-monkey ; while in others it is long and bushy.

FAMILY OF LEMUR*. Z

Now, with regard to the Lemurs, they depart from the Monkeys of loth
worlds, in dental characters ; but in quadrumanous structure, they approach
those of the old. As in these, however, so among the Lemurs, are the thumbs of
the feet the most perfectly developed. In many species the tail is wanting ; in
some it is short, in none is it a truly prehensile organ. If we turn from the
Lemurs to the Didelphidce, in which family we include Didelphis and Phalan-
gista, as the types of their respective forms, we see animals of arboreal habits,
with an abnormal dentary system, and omnivorous appetites, destitute of a
thumb on the forehands, but having this organ largely developed on the hind
feet, and furnished with a truly prehensile tail. It may be objected, that the
Opossums and Phalangers do not form a natural family. But we incline to the
views of Mr. Ogilby, who contends for a " gradual and uninterrupted transition
from the naked-prehensile-tailed Opossums of South America, through the
equally naked-tailed Couscous, Balantia, of the Indian islands, to the Phalan-
gers." And here we cannot but observe, that the prehensile power of the tail,
constituting it an organ of importance in the economy of the animal, is almost
exclusively confined to pedimanous Mammalia. To this rule there are only the
following exceptions, as far as we know, among the whole range of the mammi-
ferous kingdom ; viz: — the Kinkajou (Cercoleptes) the Coendou ( Synetheres),
the Tamandua (Myrmecophaga TamanduaJ, in which it is partially prehensile,
and the little Two-toed Anteater (Myrmecophaga didactylia, Linn.^), in which
it is completely so.

To this it may be added, that with a prehensile tail, there is associated in
every instance a certain slowness and cautiousness of movement, devoid of the
brusquerie and easy alertness so remarkable in all the Qaadrumana, except in a
group among the Lemurs (Loris), comprehending a limited number of species,
-whose actions are slow, and whose limbs possess a peculiar arterial arrangement,
connected with a surprising tenacity of grasp, and the power of long-continued
muscular strain, in one unaltered attitude. It will appear, then, from what we
have said, that the Ckeiropoda present double analogues, the Monkeys of the
old world forming a parallel group to those of the new, and the Lemuridce, a
parallel group to the Didelphidce — the quadrumanous Lemurs bearing the same
relationship to the quadrumanous Simi<z, as do the pedimanous Didelphidce to
the pedimanous Simice. Having thus far attempted to shew the situation and
natural affinities of the Lemuridce, we shall now proceed to a closer investigation
of this curious and interesting family, which consists of several genera, distin-
guished from each other by various characters, which we shall detail as we pass
along in our review.

The term Lemur, first adopted by Linn^us (from the Latin Lemures, signi-

b 2

4 ON THE LEMURID.E: OR,

fying ghosts or spirits), was applied originally to the Slow-paced Loris, in
reference to its nocturnal habits, and has since been extended to the whole of
the family, of which it is the type.

The Lemuridce are distinguished as a natural group, by the following cha-
racters : — The body is long and slender, the head is pointed, and somewhat Fox-
like, the nostrils have a sinuous opening, terminating a sharp naked muzzle, some-
what prominent ; the eyes are large, and of a nocturnal character. The ears in
some are small, and more or less concealed in the fur, in others large, membra-
nous, and naked. The limbs are long, especially the posterior pair, which usually
exceed the anterior. — The fore hands have a true thumb, and the index finger is
often abbreviated. The feet or hind hands have a large thumb, greatly expanded at
the tip; the index finger (of the hind hand) is slender, and armed with a long,
subulate, and somewhat curved, claw. The nails of the other fingers, like those
of the forehands, are flat and rounded. The body is covered with full, soft, woolly
fur. The tail varies, being wanting or reduced to a mere tubercle in some, while in
others it is long, and more or less bushy, but not prehensile. — On looking at the
skull, which bears a very distinct resemblance to that of the Monkey, we find the
orbits obliquely lateral, surrounded with a perfect margin, but opening within into
the temporal fossa, which latter is not the case in Monkeys, the internal walls of the
orbit being complete, as in man. The occipital foramen has a posterior situation,
as in the Dog, so that the head is in no degree balanced upon the spinal column,
but depends from it altogether. The upper incisors, four in number, are placed
literally in pairs, with an intermediate space in front, in which are received, to a
certain degree, the points ol the incisors of the lower jaw. These are six in
number, laterally compressed, arranged side by side closely together, not in a
vertical position, but projecting obliquely forwards, and converging to a point. In
some species the two outermost incisors of the upper jaw are very small, and
often lost, so that naturalists have regarded their number in such species to be
but two ; whereas it is in reality four. The canines are long, recurved, and com-
pressed with a posterior cutting edge, and a sharp point. The false molars are
pointed ; the true molars are crowned with sharp conical tubercles, and interlock
with each other, — reminding us very strongly of those of the Insectivora. In
conformity with this dentition, the Lemuridce feed upon a mixed diet of animal
and vegetable substances. They are, however, as a whole, more frugivorous
than carnivorous, giving preference to fruits, roots, and the like. Eggs, insects,
and small birds, are pursued by the slow, cautious Loris with great perseverance ;
but if we may judge from specimens in captivity, the true Lemurs ( Makis or
Macaucos) seldom make living animals their prey. Their bite is severe.

The Lemuridce are all arboreal ; they tenant the depths of the forest, and
sleep during the day ; the twilight of evening or the obscurity of night, while

FAMILY OF LEMURS.

rendering their forms indistinct among the the dark foliage of the trees, and thus
serving as a friendly veil, rouses them from their repose, and invites them to
sweep along through the woods in quest of food. They are, in fact, essentially
nocturnal or crepuscular. They sleep perched on branches, with the head buried
between the arms, in the fur of the chest ; and with the tail wound round the
body, thus appearing like balls of fur.

Active and at home among the trees, they are far less so on the ground, to
which they rarely resort. When there, they move along obliquely, in a sort of
canter or succession of bounds, applying the whole of the hands and feet, as do
plantigrade animals, to the level surface over which they traverse, but from which
they are ever anxious to escape.

Having thus sketched the general characters and habits of the family, we shall
next proceed to a consideration of the several genera into which it is subdivided.

Genus Lemur. — Gen. Char. : — Headlong and triangular, muzzle pointed ; eyes
moderate and oblique; ears short and hairy; tail very long and bushy. The
hinder limbs longer than the anterior, the tibia and the femur being of equal
length. —

Incisors — , canines ■1'1- , molars on each side -4-. The incisors above

b ' 1.1' 5

are small ; below long, compressed, pointed, and in close array, projecting almost
horizontally ; the outermost on each side is the largest ; they form altogether a sort
of spoon or scooping instrument. The canines above are large, sharp, compressed,
with a posterior cutting edge ; those of the lower jaw are smaller, and fit into a
space between the upper canine and first false molar. Of the molars on each
side above, the two first are false ; simple and acutely conical ; the true molars
have each three pointed tubercles on their crown. The last molar is small.
False molars below, two ; true molars three, the last being small. Mammae,
two, pectoral. In the annexed sketch we give profiles of a hand and foot, and of
the head, of one of this genus, in order to render the characters intelligible.

The true Lemurs are
all natives of Madagascar,
where they supply the
place of the Simice, so
abundant on the adjacent
shores of the African con-
tinent. This circumstance,
connected with others in
reference to the indigen-
ous mammalia of Mada-
gascar, stamps the island
with peculiar interest in
the consideration of the

ON THE LEMURIDjE: ORr

naturalist. It is not be-
cause Madagascar is sepa-
rated from the mainland
of Africa that it is desti-
tute of SimtcE, for Borneo,
Java, and Sumatra, under
similar circumstances with
regard to the mainland of
India, produce the Orang
and several other species
of Gibbons and Monkeys;
and, were we to judge by-
analogy, we might reason-
ably expect to find mon-
keys in this wooded and
torrid island. But as
these are not indigenous
3 and 4, heads of Lemurs. in Madagascar, so, on the

other hand, none of the restricted genus Lemur, or of other immediately allied'
genera, ( Perodicticus, Indris, &c), are natives of Africa. — In fact, the mam-
malia of Madagascar are, in a great measure, exclusively its own. "We say
in a great measure, because we find, for example, the Pteropine Bats spread
throughout a vast range of geographical latitude ; including the islands Bourbon,
Mauritius, and Madagascar, from India and its islands, to Africa. In most
instances, however, the mammalia of Madagascar, and especially the Lemurs, as
we have said, are generically peculiar to it.

In their native woods, these singular and beautiful animals live in troops, but
unless sought for in the recesses of the forest, are seldom seen during the
day. They are incommoded by a strong light, and the pupil of the eye is trans-
verse, dilating in proportion to the advance of welcome twilight. At this timer
and throughout the night, they are all active and alert, bounding from branch to
branch, with unequalled ease and gracefulness. There is a peculiar sweeping
elegance in their movements, and the leaps they take, as if without effort, are
perfectly astonishing. — Their usual voice is a low inward grunt, but they often
break forth into a hoarse abrupt roar, producing a startling effect. This roar,
uttered by one, is a signal to others, and a chorus of horrid discords resounds through
the stilly forest. The roar of the Ruffed Lemur is peculiarly deep and sonorous.
In captivity, with care and attention, the Lemur bears our climate well ; but
they are impatient of cold, as might be inferred from their soft thick fur, which
they need even in their own region. They are fond of sitting perched on the

FAMILY OF LEMURS. 7

fender before a fire, and in this situation will spread their hands, half close their
eyes, and testify unequivocal satisfaction. During the day they sleep in a ball-
like figure on their perch, and if two be in a cage together, they sit close to one
another, with their tails wrapped (Boa-like) round each other's body, so as to
make one round ball, from which, on being disturbed, two heads suddenly make
their appearance. Their temper is gentle, and they are pleased with being noticed,
delighting to have their heads scratched or rubbed, for which purpose they will
press them to the bars of their cage, and continue so to do as long as thus grati-
fied. Their intelligence is, however, far more limited than that of the Monkeys
nor have they the prying, mischievous, petulant disposition of those animals, so
that they may be trusted, with due precautions, in a room at liberty. "When
presented with food, they usually take it in their hands, but not always, for we
have seen them feed upon soft bread without holding it ; they lap fluid like a Dog.
In size the Lemurs equal a Cat, and some are longer ; when in motion their tail
is elevated in a sigmoid form, and not trailed after them.

Of the restricted genus Lemur, the following are the species: —
1. — The Ruffed Lemur (Lemur Macaco* Linn.) — The fur is varied with large
patches of black, on a pure white ground ; the hands and feet are black, and
a full white ruff surrounds the face. — In Mus. Zool. Soc.
2. — The Black Lemur( Le?nur niger, Geoff.) — This rare species was first described
t>y Edwards, in his Gleanings, under the title of " Black Macauco," figured
from a living specimen, in 1775. It remained a doubtful species till the
accession of an individual to the menagerie of the Zoological Society, in
1833. It is noticed in the Proceedings for that year, p. 68. — In Mus.
Zool. Soc.
3. — Redfronted Lemur (Lemur rufifrons, Bennett), a new species described by
Mr. Bennett, in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, in 1833, p. 106,
from a specimen in the menagerie. General colour dark grey; a rufous
patch occupies the forehead, with a longitudinal streak of black down the
centre, expanding over the nose ; limbs, under parts, and tail, tinged with
rufous. — In Mus. Zool. Soc.
4. — Red Lemur (Lemur ruber, P^ron). — This species was first discovered by
Commerson, who saw and figured the animal in 1763. MM. Peron and
Le Sueur, who accompanied the celebrated expedition under Capt. Baudin,
brought a skin to Paris ; and ten years afterwards a living individual was
brought there, from which F. Cuvier took his figure. A living specimen
existed some time since at Exeter Change, and another was in the menagerie
of the Zool Soc. in the year 1830. — It is described and figured in the Gar-
den and Menagerie delineated. Colour bright rufous, hands, tail, and belly
black ; and a large oval patch of white occupies the back of the neck. — In
Mus. Zool. Soc.

8 ON THE LEMURID.E: OR,

5. — Black-fronted Lemur (Lemur nigrifrons, Geoff.) — M. Geoffroy consider
this species to be identical with an animal termed by Petivee Simia
sciurus. — In Mus. Zool. Soc.
G. — White-fronted Lemur (Lemur albifrons, Geoff.)— First described by M.
Geoffroy St. Hilaire, and afterwards figured by Audebert, in his His-
toire Naturelle des Singes et des Makis. — In Mus. Zool. Soc.
7.— White-handed Lemur (Lemur albimanus, Geoff.) — Described first by M.

Geoffroy, and figured by Audebert. — In Mus. Zool. Soc.
8. — Mongooz Lemur (Lemur mongos, Linn.) — First described as the Mongous,

by Edwards, in his Gleanings. In Mus. Zool. Soc.
9. — Brown Lemur (Lemur fulvus, Geoff.) — Grand Mongous, Buffon, Supp.

7, p. 118, fig. 133.
10. — Anjouan Lemur (Lemur Anjuanensis, Geoff.) — From the island of An-
jouan, near the coast of Madagascar. — Much doubt exists as to the genuine-
ness of this species. F. Cuvier regards it as the female of the White-fronted
Lemur. — We have never seen a specimen.
11. — Collared Lemur (Lemur collaris, Geoff.) — First described by Geoffroy

St. Hilaire. — In Mus. Zool. Soc.
12. — Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur Catta, Linn.) — In Mus. Zool. Soc. Mococo

of Buffon.
13. — Rufous Lemur (Lemur rufus, Audeb.) — Golden red above, pale yellow
beneath ; circumference of the head white ; a longitudinal stripe of black
from the occiput to the muzzle. Maki roux of Audebert, with a figure.
Leaving the genus Lemur, as restricted by modern naturalists, Indris of
Lacepede ( Lichanotus, Illig.), presents itself, as in close alliance with that
which we have just left. Agreeing with Lemur in all its essential characters,
the genus Indris is distinguished by a difference in the details of the dental formula,
the incisors being four above and four below ; molars four above on each side, and
five below. The hinder limbs are extremely long ; the head is broad, the muzzle
short, and the hands are long. To this it may be added, that the tail is reduced
to a mere tubercle ; such, at least, is the case in the only genuine species of this
form with which we are acquainted, viz., the Indri (Indris brevicaudatus,
Geoff. ; Lemur Indri, Linn.) It is true that a second species, the Long-tailed
Indri (Maki bourre of Sonnerat; Makifauve, Buff.; Lemur laniger, Gmel.;
and Indris Longicaudatus, Geoff :) is described in addition to the preceding,
but only, as it would seem, on the authority of Sonnerat. Cuvier, in the last
edition of his Regne Animal, does not admit it in the genus Indris, observing
that it has need of revision ; as it respects ourselves, we are inclined to consider it
as identical with an animal described in the Zoological Proceedings, as Propithe-
cus diadema, Benn., or at least as an immediate ally. We cannot, however, help

FAMILY OF LEMURS. V

confessing, that the necessity of separating the genus Propithecus from that of
Indris is very problematical ; nor should we do so, were it not for the great
authority of the talented naturalist, now, alas ! no more, who instituted it.

Setting aside, for the present, a consideration of the Long-tailed Indri, we may
observe, that the Short-tailed Indri (I. brevicaudatusj, like the rest of the
genuine Lemurs, is a native of Madagascar, where it is said to be frequently
trained by the natives for the chase, or rather, perhaps, for taking birds, but of its
history little is correctly known. The word Indri is said to signify, in the
Madagascar language, a " Man of the Woods." — Of all the Lemurs, it is the most
anthropoid in appearance, owing to the size and form of the head, the develope-
ment of the hinder extremities, and the absence of a tail. In length it exceeds
three feet ; its general colour is blackish-brown, with the exception of the muzzle,
abdomen, and inside of the arms and thighs, which are inclined to grey, and of
the crupper, which is white, and covered with thick woolly fur ; the hair on the
other parts of the body is silky, long, and abundant. A unique specimen
brought by Sonnerat, exists in the museum at Paris. The genus Propithecus,
to which we have just adverted, was characterized from a fine specimen of a
Lemuridous animal, presented by C. Telfair, Esq., to the Zoological Society.
The generic characters are as follows : — Muzzle shorter than in the Lemurs
generally ; ears short, rounded, and concealed in the fur. Hind limbs far exceed-
ing the anterior pair in length. Index finger abbreviated. Tail long and well
furred. Incisors, as in the Indri -5-. Molars, number not ascertained, the two
first on each side above bicuspid, the third elongated with two tubercles on its
outer edge, the fourth, as the third. The first molar below with a single point,
the second and third presenting several tubercles.

Species. — Diadem Propithecus ( Propithecus diadema, Benn.) — " The face is
nearly naked, with short blackish hairs about the lips, and equally short yellowish
white hairs in front of the eyes. Above the eyes, the long, silky, waved, and
thickly set hairs, which cover the body, commence by a band of yellowish white
crossing the front, and passing beneath the ears to the throat. This is succeeded
by black, extending over the back of the head and neck, but becoming freely
intermingled with white on the shoulders and sides, the white gradually increas-
ing backwards, so as to render the loins only slightly grizzled with black. At
the root of the tail the colour is fulvous, which gradually disappears until the
extreme half of the tail is white, with a slight tinge of yellow. The outer side
of the anterior limbs, at the upper part, is of the slaty- grey of the sides, below
which it is pale fulvous ; the hands are black, with the exception of tufts of long
fulvous hairs at the extremities of the thumb and fingers, extending beyond and
covering the nails. The outer sides of the hinder limbs, after receiving a tinge
of fulvous from the colour surrounding the root of the tail, are of a paler fulvous

10 ON THE lemuridje: or,

than the anterior limbs. This becomes much deeper on the hands (hinder), which
are fulvous, except on the fingers, where there is a very considerable intermixture
of black, the terminal tufts, equally long with those of the anterior hands, being
as in them fulvous. The under surface is white throughout, with the exception
of the hinder part of the throat, where it is of the same colour with the sides of
the body. The hairs are generally long, silky, waved, erect, and glossy. On the
crupper, they are shorter and more dense, offering a sort of woolly resistance.
On the tail, they have the general character of those of the body, but are con-
siderably shorter."

Length of the head and body, 1ft. 9 in. ; of the tail 1ft. 5in.

" The external characters, by which Propithecus is distinguished from Lemur,
are its shorter muzzle, terminated by more approximate nostrils, the upper
margin of which appears to be slightly lobulated ; its rounded ears ; the marked
disproportion in length between its hinder and anterior extremities ; the greater
length of its hands, especially of the anterior; the shortness of its anterior
thumb, which is also placed much farther back ; the marked abbreviation of the
anterior index ; the development and power of the hinder shank, which is nearly
an equal opponent to the whole of the fingers ; and the comparative shortness of
the hairs by which the tail is covered."— Habitat Madagascar, where it is stated
to be rare. Of its history nothing is known. In Mus. Zool. Soc.

Now, if we compare the description of the Long-tailed Indri, with that just
given of the Diadem Propithecus, we shall not fail to perceive the resemblance,
notwithstanding some points of variation, and an inferiority in size. Length of
head and body about 15 inches. The body has a stout appearance, from the
thickness of the fur ; the head is less elongated than in the Short-tailed Indri ;
the forehead is broad ; the eyes large, the ears short and concealed under the fur,
which is of a deep yellow or fulvous; thumb of the hinder hands large and strong,
with a broad nail, thin and flat ; first toe united at the base to the thumb, by a
black membrane. Fur soft and woolly; general colour yellow; under surface
generally, and inside of limbs, dull white tinged with yellow ; crupper, around
the root of the tail, white. A black mark covers the nose and part of the face,
terminating in a point on the forehead ; hind feet covered with mingled grey and
yellow hairs; fingers and nails black. — Vide Desmarest, and Geoffroy in
Annates du Museum, xix., p. 158. — The chief differences between this animal
and the preceding, it will be seen, consist in the inferiority in size of the latter,
in the arrangement of black on the face, and the presumed absence of this colour on
the back of the neck and shoulders, together with the absence to the white band
across the forehead, bounding anteriorly a black cap. Still, in the general yellow
tint pervading the limbs and body, in the shortness of the ears, the abbreviation
of the muzzle, and in the quality of the fur, the coincidence is remarkable ; inso-

FAMILY OF LEMURS. II

much, that we cannot avoid believing, that if not identically the same, at all
events they are intimately related ; but as we have never seen the Indris longi-
caudatus of Geoffroy, it would be unsafe to hazard any positive opinion.

The true Lemurs appear to be restricted to the genera, — Lemur (as the type),
Indris and Propithecus ; the two latter depart, as we have seen, in some points,
and especially in their dental formula, from the normal group. In the genus
Lemur, the incisors of the upper jaw are dilated at their cutting edges ; but in
Propithecus this dilitation is carried out to a greater extent, so as to approximate
them in form to those of the Monkey. With respect to the position of the canine
teeth, there is a peculiarity in the Lemurs which demands notice. If we
examine the teeth of a Monkey, we see that the canines of the lower jaw, when
the mouth is closed, advance and fit in before those of the upper jaw ; and this
position of the canines, with relationship to each other, is the general rule. It
obtains throughout the Camivora ; we see it in the Hog, and the Horse, of which
the male has tusks in both jaws. It is in fact a standard rule. — If, however, we
turn to the Lemurs, we find a remarkable exception. In the genus Lemur, the
canines of the lower jaw close behind and to the inside of the posterior edge of
those of the upper, the anterior margin of the former (that is the lower canines)
wearing against the latter. From this circumstance, Geoffroy St. Hilaire has
been induced to consider the two outer incisors of the lower jaw, which are larger
than the intermediate ones, as the true canines. This idea, however, will not
stand the test of scrutiny. For the outer incisors of the lower jaw have neither
the form, the position, nor the use of canines; whereas, though they do close
behind their antagonists, the canines of the lower jaw have the true figure and
usa of such teeth. Moreover, in the genera Indris and Propithecus, in which the
upper incisors are four, and not six, the canines of the lower jaw also close behind
those of the upper ; and if they are not to be considered in the light of genuine
canines, what are I — for the incisors here are only four. In the skull of a
little Lemuridous animal (Microceleus murinus) now before us, which closely
resembles the Lemur in dentition, the point of the lower canines (which
advance obliquely forwards) bears completely against the inner side of the upper
incisors, but still rather behind them, the body of the lower canines filling a space
between the canines of the upper jaw and the succeeding false molar.

We find, then, this arrangement of the canines obtaining through the whole
of the Lemuridous family, till we come to that strangely aberrant form, the
Flying Lemur or Galiopihecus ( Galeopithecus ) , an animal constituting the
type of a distinct group, in which canines are altogether wanting. We cannot
avoid observing, that M. F. Cuvier, in his work entitled Des Dents des Mammi-
feres considers, characterizes lemuridous animals as having six incisors above
and six below, the reciprocal position of the teeth being as in Monkeys. We

12 on the iBiitnatoiM.

do not know the specimen from which he has taken his figures and descrip-
tion; hut the Potto of Bosman; {Perodicticus Geoffroyi, Bennett; Lemur Potto,
Gmel. ; Nycticebus Potto, Geoffr. ) has only four incisors above ; and the
reciprocal position of the canines is as in the Lemur. — See Zool. Proceed, for
1831, p: 109. — The specimen of Perodicticus Geoffroyi is in the Mus; Zool.
Soc, and, being preserved in spirits, its dentition is easily examined.

Confining ourselves still to Madagascar, a new genus now demands our
notice; — it is that termed Cheirogaleus by Geoffroy, from Xtr^, a hand, and
TaXv or TacXtv, a Cat. This genus was first established on three drawings by
Commerson, in a paper in the Annates du Museum, Vol. 19, p 171. Geoff.
St. Hilaire there observes, that the animals made known by these drawings
" have, like Cats, the head round, the nose and muzzle short, the lips furnished
with whiskers, the eyes large, projecting, and set near together, and the ears
short and oval. Their tail is long, bushy, regularly cylindrical, naturally
folded, or rolled sometimes on itself, sometimes around the body." — In con-
junction with these traits, the general characters are those] of the Lemuridce .
Notwithstanding the authority of Geoffroy St. Hilaire, and the drawing of
Commerson, noted for his great accuracy, the genus Cheirogaleus long remained
doubtful. Recently, however, an animal belonging to this group has been
brought alive to Paris, from Madagascar, by Admiral Milius, which, as Geof-
froy says, justifies him in the establishment of the genus upon the few data left
by Commerson. — It would seem that the animals of this group were not un-
known to Flaccourt, who observes, that he noticed in the neighbourhood of
Mangobay a kind of Lemur of small size, grey, and with a very blunt muzzle.
Compared with the Lemurs, the species of Cheirogaleus are of a stouter and shorter
colour ; the general outline of form is the same,but it is as if the long slender figure
of the Lemurs was contracted and gathered up together; the head is large, the
eye open, the upper lips are thick, and cover those beneath ; so that it seems as if
these animals, Lemurs in truth, had borrowed some traits from the feline group.

Of the species ascribed to this genus, three rest on the authority of Com-
merson. These are the Ch: major, 1 Finches in length; the Ch. medius, 8|
inches long ; and the Ch : minor, 7 inches long. The individual brought home
by Admiral Milius, forms, according to Geoffroy, a fourth species. This
animal is described and figured by F. Cuvier, under the name of Maki-nain,
to which he has given the name of Ch : Milii. It is upwards of a foot in
length; greyish rufous above, greyish white beneath; a circle of white sur-
rounds the eyes; the muzzle is naked and blackish. In habits, these animals
are decidedly nocturnal ; and their activity is surprising. The specimen at
Paris is described as traversing its cage, as if on wings, and taking perpendicu-
lar leaps of five or six feet in height.

WINGS OF BIRDS. 13

In looking at the drawings of Commerson, as published by Geoffroy, and
in reading his account of the Ch: Milii, we cannot but be struck with the close
affinity between these animals and those of the genus Microcebus. Indeed we
cannot help suspecting, that the latter species belongs to this genus; for, be it
observed that Commerson gives his three species of Cheirogaleus as having the
nails on the fingers both of the anterior and posterior hands elongated and
claw-like. — It is true, that Geoffroy says, that in this point Commerson has
committed an error; but surely if we are to trust to one part of his draw-
ing, we are to place confidence in the whole ; and it is only because the nails
are not found to be so constructed in the Ch : Milii, that he regards Com-
merson as wrong. — We have not, indeed, had an opportunity of seeing the
specimen on which Geoffroy has founded his latter species ; but we have care-
fully examined (and one anatomically) two species of the genus Microcebus,
respecting which we feel on safer grounds than with regard to Cheirogaleus. —
To this genus we propose to turn our attention in the next number of the
Naturalist.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MUSCULAR APPARATUS OF THE WINGS

OF BIRDS.

By William MacGillivray, A. M., F. R. S. E., M. W. S., &c,

Conservator of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.

The frame work of the wing is composed of a series of bones attached by a
loose joint to the solid apparatus of the scapula and clavicles, and folding up by
hinges into three pieces, the humerus or brackiam, the cubitus, and the hand,
so as, when not in use, to be conveniently disposed of by the side of the body.
The first bone, the os humeri, brachial bone, or bone of the arm, is articulated
by a rounded surface to a corresponding cavity formed between the coracoid bone,
or posterior clavicle, and the scapula, in such a manner as to allow great free-
dom of motion. When at rest, this bone is directed backwards, more or less
parallel to the spine. Its distal extremity forms, with the proximal extremity of
the cubital bones, the ulna and radius, an oblique hinge-like joint, which allows the
cubitus to be folded up parallel to the brachium, and nearly in the same plane.
The third portion, the hand, on the contrary, is jointed so as to fold under the
cubitus in a perpendicular plane. These solid parts are moved upon each other,
and upon the scapula, by a complicated muscular apparatus ; and the arm, thus

14 WINGS OF BIRDS.

constructed, is converted into an instrument of flight, by having appended to its
posterior edge a large lamina or plate, composed of a series of strong, elastic fea-
thers, named quills, and varying in firmness, form, length, and relative propor-
tion, according to the kind of flight necessary for the species. When about to be
employed, the parts which in a state of rest were folded up, are stretched out so
as to unfold the feathers somewhat in the manner of a fan, and form a horizont-
ally expanded lamina, which, being alternately raised and forcibly pulled down,
furnishes a lever, whereby the body is elevated into the air ; when, with repeated
strokes, by which the wing is alternately drawn upwards, forwards, and inwards,
and then more forcibly outwards, downwards, and backwards, the bird advances,
directing its course by the tail, but more especially by a difference in the action
of the two wings.

The wood-cuts represent the wing of a Domestic Pigeon, Columba livia, de-
prived of all its feathers, excepting the quills, and viewed, first from above, Fig.
1 ; then from beneath, Fig. 2. In these figures, a is a portion of the body ; b, c,
the humerus or brachium ; c, d, the cubitus or antibrachium ; d, fy the hand,
composed of d, e, the carpus and metacarpus ; y, the pollex or outer finger, and
e,f, the other fingers. The ten quills attached to the hand, from d toy", are the
primary quills ; those attached to the cubitus, from c to d, are the secondary
quills. They are arranged, as is observed, in two distinct sets. Those on the
first finger, gt are named alular quills. Besides these, there are large feathers,
not, however, so strong, attached to the skin along the edge of the humerus, b, c ;
but these, which are named tertiary quills, have been removed . Now, the order of
nomenclature, if numerical, ought to have commenced at the part nearest the body:
those on the first point or brachium, ought obviously to have been named primary ;
those on the second, secondary ; and those on the third, tertiary. A decidedly
preferable mode, however, is to name the quills according to their relations : —
brachial, cubital, and digital ; those on the first finger alular. Besides the fea-
thers, there is represented the muscular apparatus of the wings, as seen after the
skin has been removed. The muscles to be described are; — 1st. Those inserted
into the scapula; 2ndly, Those inserted in the brachial bone; 3rdly, those
inserted into the bones of the hand. In the figures the same muscles bear the
same numbers.

1. Mnscles inserted into the Scapula.

1. The first muscle is the trapezius, which, arising from the spines of the last
cervical, and all the dorsal vertebrae, excepting the last two, is inserted into the
dorsal edge of the scapula, and the extremity of the furcula. Its action is to
draw the scapula towards the spine, and to fix it during flight.

Under this are the rkornboideus, which passes from the spines of some of the
anterior dorsal vertebrae, to the dorsal edge of the scapula ; and the levator sea-

WINGS OF BIRDS. 15

pulse, which, arising from the transverse process of the last cervical vertebra,
and a few of the anterior ribs, is inserted into the dorsal edge of the scapula,
which it pulls upwards and forwards.

2. The serratus magnus anticus arises by digitations from the last four ribs,
excepting two, and is inserted into the extremity of the scapula. A slender
slip, 2 a, separates from it to be inserted into the skin of the posterior edge of
the brachium.

There is also a serratus parvus anticus or costo scapulari, which arises in like
manner from the first two ribe, and is inserted into the anterior part of the
lower edge of the scapula.

2. Muscles inserted into the humeral or brachial bone : —

3. The two superficial slips seen on the back are analogous to the latissi-
mus dorsi in man. They arise from the spinous processes of the last cervical,
and some of the anterior dorsal vertebrae. The first, 3 a, is inserted into the
coracoid bone, the other, 3 b, into the middle of the linea aspera or dorsal
ridge of th e humerus, which it draws toward the back. The other muscles
which arise from the trunk to be inserted into the humerus are situated in
front.

4. Pectoralis major, Fig. 2. — Arises from the whole length of the crest of
the .sternum, from its posterior and lateral margins, from the ribs, and from
the outer edge of the furcula, forming a triangular mass of vast size, some-
times exceeding in bulk all the other muscles of the body together. Its fibres
run obliquely forwards and outwards, pass over the shoulder-joint, and are
inserted fleshy into the anterior or upper crest tff the head of the humerus,
and by a flat tendon where they cross the insertion of the next muscle. Its
action has not been correctly described. Its anterior part raises the hu-
merus, and brings it forward; its middle part brings the wing downwards ; and
its posterior portion brings the humerus backward, close to the body. Its
combined action is powerfully to depress the wing, and bring its anterior
edge downward, by which the quills are obliquely raised.

5. Under the great pectoral muscle, is seen in Fig. 3, the pectoralis medius.
It arises, properly speaking, over the other, from the whole length of the
under surface of the sternum, and the upper half of its crest, and from the
fore edge of the coracoid bone, and the membrane between it and the furcula.
The fibres converge into a central tendon, extending its whole length, which
passes forwards between the coracoid bone and the furcula, curves round the
joint, and is inserted upon the upper tubercle or crest of the humerus, close
to the insertion of the pectoralis major, and anterior to it. Although this
muscle is similar in its origin to the pectoralis major, its action, owing to the
direction of its tendon, is the reverse of that muscle, as it elevates the humerus
and brings it forward.

16 . WINGS OF BIRDS.

6. The pectoralis minor is a small muscle which arises from the lower two-
thirds of the outer edge of the coracoid bone and the anterior margin of the
sternum, under the articulation of the ribs, forms a small round tendon, which
passes outwards and forwards, and is inserted into a prominent internal
tubercle of the humerus, which it pulls downwards and backwards.

7. Above and before the pectoralis minor is a small muscle, arising from the
upper part of the coracoid bone, and a strong fascia extended from its base to
its extremity above, passing obliquely upwards, and being inserted anteriorly
to the pectoralis minor: Its action is to draw the humerus directly
downwards.

The muscles which arise from the scapula to be inserted into the humerus
are the following : —

8. The supra spinatus, Fig. 1, arises from the fore part of the scapula, and
is inserted into the posterior or inner crest of the humerus, externally of the
tendon of the pectoralis minor.

9: The infra spinatus arises from the outer surface of the scapula, as far a
its extremity, and is inserted into the same prominence as the last. These two
muscles draw the humerus backward.

The subscapularis arises from the fore part of the inner or under surface
of the scapula, and is inserted into the same protuberance.

10. The deltoides arises from the fore part of the scapula, and from the top of the
coracoid bone, its anterior fibres being in contact with those of the pectoralis major.
Its anterior portion is inserted into the outer and back part of the edge of the
anterior crest of the humerus, its posterior into that bone, as far as the origin of
the supinator radii longus, that is, four-fifths of its length. A thin flap is at-
tached to the skin in the bend of the wing. The deltoid muscle raises the
humerus.

Under the deltoid is the coraco-brackialis, which arises from the tip of the
coracoid bone, and adjoinipng part of the scapula, and is inserted into the prox-
imal part of the crest of the humerus. Its action is to pull the humerus forward
and upward.

The muscles inserted into the cubitus or fore-arm, come next in order ; but it
may be proper here to describe a very curious apparatus existing in the bend of
the wing anteriorly, between the shoulder and wrist joints, b and d. ' At that
part, the edge of the wing is formed by a fold of the skin enclosing an elastic
substance, and edged with an elastic tendon or fibre, which has at its commence-
ment at the shoulder-joint a small muscle detached from the pectoralis major.

11. This muscle, named the tensor plicae, alee, or stretcher of the fold of the
wing, has its terminal insertion in the prominence at the base of the metacarpal
bone at d. Another smaller slip comes off" behind from the anterior ridge of the

WINGS OF BIRDS. 17

humerus, and immediately jforms a very slender tendon which passes along the
humerus to the radius.

About the middle of the fold, at h, is a dense mass of cellular tissue, to which
is attached a thin flap from the deltoid muscle, seen in the figures at h.

12. Besides which, there is a thin muscle arising from an aponeurotic base
from the lower part of the deltoid near its insertion, attached to the cellular
mass at h, and sending off from its lower edge, a very slender tendon, inserted
along with that of the tensor plicse. This muscle may be named the retractor
plica.

3. Muscles inserted into the cubitus : —

The muscles which move the fore-arm on the arm are two, a flexor and an
extensor.

13. Flexor cubiti, or biceps flexor, arises tendinous from the upper extremity
of the coracoid bone, passes, flat, under the insertion of the pectoralis major, and
also from the flat surface and edge of the inferior crest of the humerus, runs
along the anterior and inferior face of that bone, and is inserted, by a short ten-
don, into the radius, and by a more slender slip into the ulna, between the
supinator radii longus, and the pronator radii teres. Its action is to bend the
cubitus on the humerus*

14. Extensor cubiti arises from the anterior extremity of the scapula, from the
head of the humerus, by another distinct origin from the lower ridge of that
bone, and from the greater part of its posterior edge, or linea aspera, and is
inserted by two tendons into the olecranon, or upper extremity of the ulna. Its
action is to extend the cubitus, and raise it a little.

4. Muscles inserted into the hand: —

As these muscles are numerous, it may be expedient to describe them in the
order in which they are seen in the two views.

In Fig. 2, representing the lower surface of the wing, are observed the follow-
ing muscles : —

15. Extensor metacarpi radialis longior, or supinator radii longus, the muscle
seen on the fore edge of the cubitus, arises from the outer condyle of the hume-
rus, runs along the anterior edge of the fore-arm, and terminates in a slender
tendon, which is inserted into the protuberance on the head of the radial meta-
carpal bone, anterior to the first digit. Its action is to bend the arm, and extend
the hand, or bring it into a straight line with the cubitus. The insertion of the
biceps cubiti, 13, is between the head of this muscle and that of the pronator
teres, 21.

16. Of the muscles that arise from the inner condyle, the first or most external
is the flexor carpi ulnaris, which comes off by a tendon from the lowest part of
the condyle, passes along the inner and posterior side of the ulna, in contact with

No. 7, Vol. II. c

18 WINGS OF BIRDS.

the bases of the. cubital quills, and on the anterior side with the palmaris longus,
17, and is inserted by a short tendon into the projecting point of the ulnar car-
pal bone, analogous to the os pisiforme. Its action is to bend the hand, or
bring it back towards the fore-arm.

17. The palmaris longus arises from the inner condyle of the humerus, imme-
diately above the flexor carpi ulnaris, 16, and covering the flexor carpi radialis,
19, runs superficially over the flexor digitorum, 18, and is inserted partly into the
base of the posterior carpal bone, partly into the fascia which covers the lower
surface of the metacarpus, partly into the ulnar carpal bone, and sends a slenr
der tendon along the radial metacarpal bone and the first phalanx, to be inserted
into the base of the second phalanx. Its action is to bend or adduct the hand,
and at the same time extend the digit.

18. The flexor digitorum is a small muscle arising under the palmaris longus
from the inferior and posterior surface of the ulna, along four-fifths of its length,
the upper-fifth excepted. Its fibres pass obliquely forwards, and it sends off a
very long tendon, running anterior and parallel to that of the palmaris longus^
and having a similar insertion. Another tendon also passes to be inserted into
the base of the radial metacarpal bone, under that of the supinator radii longus.

19. The flexor carpi radialis arises from the inner condyle, immediately
below the origin of the pronator radii teres, 21, and concealed by the palmaris
longus, 17. Its fibres pass obliquely forwards along the lower and posterior
edge of the radius, in contact anteriorly with the pronator radii teres, and pos-
teriorly with the flexor digitorum, 18. It is inserted fleshy along the posterior
edge of the radius. Its action is to draw the arm obliquely downwards and'
forwards.

20. Under these muscles is a shorter one, which arises from the posterior
edge and lower surface of the ulna, for two-thirds of its length, and forms a
short strong tendon, which passes over the wrist joint, to be inserted into the
base of the radial matacarpal bone. Its use is to assist in extending the hand.

A thin fleshy muscle extends obliquely forwards from the outer edge of the
ulna in nearly its whole length, to be inserted along two-thirds of the lower sur-
face of the radius. It is a pronator of the radius, which, though fixed when the
wing is extended, has considerable motion when bent, in which case it tends to
elevate the hand. This muscle is analogous to the pronator radii quadratus.

21. The most anterior muscle of those that come from the inner or posterior
part of the lower extremity of the humerus, is the pronator radii teres. It arises
from the upper part ef the inner condyle of the humerus, at a considerable dis-
tance up the arm, by a tendinous origin, passes obliquely outwards, in contact,
first, with the insertion of the biceps flexor cubiti, then, on the same or anterior
side of the fore-arm, with the extensor carpi radialis longior, 1 5, and on the •
other side with the flexor carpi radialis, 19; and is inserted into two-thirds of

WINGS OF BIRDS.v 19

the" length of the radius. Its action is to bend the fore-arm obliquely down-
wards and inwards.

The small muscles on the hand may be described afterwards. Let us now
turn to the upper surface of the cubitus, seen in Fig. 1.

The most external muscle of which a portion is seen along and behind the
ulna, is the flexor carpi ulnar is, 1 6, already described.

22. The next muscle is the extensor carpi ulnar is, which arises from the lower
extremity of the outer condyle of the humerus, runs along the middle of the
fore-arm, with the ulna immediately behind, and terminates in a long slender
tendon, which passes over a pulley at the extremity of the ulna, and is inserted
into the posterior edge of the radial metacarpal bone. Its aetion is to extend the
hand, and, when extended, to bring it upwards. It is not by any means an
adductor of the hand, as stated in various books.

23. Extensor primi digiti, arises from the outer condyle of the humerus, runs
along the fore-arm, parallel and anterior to the last, and forms a very slender
tendon, which, passing over that of the next muscle, goes to be inserted into the
base of the bone of the first finger, which it draws upwards and backwards.

24. Extensor digitorum arises from the outer condyle of the humerus, and from
the anterior edge of the ulna, and the posterior edge of the radius ; its tendon
passes over the wrist joint, and runs along the radial metacarpal bone, to be in-
serted into the last phalanx. Sometimes several slips are given off by this ten-
don. It pulls the hand or pinion upwards and outwards.

25. Extensor carpi radialis brevis arises also from the inner condyle, and from
nearly the whole length of the inner edge of the radius, and is inserted by a
slender tendon into the prominence at the base of the metacarpal bone, near that
of the extensor carpi radialis longior, 15, already described, which is the muscle on
the anterior edge of the fore-arm.

There now remain the small muscles on the hand.

The first finger, g, has three muscles.

26 — Flexor primi digiti arises from the base of the radial metacarpal bone,
and is inserted into that of the first finger, which it draws downwards.

27 — Adductor primi digiti arises from the metacarpal bone, and is inserted
along the inner or posterior edge of that of the first finger, which it draws towards
the next.

28. — Abductor primi digiti arises from the insertion of the tendon of the
supinator radii longus, 15, and draws the first finger outwards from the second.

29. — Abductor digiti majoris arises from the whole length of the outer edge of the
radial metacarpal bone, and is inserted into the base of the first phalanx, which
it draws forward.

30. — Adductor digiti arises from the ulnar carpal bone, and the whole length of

20 NOTES ON THE AMAR^E.

the ulnar metacarpal, and is inserted into the edge of the third or little finger, which
is so firmly attached to the second as to have no independent motion. The action
of this muscle, therefore, is to draw the fingers backwards.

31. — Supinator or extensor digiti fills up the space between the two metacarpal
bones, and is inserted fleshy into the base of the first phalanx, and by a tendon
into that of the second: It pulls the second finger upwards and backwards.

By this complex apparatus, then, the wings are made to perform all those
powerful, delicate, and varied motions, necessary for ordinary flight, for escape,
pursuit, and the numberless inflexions used every day by birds in their usual
avocations. These motions will be better understood by inspecting the figure
than by following a laboured description, and still better by dissecting the wing
of a Pigeon, or any other bird of moderate size.

The flight of birds has not been hitherto described further than in the vague
and general manner in which it is treated in anatomical works, and in the descrip-
tions of ornithologists. It exhibits, however, a vast variety of modifications,
some of which I shall endeavour to describe in a future communication, to which
the present will answer as a basis.

NOTES ON THE AMARJE.

By Peter Rylands, Esq.

In many cases it is a very difficult matter to decide correctly the rank of
individual specimens of insects, extraordinary varieties may so often be mis-
taken for species. These can only be tested by examining a number of individuals
of the species, and should there be found specimens which vary in such a manner
as to form a connecting link between the supposed species and the established one,
the true value of the former is at once understood. An example of this may be
found in the genus Pontia. If you examine a true P. metra, and a true P. rapce,
the appearances greatly favour the supposition that they are distinct species ; but
should you meet with specimens in which the characters of P. rapes and metra
are so blended and united, as to create a doubt to which species they belong, you
would instantly decide that the one was a variety of the other. In like manner,
and for the same reason, Pontia Chariclea must rank merely as a variety of
P. Brassicce. Thus, also, many naturalists are of opinion that Hipparchia
polydama is a distinct species, whereas it is merely an extraordinary variety of
H. Davus. I am led to this conclusion from having taken, last summer, on
Woolston Moss, near here, where II. Davus is abundant, a specimen which ex-
hibited characters both of the Davus and polydama.

NOTES ON THE AMAR^i 21

Perhaps the species of no other genus are so liable to mistakes similar to the
above, as those of Amara. Not only are they very similar in their general aspect,
but each species is subject to considerable variety in colour. Being influenced by
these considerations, and believing it highly probable that some species might
have escaped detection through the general similarity of the whole, during the last
season I undertook a complete revision of those species which I could meet with
in this neighbourhood, the results of which I beg to lay before the reader. Another
motive for writing this paper, is the conviction, that many beneficial results would
accrue from placing within the reach of every entomologist, a good description of
the species belonging to difficult groups, such as the one under consideration ; and
I feel persuaded, that many will purchase the Naturalist, who are not able to pro-
cure the expensive volumes of Stephens and other authors.
Genus Amara, Bonelli, &c.
Pal.* external, maxillary, and labial, with the two last joints equal, the
terminal oval, truncate, the third clavate : labr. quadrate, slightly emarginate :
mand. short, denticulated at the base : merit, emarginate with a bifid lobe : ant.
linear, the three first joints and base of the fourth naked, the latter not much shorter
than the third ; hd. ovate ; thx. broad, anteriorly narrowed, posteriorly as broad as
the elytra, to which throughout its width it is closely applied ; body depressed ;
elyt. slightly emarginate at the tip; second striae abbreviated, in some cases absent;
wings ample ; anterior tar. of the males with three dilated joints.

The species hybernate beneath stones, grass, mosses, &c, and on hot days in
spring and summer may frequently be seen basking in the sun.
Species 1. Amara acuminata, Sturm.
Syn. — Amara serata, Kirby, MSS. — Steph. Mandibulata, pi. vii., fig. 6. —

Carabus acuminatus, Paykue.
Sp. Char. — Hd. smooth, impunctate ; thx. short, with an abbreviated dorsal
channel, and on each side at the base, with two fovese ; the inner deep,
impunctate, the outer minute and near the angles ; elyt. striated, the striae
impunctate, with a continuous series of impressions on the margin ; pal.
and legs black ; tar. reddish ; ant. dusky, the three basal joints rufescent,
slightly tinged with dusky at the tips. Colour above, variable ; generally
coppery. Length 5 — 6 lines.
This species is far from uncommon on Woolston Moss, near Warrington. Also
taken, according to Mr. Stephens, at Hertford ; near London ; Reche chalk pits,
Cambridgeshire; Barham, Suffolk; Arbrook, Scotland; and Ashdown Copse,
Wilts.

* I have used the folio -ing abbreviations : — Pal. for palpi ; labr. labrum ; mand. mandibles ;
ment. mentum ; hd. head; thx. thorax; elyt. elytra; fern, femora; tib. tibias ; tar. tarsi ; ant.
antenna? ; and cil. for cilia?.

22 NOTES ON THE AMAILEV

Sp. 2. Amara lata, Sturm.

Syn. — A: ingenua, Duftschmid. — A: lata, Steph. Mand. l.p. 128,
Sp. Char. — Deep brassy black ; hcL impunctate, with a very obsolete impres-
sion on each side between the eyes ; thx. smooth, with a slight dorsal
channel, and on each side at the base with two sub-punctate impressions,
of which the inner one is the largest, and somewhat remote from the base ;
elyt. delicately striated, the striae impunctate, with a continuous series
of impressions on the margin ; legs black, with rufous cil. and tarsi ; ant.
with the basal joints, and base of the fourth rufescent, the rest black ; pal.
pitchy ; length 4 — 5 lines.
Var. a. — A. eurynota, Illigek. — Destitute of the impressions before the eyes.
Common in the vicinity of Warrington, also taken near London, Bottisham,
Southend, and at Kimpton, near Andover. I have examined a number of speci-
mens of lata and eurynota, and feel confident, from reasons similar to those given
at the commencement, that the latter is merely a variety of A. lata.
Sp. 3. Amara similata, Stephens.
Syn. — Harpalus similatus, Gyllenhal; A similata, Steph. Mand, 1. p. 128.
Sp. Char. — Smaller and more oblong than the preceding; head impunctate;
thx. with two small scarcely punctate foveas on each side at the base, the
inner deepest ; elyt. striated, the three basal joints rufous. Length 4 —
4 j lines.
Rare about Warrington, but, according to Stephens, more frequent near London,
Bottisham, Kimpton, &c-

Sp. 4. Amara Linnoei, Rylands.
Syn: — Carabus vulgaris, Linn. Syst. Nat.; — Berkenhout Syn.; Mart;
Col. pi. 37 ; A. obsoleta, Sturm ; A. vulgaris, Steph. Mand. l.p. 128 ; A.
Linncei, Ryl. MSS.
Sp. Char: — Bright coppery; head with an obsolete foveola on each side
between the eyes ; thx. rather convex, with two deep scarcely punctate
foveae on each side at the base, the inner one oblong, and deepest, the
outer oblique : elyt. striated, the striae obsoletely punctulate ; legs black,
with ferruginous cil. and claws ; ant. with the basal joint ferruginous,
or pitchy. Length 3| lines.
It is .a law of nomenclature, which is supported by most naturalists, * that
no animal should derive its specific name from the rarity or commonness of the
species ; the reason for this is obvious ; many animals which are frequent in one
country or district, are rare in another, and vice versa. An example of this is

* It is a rule, we fear, advocated rather in theory than in practice. — Ed.

NOTES ON THE AMAR^. 23

before us. Were we to denominate the commonest of the species of Amara,
taken in this district, vulgaris, that appellation would fall upon A. trivialis ; the
true vulgaris of authors being far from common here. This is a sufficient reason,
I trust, for altering the specific name, and as this species may exclusively be
termed the Amara of Linnteus, the one I have substituted will, I hope, meet the
views of other naturalists. Mr. Stephens gives the measurement of this species
4 — 4| lines. This, however, appears, from the specimens I have examined, much
above the true size. It averages 3§ lin., and is seldom, if ever, found to exceed
4 lin.

Sp. 5. Amara puncticollis, Rylands.
Sp. Char : — Above bright coppery, or greenish brass ; head with an impression
on each side between the eyes ; thx. with two large and deeply punctated
foveee on each side at the base, the intervening space also punctulate ; elyt.
punctato-striated ; body beneath black ; legs dark ferruginous ; ant, dusky,
with three basal joints, rufous. Length Z\ lin.
Very evidently distinct from the other species of this genus. Rare near War-
ington.

Sp. 6. Amara trivialis, Sturm.
Syn. — Carabus trivialis, Duftschmid; A. trivialis, Steph. Mand. 1. p. 129.
Sp. Char. — More oblong than the preceding species ; above greenish brass ; head
smooth ; thx. with a delicate dorsal channel, and an abbreviated transverse
impression, terminating on each side in a deep impunctate fovea; elyt.
striated, the striae obsoletely punctulate ; legs pitchy, with the rib testa-
ceous at the base. Length 3| —4 lin.
Far. A. — With the tib. pitchy.
Far. B. — The upper surface deep blue, with the margins of the elyt. of a rich

metallic blue.
Very abundant near Warrington. — Var. B. is rare.

Sp. 7. Amara nitida, Sturm.
Syn. — A. nitida, Steph. Mand. 1. p. 129.

Sp. Char. — Allied to A. trivialis, but evidently distinct. Oblong ; bright
greenish brass, or glossy green ; head impunctate ; thx. with a delicate line
down the centre, and a deep linear impression on each side at the base ;
elyt. rather depressed, with punctulate striae ; body beneath, and fern,
deep black ; tib. and tar. ferruginous ; pal. and three basal* joints of the
ant. rufous. Length 3% lin.
Rare near Warrington ; also taken near London, and in Norfolk.

Sp. 8. Amara Icevis, Sturm.
Syn. — A. Icevis, Steph. Mand. 1. p. 130.
Sp. Char.— Broad, depressed; bright brassy green; thx. with a slight dorsal

24 NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

channel, an obsolete transverse impression, and true punctulate fovea? ori
each side at the base, the outer one very obsolete ; elyt. with punctu-
late striae ; legs entirely ferruginous ; ant. and palp, with the basal joints
testaceous. Length 3— 3§ lin.
Rare near Warrington ; " near London, and in Dorsetshire." — Stephens.

Sp. 9. Amara elegans, Rylands.
Sp. Char. — Slightly convex; shining brassy green; thx. with two punctuate

striae on each side at the base of the dorsal channel, the outer one rarely

obsolete ; elyt. striated, the striae punctulate ; fern, and tib. rufous ; ant.

with the three basal joints and base of the fourth rufescent, the rest

fuscous ; basal joint of the pal. ferruginous. Length 3 — 3§ lin.

Closely allied to A. l&vis, but is distinguished by the absence of the transverse

impression on the thorax; the colour of the tarsi, &c. Not uncommon near

Warrington.

Sp. 10. Amara cursor, Sturm.

Syn. — A. cursor, Steph., Mand. 1. p. 130.

Sp. Char. — Shining bronzed green ; thx. with a slight dorsal line, the base with

an abbreviated obsolete linear impression on each side near the margin ;

the rest of the surface impunctate ; elyt. rather strongly punctate, striated,

ferruginous. Length 3 — 3| lin.

Rare, near Warrington. " Common in the Metropolitan district." — J. F.

Stephens, Esq. " Rare, near Bottisham." — Rev. L. Jenyns.

Bewsey House, Warrington.

(To be continued.)

AN EXPLANATION OP THE LATIN NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Sib,

I have often heard regretted the want of some explanation of the
Latinized names of the British birds, which are of course unintelligible to persons
who have not had a classical education ; the derivations of many of the names
being, moreover, so arbitrary as to be doubtful, obscure, or even wholly unknown
to the initiated.

The above will, I hope, appear a sufficient reason for the following attempt at a
translation into English of such of the names of the British birds as are of Latin
or Greek derivation ; and with the wish that this may be of service and interest
to some of your readers, I forward it for insertion in your pages, in case it should
*eem to you likely to be of use, and to meet with the approbation of your sub-

NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 25

scribers. Those of the names of which I have not been able to discover the

meaning — if indeed there be any meaning in them — I have left in statu quo, and

shall be glad if any of your correspondents can supply my lack of knowledge. —

The Latin names are mostly from my Guide to an Arrangement of British Birds.*

I am, Sir, &c.

Francis Orpen Morris.

Accipiter. [[From accipio, to take or receive. — Ed. 3 Hawk.

————— Fringillarius. — Fringilla, a Finch. Finches and other small birds

being generally the prey of this species of Hawk. Sparrow Hawk.

Astur. — Qui est ex Asturia. One from Asturia, Castile, in Spain, the supposed

original habitat of this bird. Gossak.

■ palumbarius. — Palumba, a Dove, often preyed on by this species.

Rock Gossak.
Pernis. Yltgvns (incorrectly written for nrsgvis) a rapacious bird, supposed to

be the Honey buzzard. Pern.

apivorus. — Apis, a Bee, and voro, to devour. Honey Pern.

Buteo. Buzzard.

lagopus. Aayus, a Hare, and Tlovs, a foot. Rough-legged Buzzard.

vulgaris. Common. Common Buzzard.

Pandion.

haliaetus. aX*,the sea and xiirov, an Eagle. White-headed Osprey-

Aquila. [Supposed to be from aquilus, dark, sunburnt. — Ed.]] Eagle.

albicilla. — Alba, white, and cilia, a tail. White-tailed Eagle.

chrysa'etus. Xgveos gold, and atsro*, an Eagle. Golden Eagle.

Falco. [From falco, to cut, or prune, with a hook. — Ed.[] Falcon.

Islandicus. Of or belonging to Iceland;

peregrinus. A foreigner, stranger, or alien. Peregrine Falcon.

subbuteo. A diminutive of Buteo, the Buzzard. Hobby Falcon.

rufipes. Red-footed , rufus, red, and pes, a foot. Orange-legged Falcon.

cesalon. A bird supposed to be the Merlin of the ancients. Merlin

Falcon.

tinnunculut. Supposed to be the Kestril of old authors. Kestril

Falcon.
Milvus. Kite.

regalia. Royal. Cinereous Kite.

Circus. — Kipxos, a species of Hawk, supposed to be of this kind ; perhaps from

its beating the ground in circles ; another meaning of the word Kipxor.

Harrier.

* We have added the English names, in order that the species may be recognised by all.— En.

No. 7, Vol. II. e

26 NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

Circus, cineraceus. Grey, cinereous. Ash-coloured Harrier.

ceruginosus. Rusty, rust-coloured. Marsh Harrier.

cyaneus. Azure, or ash-coloured. Hen Harrier.

Otus. Ovs, wros, an ear. Madge.

brachyotus. Bpxyys short, and ovs, uros, an ear. Short-eared Madge.

auritus. Eared, from auris, an ear. Long-eared Madge.

Scops. 2xs\J/, a kind of Owl, supposed to be the present species. Scops.
Aldrovandi. So called after Aldrovandus, the celebrated naturalist.

Common Scops.
Bubo. QFrom Bufo, a Toad, on which the bird feeds. — Ed.] Toadeater.

maximus. Largest or greatest. Great Toadeater.

Strix. A kind of Owl supposed to be the S.Jlammea. Owl.

nyctea. — Nix, snow ; from the colour of the bird. Snowy Owl.

Alucus. ?

jiammeus. Fiery, flame-like, yellow. Barn Owl.

stridulus. Noisy, harsh, dissonant, clamourous. Tawny Owl.

Noctua. A night Bird. Nightling.

— passerina. Derived from Passer, a Sparrow. Spotted Nightling.

Corvus. A bird of the Crow kind. Crow. From the size of the bird.

corax. Kof>«|, a Raven. Raven Crow.

— corone. Kopom, a Carrion Crow. Carrion Crow.

frugilegus. Fruges, fruit, i*. e. grain ; and lego, to gather. Rook

Crow.
comix. A bird supposed to be the Hooded Crow of the olden times.

Hooded Crow.
— monedula. From moneo, to warn, as in augury. Jack-daw Crow.

Pica. Magpie.

caudata. Tailed, having a long tail ; cauda, a tail. Common Magpie.

Glandarius. Glans, glandis, an acorn, the food of the Jay. Jay.

vulgaris. Common. Common Jay.

Nucifraga. Nux, nucis, a nut, and frango, to break. Nutcracker.

caryocatactes. Kxpix nuts, and K«t«xt»)/x< to destroy. Spotted

Nutcracker.

Pyrrhocorax. Tlvppos red, and Kop«| a Crow. Chough.

riifipes. Red-footed. Red-legged Chough.

Oriolus. QFrom the French or, gold, in allusion to the yellow colour of the
bird.— Ed.] Oriole.

galbula. The Latin name of a bird, supposed to be the Oriole. Gol-
den Oriole.

Sturnus. [Terhaps from Astrum a star ; our Starling is certainly derived
from star. — Ed.] A Starling or Stare. Starling.

NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS* 27

Sturnus vulgaris. Common Spotted Starling.

Pastor. Literally a shepherd ; but how this can apply to a bird, I at present
know not. Amzel.

roseus. Roseate or rose-coloured. Rose-coloured Amzel.

Bombycilla. Bombyx, silk, and cilia, a tail. Waxwing. Silktail.

— garrula. Noisy, chattering. Bohemian Waxwing.

Lanius. A Butcher. Shrike.

excubitor. A Sentinel. Grey Shrike.

■ collurio. Redbacked Shrike,

rufus. Red. Wood Shrike.

Parus. [[From parvus, little. — Ed.]] Tit.

biarmicus. [[Two-barbed ; from the whiskers on each side of the bill.

—En.] Bearded Tit.

caudatus. Cauda, a tail. Longtailed Tit.

palustris. Of or belonging to marshes. Marsh-Tit.

ater. Black. Coal Tit.

cristatus. Crested. Cre3ted Tit.

cseruleus. Blue or azure-coloured. Blue Tit.

— — major. Greater or larger. Garden Tit»

Regulus. A diminutive of Rex, a king, from this bird having a crest or crown
of gold colour. Kinglet.

cristatus. Crested. Golden-crowned Kinglet.

Picus. j^From Usiku to peck. — Ed.] Woodpecker.

martius. " Martia Picus avis" (supposed to be this bird) is spoken

of in Ovid ; derived from Mars, the heathen god of war. Perhaps from
the upright attitude of the bird, and the blows it gives the trees. Black
Woodpecker.

viridis. Green. Green Woodpecker.

major. Greater or larger. Barred Woodpecker*.

medius. Middle (in point of size).

minor. Lesser. Pied Woodpecker.

villosus. Hairy. Hairy Woodpecker.

Sitta. Sittw supposed to have been the Nuthatch. Nuthatch.

Europsea. European. European Nuthatch.

Yunx. Wryneck.

torquilla. From torqueo, to turn or twist, as the Wryneck does its

neck. Zigzag Wryneck.
Certhia. Creper.

familiaris. Common or familiar. Hazel Creeper-

Upupa. Hoopoe.

"2ft NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

Upupa, epops. EwonJ/, a Hoopoe. Marsh Hoopoe .

Merops. The Latin name of a bird that eats Bees. Bee-eater.

apiaster. Apiastrum, an herb that Bees delight in; the name should

perhaps be apiastri. Yellow-throated Bee-eater.
Alcedo. The Halcyon or Kingfisher. Kingfisher.
ispida- Hispidus, rough, as with wet. fJOr perhaps from piscis, a

fish. — Ed.] Common Kingfisher.
Cinclus. KiyK^os, a bird which has the habit of moving its tail, supposed to

be the Dipper. Dipper.

aquatieus. That haunts or delights in water. Bank Dipper.

Loxia. Ao£os, oblique, crooked (as to its bill). Crossbill.

curvirostra. Having a curved bill. Common Crossbill.

pityopsittacus. Ilirvs-vos, a Pine tree, and •narrq.wx, a Parrot.

Pyrrhula. Uvq, fire, from the colour of the bird. Alp.

vulgaris. Common. Hedge Alp.

enucleator. Enucleo, to take out a kernel. Pine Alp.

Fringilla. fJFrom frango, to break or crush (seeds). — Ed.] Finch.

coccothraustes. Koxxos, a berry, and Qpxvu to break. Haw Finch.

chloris. Chloris, a green bird, such as the present Green F inch.

Passer. Sparrow.

domesticus- Domestic. House Sparrow-

montanus. Of or belonging to mountains. Tree Sparrow.

montifringilla?* Mons montis, a mountain, and Fringilla, a Finch-

Mountain Sparrow.
? calebs. A Bachelor.

Carduelis. |[From Carduus, a Thistle. — Ed.]

spinus. [Spinus, a Sloe, or Blackthorn. — Ed.] Green Siskin.

communis. Common. Common Siskin.

Linaria. Linarium, a Flax field, which the Linnets prey upon. Linnet.
Linota. A<»o», Flax or Hemp-seed ; of which these birds are fond. Br»wn
Linnet.

rubra. Ruddy, red. Redpoll Linnet.

montana. Of or belonging to mountains. Mountain Linnet.

Emberiza. Bunting.

nivalis. Snowy. Snow Bunting.

■ hortulana. Of or belonging to Gardens. Ortolan Bunting.

schamiclus. a-xoms, a Rush. Reed Bunting.

cirlus. Cirl Bunting.

* Vide the Preface to the Guide to an Arrangement of British Birds, by the Rev. F. 0. MonRis.

NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 29

Emberiza. chloroccphala. XXupos, green, and *.i<paX-o a head. Greenheaded
Bunting.

citrinetta. Citrinus, of a citron colour. Yellow Bunting.

miliaria. Milium, Millet, on which this bird feeds. Corn Bunting.

Alauda. [^Perhaps from a or ab from, and laudo, to praise. — Ed.] Lark.

arvensis. Of or belonging to fields. Sky Lark.

arborea. Of or belonging to woods or trees. Wood Lark.

Anthus. Latin name of a bird supposed to be of this genus. Pipit.

rupestris. Of or belonging to rocks. Rock Pipit.

— » — ■ — pratensis. Of or belonging to meadows. Meadow Pipit.
— — — arbor em. Of or belonging to trees. Tree Pipit.

Rickardi. So named after Mr. Richards. Richard's Pipit.

Tardus. Thrush.

— — — musicus. Musical. Garden Thrush.

- viscivorus. That feeds on Misseltoe. Viscus the Misseltoe, and voro
to devour. Missel Thrush.

Iliacus. Trojan ; coming perhaps from Asia-Minor, or it may be

derived some way from Ilex, the Holm Oak. Redwing Thrush.

pilaris. Fieldfare Thrush.

Merula. \Mera, alone, solitary. — Ed.] Ouzel.

vulgaris. Common. Garden Ouzel.

■ torquata. Having a ring, ringed. Ring Ouzel.

Muscicapa. Musca, a Fly, and capio to catch. Flycatcher.

luctuosa. Mourning, from its being all in black and white. Pied

Flycatcher.

grisola. Of a sober grey colour. Grey Flycatcher.

Motacilla. Moveo to move, and cilia a tail. Wagtail.

flam. Yellow. Yellow Wagtail.

boarula. [Boarius, appertaining to Oxen. — Ed]. Grey Wagtail.

alba. White. Pied Wagtail.

Anorthura. wu upwards, opu to raise, and ow* the tail. Wren.
troglodytes. The name of a people said to live in caves of the earth.

Ivy Wren.
Saxicola. Sam, rocks, and colo to inhabit. Chat.
senanthe. otwQx, the name of a bird supposed to be the Wheatear.

Fallow Chat.
rubetra. [From Rubeta a Toad, on account of the white streak over

the eye — Ed.]

Rubus a Bramble, and colo to inhabit. Stone Chat.

(To be continued in our next.)

A CATALOGUE, AND REMARKS ON THE MEDICINAL AND
POISONOUS PLANTS, FOUND PRINCIPALLY IN THE NEIGH-
BOURHOOD OP YORK.

Of the general divisions of the science of Botany, few are more interesting,
none certainly more useful, than that which treats of the properties, medical and
culinary, of the varied and enchanting products of Flora ; affording, as they do,
some of the most common necessaries of life, as well as those agents which, under
the hand of the chemist and pharmacopolist, form an important feature in the
present Materia Medica. •

In speaking, then, of the advantages attending the study of Medical Botany, it
will scarcely be necessary to remind the readers of the Naturalist, that, to use the
language of Professor Henslow, " the old and by-gone sneer of cui bono, by
which the naturalist was formerly taunted, now offers no serious impediment in
the way of those who are willing to inquire for themselves ;" and now that so
many opportunities are afforded by the publication of such works as those of
Woodville, and the more modern ones of Stephenson and Churchill, there
can only be wanting an interest in it, to render this subject, to a certain degree
at least, universally regarded by the lovers of Botany.

With respect to the locality which is the subject of this communication, it may
be remarked, that few counties possess more charms for the admirers of Nature,
than Yorkshire ; and this pre-eminence may perhaps be attributed, not so much
to its situation and extent, as to the diversified nature of its surface and soil ; em-
bracing, as it does, such wild and romantic scenery, surpassed perhaps only by
the Highlands of Scotland, together with extensive plains of rich pasture-land
and limestone tracts, and the varied appearances presented by the coal and other
formations, together with sand and marsh districts ; the whole bounded on one
side by the sea — the German Ocean. With such advantages, it may seem remark-
able, that no complete and exclusively Local Catalogue has yet appeared of
its botanical treasures ; this deficiency will, however, soon be supplied, a work
being in prospectu by an able and distinguished practical botanist,* who is in
every respect calculated to fulfil satisfactorily his important task. But until
this is accomplished, it is thought that a catalogue, with a few remarks on the
medical and poisonous plants found principally in the neighbourhood of York, may
not be altogether devoid of interest even to the general reader.

The Plants are arranged according to the Linnaean system, as at once the
plainest and most generally understood ; and their number is regulated with
regard to the commoner herbs by Stephenson and Churchill's work ; many
formerly employed and recorded in the days of Gerarde, and even Woodville,

• Mr. Batnes, sub-curator of the Museum of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF YORKSHIRE. 31

having now fallen into disuse . The Poisonous plants not used medicinally, are
marked thus*.

Valeriana officinalis ; root. Ditches and banks of rivers, &c. York. Anti-
spasmodic tonic.
*Anagallis arvensis. Fields at Langwith and Overton, near York.
Menyanthes trifoliata ; herb. Meadow between Clifton and the Ouse ; Askham
Bogs, near York. The difficulty of its cultivation generally, can be the only
reason for this beautiful plant not having a place in every garden ; and few peo-
ple there are, who have not at some time seen and admired its elegant thyrsus of
white flowers, tinged externally with pink, and fringed with white filaments
within. In the North East of Yorkshire it has long been a favorite remedy with
the poor, as a tonic.

Erythroea centaurium ; herb. At Langwith, and other dry pastures about
York. It is allied to the Gentians, and possesses properties similar to the
last.
Hyoscyamus niger ; leaves. Near Clifton, and at Overton, near York. Narcotic.
Solanum dulcamara ; twigs. Hedges, &c. York. Diuretic sudorific.
Convolvulus sepium ; roots, cathartic. Hedges, &c.

York has been generally given as a locality for the Sphinx convolvuli, and its
appearance may be attributed, perhaps, to the prevalence of this species of Con-
volvulus in the neighbourhood.

Rhamnus catharticus ; berries, cathartic. Askham Bogs, near York. This
shrub occurs but sparingly at this locality, although the other British
species of Rhamnus ( R. Frangula) is here, as in the other places about
York, very abundant.
Viola odorata ; flowers, laxative. Hedge banks and pastures.
*(Enanthe phellandrium. Langwith ; Overton ; Askham Bogs. The Fine-
leaved Water Hemlock is particularly abundant at the above localities,
and at Askham Bogs forms a green net-work over the ditches, where it
grows along with Ranunculus lingua^ in July.
*Mthusa cynapium. Gardens and cornfields, York.
F&niculum vulgare ; root diuretic, seed carminative. Under York Bar walls ,

naturalized.
Daucus carota ; seed, carminative. Heslington Fields, near York.
Conium maculatum ; leaves. Hedge banks, &c. Narcotic.
Ulmus campestris ? inner bark. Hedges. Tonic, alterative, diuretic.
Sambucus nigra ; flowers, diaphoretic ; berries aperient ; bark purgative.
Hedges, &c, York. This tree is common here, as in most localities;
the Sambucus ebulus, or Danewort, is not found in the immediate
vicinity ; I have gathered it at Thorp Arch.

32 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF YORKSHIRE.

Linum usitatissimum ; seeds, oil of, emollient. Langwith, naturalized ;
where it has probably been cultivated, as in other places about York.

Linum cartkarticum ; herb. Dry pastures, &c. Purgative.

Acorus calamus; root. Fish-ponds at Heslington; probably, however,
planted there. Aromatic.

Rumex hydrolapathum. Askham Bogs. Here this noble Dock attains se-
veral feet in height, and its leaves are sometimes two feet or more in
length. The root is employed medicinally, as an astringent, prepar-
ations of iron showing it to contain a certain quantity of tannin.

Rumex acetosa ; leaves, Pastures, &c. In the meadows near the Mount,
York, there are, in Summer, great quantities of the Green Forester
(Ino statices) sporting about, and settling on the tops of the long
grass, the larvae of which feed upon the Sorrel growing there. This
insect is found, too, at Overton Wood. Refrigerant.

Colckicum autumnale ; bulb and seeds. Clifton, Middlethorpe, and Fulford
Ings, abundant. This beautiful, and in Yorkshire by no means very
uncommon plant, has of late years obtained great celebrity as a re-
medy for rheumatism, and is believed to have been a principal ingre-
dient in the famous Eau Medicinale. Narcotic, diuretic, cathartic.

Polygonum bistorta ; root: Clifton and Fulford Ings. In Clifton Ings
this plant often attains the height of between two and three feet, al-
though it is much smaller in the last mentioned locality. Powerfully
astringent ; tonic.

* Paris quadrifolia. Langwith. I have gathered this plant at Thorp- Arch

Woods, and in two woods near Doncaster. It is not uncommon in York-
shire, and its numerous varieties do not seem to have been much noticed
by authors. In my Herbarium are specimens with five and six leaves
in the whorl ; one with only three petals and calyx leaves, and five
stamina. The variety with five leaves is far from being rare at the
Doncaster localities.

Oxalis acetosella ; leaves, refrigerant. Overton Wood, Langwith, &c.

Lythrum salicaria ; root, astringent, tonic. Knavesmire Wood, Heslington.

Rosa canina. Hedges, &c. Pulp, cooling.

Tormentilla officinalis; root. Dry pastures and heathy places, frequent.
Astringent.

Geumurbanum; root, febrifuge, tonic Hedge-banks, Clifton, &c> near York.

Papaver rhceas ; petals. Com fields. Slightly anodyne.

* Ckelidonium majus. Near the Bar walls, Clifton, &c.

Ranunculus acris ; root, rubefacient, epispatic This and the other poi-
sonous species of the genus, viz. R. flammula, *R- bulbosus, *R. arvensis,
and * R. sceleratus, are all found, in their usual habitats, near York.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF YORKSHIRE. 33

Mentha piperita ; herb. Brick-Kilns at Dring-houses, near York (naturalized).
Peppermint is extensively cultivated here for medicinal purposes. Sto-
machic, carminitive.

Origanum vulgare ; herb. Thorp-Arch Woods. Stomachic errhine.

Digitalis purpurea ; leaves. Langwith. This stately and elegant plant is
very common in some parts of Yorkshire, as at Doncaster, and may be
considered as the most important British contribution to the Materia
Medica. It is a very powerful medicine, and was first brought into gene-
ral notice by Withering, who wrote a small 8vo. work upon it. Sedative,
diuretic.

Cochlearia officinalis ; herb. Hob Moor, near York. Antiscorbutic.

Cgtisus scoparius ; tops. Middlethorpe, Langwith, &c. Diuretic.

Lactuca virosa ; leaves. Thorp- Arch. Narcotic.

Leontodon taraxacum. Meadows and pastures. Root. Diuretic, resolvent,
aperient.

Artemisia absinthium. Near villages, &c. ; not in the immediate neighbour-
hood of York. It is a fact worthy of notice, that notwithstanding the
severity of the weather during the autumn of 1836, the Common Southern-
wood ( Artemisia abrotanum) was in full bloom at the end of September
and beginning of October, in a small cottage garden at Clifton, near York.

Tussilago farfara ; leaves. Brick-kilns, Heworth, Hobmoor, &c. This pest
to the farmers is not so common in the neighbourhood of York as it is in
many places. As yet no means seem to have been adopted or discovered
for effectually eradicating it. Demulcent, expectorant.

Solidago virgaurea ; herb. Thorp- Arch Woods. Vulnerary.

Inula helenium ; root. Field near Overton Wood. I was so fortunate as to
discover this locality in a botanizing excursion, about a year and a half
ago ; the habitat is in a place far removed from any dwelling, and appears
to be a truly wild one for the plant. Stimulant, diuretic, expectorant.
, * Bryonia dioica. Hedges, &c.

Quercus robur ; bark, astringent and tonic. Hedges. At Overton Wood,
Thecla quercus, the Purple Hairstreak, the caterpillar of which feeds
upon the Oak, is abundant.

Humulus lupulus ; narcotic and diuretic. Fulford, &c. The female catkins.

*Mercurialis perennis. Side of the road beyond Acomb. This plant has
occasioned accidents, from its being gathered for Chenopodium Bonus-
Henricus, Mercury Goosefoot ; it flowers, however, early in the year
while the latter does not till the end of summer;

Doncaster, March 10, 1837-

No. 7, Vol. II. f •

SENSE OF SMELL IN CARRION BIRDS.
By the Rev. F. Orpen Morris, B. A.

A circumstance which lately came under my observation, will, I think, set at
rest the long-agitated question, whether carrion birds are directed to their food by
the sense of sight or the sense of smell. The day on which the recent heavy fall of
snow commenced, which has lain on the ground so long, a mare, in a field of
mine, slipped a foal. The snow storm coming on, it was entirely forgotten, and
remained in the same place where it lay, without being removed, so that it was
soon completely covered, and hidden by the fleecy fall, which clothed the earth as
it were with a mantle ; and the old proverb, " out of sight, out of mind," was
verified ; for the circumstance above alluded to was soon dismissed from re-
collection. It was recalled, however, by my seeing, one afternoon, two or
three hungry Crows, their appetites sharpened by the long frost, perambulating
the spot, and appearing to have found a meal. They were most polite to one
another this first day that I saw them ; for only one at a time presumed to
approach the banquet ; the others standing a few yards off, quietly and patiently
awaited their turn, and as soon as each had helped himself to his first course, his
companions one by one advanced, and having each seen his predecessor carve for
himself, came in for his own share. The next day this punctilious etiquette was not
observed, for all the comers, in number four or five, partook of the feast together,
and having simultaneously taken dinner, flew away in company, satisfied with
their good luck. At least they ought to have been ; for I heard of many other
birds, who either sunk under the " pelting of the pitiless storm," or fell victims
to the starvation to which the stopping of their usual supplies of food subjected
them.

With regard to the incident mentioned above, there are, I well know, two
semi-extenuating circumstances which may be alleged. The one, that in frosty
weather the olfactory and other organs of men and animals are rendered more
acute and discriminating than is the case in dull and heavy weather, when all
the senses and faculties are deadened, and oftentimes even fail of being able
adequately to perform their accustomed functions. The other, that the air is
also at the same time thinner ; therefore more conductive of both smells and
sounds, than at other times ; putrefaction is indeed checked or retarded by frost,
but where it has already taken place, the decomposed particles find their way
more easily through the rarified medium, than when it contains heavier atoms,
which, by their bulk, more retard the transmission of the former. Still, the
object of attraction being, as I have mentioned, hid from the sight altogether, it
matters little to the actual fact, of the birds being directed to their food by the
sense of smell alone, whether that took place under circumstances more favourable
than ordinary or not.

HABITS OF THE FITCHET WEASEL. 35

I have read the discussion carried on on this subject by Mr. Waterton, in
Loudon's Magazine of Natural History; I was always of opinion that Mr.
Waterton was right, and I am now confirmed in that opinion. Certainly, in
the case in question, the Crows must have been directed to their food by the sense
of smell alone, no part of the carcass being visible to the sight. The conclusion
is obvious. — Q. E. D.
Jan. 1, 1837.

HABITS OF THE FITCHET WEASEL (Mustela putorius, Linn.)

The habits of few of our native animals are less known than those of the
Fitchet Weasel. The shy dispositions and secluded residences of the Weasel
family generally render it difficult to observe minutely on their manners and
characters ; whilst, also, by many of those persons whose situations give them
opportunities of making observations upon them, they are looked upon as
enemies, and persecuted " to the death." The farmer may sometimes permit
the little red Weasel to find a home in the stack-yard or barn, from the
enmity it bears to the Rat; yet, should his dame have a poultry-yard, the
tenure of the Weasel will be, at best, but insecure. That foe to all vermin, the
gamekeeper, pursues the race with unmitigating vengeance, and mankind
generally look upon them as ugly and loathsome.

With the naturalist, however, they are a more favoured race ; and to him
the Weasel, as it gambols and skips before him, bending its limber body into
many a graceful curve, cannot but be a pleasing and interesting object.

The Fitchet is the largest and most ferocious of this family. It is very
seldom seen during the day, keeping then closely to its den. Sometimes,
however, it may be found in a shallow hole basking in the sun, and I remember
once disturbing one that had taken up its abode amongst some newly-cut
grass ; but yet they are rarely found to expose themselves so much during
daylight.

The time when this animal pursues its labours and its recreations is in
the silent hour of night ; then it is abroad, and the ground over which it will
travel in the course often or twelve hours, shows that it is not a loiterer. Sixr
seven, or eight miles are not uncommon distances for it to traverse in its
nightly perambulations ; and I have sometimes known them go still more.
When it is the resident of a Rabbit-warren, it may, perhaps, not wander so far
from home.

In the spring of the year I have found that they stray to the greatest dis-
tances, probably on account of the sexual propensity being then most active.
A person informs me he once followed one-for upwards of ten miles, not in-

36 HABITS OF THE FITCHET WEASEL.

eluding many digressions it had made from its more direct path. This was
about the end of March. In some of the northern counties of England,
the Fitchet is a grand object of chace amongst those who may not " try at
higher game," and indeed by many who are above this order of sportsmen,
Fitchet-hunting is esteemed excellent sport. It is from having joined in such
a pursuit, that I can speak positively with regard to the great distances they
will travel in a night.

The Fitchet is said to have a change of residence for Summer and Winter ;
inhabiting during the fine months the wild moors and secluded woods, and
coming in the cold season to the farm-yards and barns of the husbandman.
From what I have been able to observe, 1 do not think that so general a mi-
gration takes place as is supposed, but that where it has a haunt, it resides
somewhere near to it both winter and summer.

One reason why it may be considered to take up its abode about farm-
houses during the winter-season, may be, that then its presence is sooner
noticed, from the traces it leaves upon the snow. Nor do I think that it ever
has a regular lodging in stack-yards or barns. I have never found it so, but
have often traced it from some distance to such places, and always found
it return to the spot whence it came. In the summer season it has probably
no occasion to seek food in such places, that being then more easily procured
about the fields in open weather. I have often thought that this animal is
more plentiful than it would seem to be, did we judge from the few that are
generally seen. In one part of Northumberland, a few years ago, upwards of
forty were killed during one winter, within a space of eight or ten miles
diameter, by hunting them with terriers, and by one or two individuals. More
might have been destroyed which I did not hear of.

Bewick says, that this animal during the winter has a mode of procuring
subsistence which has hitherto escaped the observation of naturalists, and
which, though singular, he can vouch for the truth of. In a severe storm, one
of these animals was traced in the snow from the side of a rivulet to its hole,
at some distance from the stream. As it was observed to have made frequent
trips, and as other marks were seen which could not easily be accounted for,
it was thought worthy of greater attention. Its hole was accordingly exa-
mined, the Fitchet taken, and eleven fine Eels were discovered to be the fruit
of its nocturnal excursions. He observes, that "it may be a matter of curious
investigation for future naturalists, to enquire by what art this wily animal
finds its booty, so apparently difficult to obtain." I have often traced the
Fitchet along the edges of streams and rivulets, and anxiously endeavoured
to witness a repetition of this fact, mentioned by Bewick ; but though I have
examined many holes, from which Fitchets have been taken, I have never

BIRDS OF PASSAGE. 37

seen in them the remains of Eels or any other kinds of fish ; and I should be
inclined to think that Eels are not a very common dish with the species. The
skins and bones of Field Mice, the limbs of Frogs, and the feathers of birds,
are the remains generally met with in their holes.

In some parts of England, a kind of old-fashioned fence, formed of stones
loosely thrown together, is frequently met with ; in such places the Fitchet loves
to take up his abode, probably from their being more airy than holes burrowed in
earth, and also giving more room.

It is astonishing with what ferocity this animal fights when attacked, and the
Terrier that can overcome him, is considered a valuable animal. When he gets
hold of his foe, he only relinquishes it in death. While travelling one summer
amongst the mountains on the Scottish borders, I met with a person, famous as a
breeder of those Terriers celebrated by Sir Walter Scott, in the novel of Guy
Mannering, as " Peppers and Mustards." He showed me skins of the Fitchet
and Tod,* as trophies of the chase, which he considered to speak sufficiently for
the character of his Dogs. It is surprising to what perfection some of these Dogs
are trained to hunt the Fitchet. I knew one that would not follow the scent of
any other animal, and have seen a Common Weasel cross his path, when he has
been hunting the scent of a Fitchet, without his taking the least notice of it.

Professor Rennie gives an interesting account of a tame animal of this species.
It appears to have been perfectly domesticated, and to have shown much affection
and attachment to the family to which it belonged. The Fitchet, by Buffon
and some other naturalists, has been considered as incapable of being tamed above
a certain degree. If, however, the memoirs of " Follette," (the animal spoken of
by Rennie) be authentic, they prove that at least one of the race was so far
tamed, as not to be surpassed in exhibiting marks of fondness to its keepers even
by the faithful Dog.

W. R. Scott.

PERIOD OF THE ARRIVAL OF BIRDS OF PASSAGE.
By Edwabd Blyth.
All migratory birds arrive very gradually, and in fact come over at several
distinct periods, on nights when the moon enlightens their course. Even at the
present time, only about half the Blackcapt Fauvets (Ficedula atricapilla) have
arrived in this neighbourhood. Thus we perceive that our birds of passage
arrive in separate sets, which are divided by periods of non-arrival, i. e., when
there is no moon. The Fallow Chat, Bank Swallow, earlier Wrynecks, Dark-

* Fox.

38 CORRESPONDENCE.

legged Warblers (Sylvia loquaxj, Blackcapt Fauvets, and Willow Warblers,
arrive at the first, or perhaps at the first and second comings ; tor a few of one
or two of these generally precede the appearance of all these kinds. At the next
batch come the rest of the species enumerated, together with most of the
Locustells, Cuckoos, Redstarts, and Nightingales, many of the Chimney, and
some of the Window, Swallows, the earlier Whitethroated and Whitebreasted
Fauvets, Sedge and Marsh Reedlings, Whin Chats, and perhaps, an early Garden
Fauvet or two. Then at the following coming, along with the remainder of the
above, arrive the Wood Warbler, the Grey Flycatcher, and the Swift; and
another period intervenes ere the Nightjar arrives. There indeed appear to be
alternate fortnights of arrival and non-arrival, corresponding with the age of the
moon, the migration being also secondarily subordinate to the state of the weather,
being promoted by a southerly breeze, and much retarded by gales from the
opposite direction. These will be found to be about the usual periods, selecting
the medium week, which may form the fortnight, according to circumstances,
with the week preceding, or following it ; namely, first week in April, Blackcapt
Fauvet, Darklegged Warbler, Fallow Chat, Bank Swallow, Willow Warbler,
Wryneck ; second week, to the 15th : — Cuckoo, Nightingale; third week, to the
29th : — Garden Fauvet, Wood Warbler ; 13th of May : — remainder of the small
birds.

Tooting, Surrey, April 21, 1836.

CORRESPONDENCE.

PAPILIO PODALIRIUS A BRITISH INSECT.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Respected Friend, — Having noticed a good deal of dissension respecting the
genuineness of Papilio podalirius as a British insect, I take this opportunity of
announcing, through the medium of your Journal, that I myself possess a pair
which I believe to be British. I met with them under the following circum-
stances:—Happening to be at Portsmouth, the summer before last, for the first
time, I enquired, as is my usual practice on going to a town before unvisited by
me, for .collectors of Natural History specimens. I soon found one, and among
the collection was a pair of the above-named species. The owner assured me
they were British, that they were caught by a person she employed in the neigh-
bourhood, and that she set them up herself. As it would not be worth her while
to have imposed upon me in this instance, and especially as she did not seem
aware of the value of the specimens, I feel no doubt but they were really British.

SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 39

She could not at the time exactly ^inform me where they were taken ; but, on my
return to Portsmouth about a fortnight afterwards, she told me she had learned,
from the captor, that they were obtained in the New Forest. — From what I have
said, I feel justified in considering myself the fortunate possessor of specimens of
British P '. podalirius. — I am, respectfully, thy friend,

Thomas Allis,
Curator of the York Phil. Soc,
York, 2nd Month 21, 1837-

[We have much pleasure in inserting the above communication from our amiable and re-
spected correspondent, setting at rest, as in our opinion it does, the point in dispute relative to the
Papilio podalirius Ed.]

PROCEEDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES.

ST. JAMES'S ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
We are happy to be able to state, that this Society — which we mentioned
in a number — is in a flourishing state, and that the list of members, al-
ready long, is fast increasing. The collection of water birds in the park is very
interesting. A few weeks ago, one of those beautiful birds, the Smew Merganser
(Mergus albellus) was turned in, and delightful it was to observe its agility in
the water, and wonderful success in fishing ; but, alas ! it had not been there
three days, before some blackguard killed it with a stone. It was found dead, with
its skull indented. Such acts of wanton destructiveness must be very discour-
aging to the Society, and we hope means will be taken to prevent their recurrence.

ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY.
March 4. — The Right Hon. C. W. William Wynn, M. P., President, in the
chair. — A paper by Colonel Sykes, "On the Origin of the popular belief in the
Upas, or Poison Tree of Java," was read. The romantic story of this wonderful
tree, which spreads its baneful influence many miles round, and the near approach
to which is almost certain death— with the details of condemned criminals sent
to the tree to collect its poisonous juices, and pardon to the few who might escape
its malignant emanations — have been for many years before the public. The dis-
covery of the real Upas tree very much lowered the interest of the tale, and tie
whole was set down to the imagination of the Dutch physician who first circu-
lated the account. But a visit made in 1830 to the Poison Valley of Java, by
Mr. Loudon, whose account has been published, has restored much of the interest
of the original story, though still much must, be referred to exaggeration. The
noxious exhalations — the rapid extinction of life in the animals directly submitted

40 SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES.

to their influence — the number of skeletons seen lying about the valley, bleached
to the whiteness of ivory — go far to furnish foundation for a dreadful tale : and
such are the actual scenes visited and described by Mr. Loudon. This gentleman
is inclined to impute the poisonous nature of the air in the valley rather to veget-
able miasmata than to the emission of carbonic acid gas from the ground. Col.
Sykes is of a different opinion, and assigned his reasons.
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Amongst the plants exhibited at a meeting of this Society, of the 7th of March,
were the following :— Splendid specimens of Dendrobium fimbriatum D. Pie?-adi,
and D. pitlckellum, from Messrs. Loddiges ; a new species of Callistemon, from
W. Harrison, Esq. ; Ipomsea Horsfallice, &c, from Mrs. Lawrence ; Andro-
meda floribunda, &c, from Mr. Glenny ; and a Rhododendron Russellianum, from
Mr. Gaines. Messrs. Loddiges obtained the Society's large silver medal, and
the other exhibitors respectively the silver Knightian medal. Many other beauti-
ful plants were exhibited ; and the usual distribution of grafts of esteemed and new
varieties of fruit took place. — The following is the statement of the extreme con-
ditions of the barometer and thermometer, and the amount of rain observed in the
Society's garden since the 21st of February : —

Barom. Highest, March 1 30.431.

Lowest, Feb. 23 29.324.

Therraom. Highest, Feb. 21 54° Fahr.

Lowest, Feb. 25 28°

Total amount of rain 0.21 in.

LINNiEAN SOCIETY.
Feb. 21. — A. B. Lambert, Esq., V.P. in the chair. — Mr. Iliff exhibited part
of an Oak tree, which had been blown down during the late hurricane at Wind-
sor Forest, and which, upon being split, was found to be carved in the interior
with the letters " W. B. 16'70." This singular circumstance was ascribed to the
growth of a new layer of alburnum in the part where the old wood had been cut
out, which was subsequently formed into wood. The Chairman exhibited the
leaves and flowers of a new species of Tamarisk, collected by Lieutenant Well-
sted in Mount Sinai. The Secretary read a communication from Lieutenant
W. on the Manna, Dragon's-blood, and Socotrine Aloe of Commerce. The author
found the true Manna tree, Tamariscus mannifera, growing plentifully in
Egypt, Nubia, and Mount Sinai, but only yielding manna in the latter locality ;
from which circumstance, as well as from its being produced by various vegetables,
as several species of Oak, Fraxinus, and the shrub Gavan, he concludes that it is
not a vegetable educt, but the deposition of an insect of the genus Coccus. It is
collected by the natives early in the morning, and about 700 lb. weight is gene-
rally procured during one season. The tree which yields the Dragon's-blood
(Sanguis draconis) grows on limestone rocks to the height of eighteen feet, and

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 41

from three to five feet in circumference ; and although it exudes sponta-
neously, the natives make large punctures in the tree, in order to obtain it in
greater quantities. The tree which yields the Socotrine Aloes, thrives only
in barren spots ; the island of Socotra being most thickly studded with them,
from which 202 tons were exported in 1813. The commencement of a paper
from Mr. Lusborough was next read, •' On the importance and practicability
of adopting a more correct and systematic method in describing and arranging
the genera of Grasses."

March 7. — A. B. Lambert, Esq., in the chair. — The Chairman exhibited a
stalk of the Cow-tree, from Sir William Symonds, which was nine feet four
inches long, the circumference, at eighteen inches from the root, being 5? inches,
and in two other parts 3£ inches. It has been known, by Lord Lauderdale, to
grow to the height of twelve feet six inches, and is frequently found but little
inferior in size. He also read a description of the Courie (Dalhara Australis),
an immense tree, being in one instance forty-two feet ten inches in circumference,
at a height of eight feet from the ground, and sometimes growing to sixty-four
feet, clear of the branches. A communication was read from Mr. Bennett,
being "Botanical Notices made during a late excursion to the South Seas."
These were, — 1. The South-sea Arrowroot, growing generally in the Polynesian
Islands, and some few in China, but more particularly in the Georgian and
Society Islands. The plant is herbaceous, not exceeding five feet in height, the
root being broad, and in three divisions. Its more favourable habitat is on the
hills near the sea-coast, where it flourishes amongst rank herbage. The root is
ground with a rude instrument formed of the husks of Cocoa-nuts, or rubbed
against the rough and strong tubercles of the skin of a fish of the Ray kind, when
it is collected in water and washed. 2. The Nankin Cotton, from which this
celebrated fabric derives its colour. 3. The Mountain Plaintain (Musa speciosa),
growing in the groves to a considerable extent, each tree bearing only one cluster
of fruit, and that but once, when it decays. 4. Casuarina aquacetafoliay one of
the numerous iron roots of Europeans, the specific gravity of which being greater
than that of sea- water, is hence used in making wooden anchors. 5. South-sea
Chesnut, a lofty and umbrageous tree, the fruit of which is pulpy and fibrous,
and the kernel dense, but when roasted making good food ; and 6. Irum hcemo-
phyllum, a valuable timber and furniture tree, which is much used in the con-
struction of churches and houses of Assembly. — Athenaeum. \

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Jan. 10 — W. B. Scott, Esq., in the chair. Mr. Reid described several Mam-
malia presented to the Society by Mr. Darwin, who accompanied the surveying
ship Beagle, as naturalist to the exnedition. The collection obtained by Mr.
No. 7, Vol. II. g

42 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Darwin includes 80 species, while the birds consist of 450 specimens, including
150 species, some of them obtained from the Gallapagos Islands, and stated by
Mr. Gould to be entirely new forms in this country. Mr. Gould also described
two species of Quail, from Australia, where five kinds are at present known ;
likewise, two specimens of Hcemapodii. — The Secretary read a communication
from Mr. Bennett, " on the luminosity and phosphorescence of the sea," the
writer being of opinion, that this phenomenon is produced by Moltusca, and other
animals, as well as by a highly charged electrical state of the water.

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Jan. 2.— The Rev. F. W. Hope, F. R. S., in the chair.- -Mr. Rudder, of
Bristol, exhibited numerous specimens of North American insects obtained from
Turpentine, and several insects found in gum cepal and gum animi, the latter
being obtained by dissolving the gum in exotic oil of Lavender, and solution of
ammonia. The President complimented Mr. Rudder upon his labours, and
expressed his belief, that a complete collection of the insects of North America
might be obtained from this source. The following memoirs were also read : — 1.
Descriptions of new species of Australian HalticcE, by Mr. Waterhouse, one of
the species being identical with the English Turnip Fly. 2. Description of the
nest of the West-Indian Trap-deer (Cteniza nidulans), by Mr. Sells. 3. Some
observations on Agoum paradoxum, by Mr. Westwood.

BOTANICAL SOCIETY.

Jan. 5. J. E. Gray, Esq., F. R. S„ in the chair. A paper was read by the
Curator, Mr. Cooper, "On the distribution of the localities of plants in
Battersea Fields." The plants were characterised under the following heads :
I. those found in meadows and pastures; 2. in cultivated fields; 3, in Osier
grounds; 4, on commons; 5, in ponds and ditches; and 6, in market gardens.
So numerous are the indigenous plants of Battersea Fields, that of 104 na-
tural orders described in Lindley's British Flora (1st edit.) 61 were found in
this locality.

Jan. 19. Mr. W. H. White, in the chair. Dr. Macintyre read a paper —
" On the plants to be met with on Warley Common, near Brentwood." Among
them were the following : — Aspidium clilatatum, A- angulare, A. libatum, A,
trickiomanes, and Asplenium nigrum.

EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

Zoology.

1. On the genera Dipus and Gerbillus. — A paper was read before the
Acadcmie des Sciences of Paris on the 29th of August, 1 836, on the above in-
teresting and hitherto somewhat obscure genera, by M. F. Cuvier, who has
long turned his particular attention to the Rodentia. The Jerboas {Dipus) are
remarkable for the length of the posterior extremities, by the three toes on the
feet, which alone touch the ground, either in jumping or walking, and which are
only articulated to one metatarsal bone, — by a large head, a short muzzle, large
eyes, a long tail, &c. These animals are, however, divided into several sections,
according to the absence or the number of the rudimentary toes on the hind feet.
M. Lichtenstein ranges them in three divisions : — 1. those with three toes, nor-
mally situated on the hind legs; 2, those having, in addition, another rudimentary
toe ; 3, those with two rudimentary toes. The inspection of the heads of several
species of the first division, says F. Cuvier, has convinced him, that these ani-
mals are not only distinguished from those which have five toes on the hind feet
by the number of toes, but also by the form of the molar teeth, and by the
structure of the head. Thus while in these, the molars are numerously and irre-
gularly indented, in the others there is but one indentation on each side of those
teeth ; and other differences, characteristic of the divisions, might be named. —
The species with three posterior toes, are remarkable for the size of the head, a
peculiarity resulting from the unusual development of various parts mentioned
by M. Cuvier. In the kinds with five toes, on the contrary, the head is con-
siderably smaller, all the parts of the ears lying in a small compass, and those
forming the zygomatic arch being linear, thus presenting narrow surfaces for the
insertion of the various muscles. From these observations, M. Cuvier determined
that the Jerboas with three toes ought to be separated from those having five ; the
former he proposes leaving in Dipus, and removes the latter to Allactaga. — IVL
Cuvier remarks, that the Gerbils (Gerbillus ) have no connexion with the Jer-
boas, but that they approach nearer to the Dormouse and the Rat. The memoir
concludes with an account of a new species, Allactaga arundinis, which appears
to have been known to Shaw, but which has never been well described. The
paper was accompanied by numerous figures, one representing Burton's Gerbil ;
and nine known species were ascertained to belong to the genus.

2. Observations on a species of Fox, inhabiting the Desert of Sahara.
— M. Bodichon placed before the Academie some details relative to an animal
having the appearance and habits of a Dog, but which he believes to appertain to
the genus Fox, Vulpes. We present Mons. B.'s remarks without comment : —
The cranium is flattened above; the head is long; the ears are high in
the head, as in the Jackal, and long; neck slender and lengthened; the

44 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

hinder part higher than in front ; the legs longer and the body thinner than in the
common Fox. The hair is of a tawny colour on the upper parts, grey under-
neath; the throat, lips, and tip of the tail, are pure white. — This animal exhales
no fetid odour. It lives in considerable herds, amounting sometimes to fifty
individuals, which hunt in company, attacking Gazelles, Sheep, and Calves. So,
at least, observes M. Bodichon, the Arabs tell me ; I have never myself seen
more than six or seven together. It is not found in mountainous countries, so
that the French possessions known by the name of Massif dAlgar are deprived
of it. It sometimes occurs in the plain of Metidja, more frequently behind the
first chain of the Atlas ; but the desert of Sahara is its favourite habitat, and
there it is seen in immense numbers. — On the flat grounds they are a match for
the Jackals, which cannot approach them with impunity ; in the mountains, on
the contrary, they carefully avoid the Jackals. — Translated and abridged from
the " Annales des Sciences Naturelles," Sept. 1836.

3. On Parasitic Larvae. — A paper on this subject was laid before the Aca-
demie des Sciences, in July 1836, by M. L. Dufour. One circumstance related
in it deserves especial attention. It is an instance of parasitism the singularity
of which is calculated to excite the curiosity of the physiologist, and is furnished
by a larva supposed to be of the order Diptera, living in the abdominal cavity of
Andrena aterrima, a hymenopterous insect. It is sometime since M. Dufour
described a larva (that of Ocyptera bicolor), which imparts to the Pentatome, of
which it is a parasite, a cavity appropriated exclusively by itself, and which
becomes the only aperture whereby the air can reach its respiratory apparatus.
This anatomical usurpation is certainly remarkable. But it is quite another
thing with the parasite larva of Andrena. This larva lodges itself in the great
tracheal vessel at the base of the abdominal cavity of hymenopterous insects. It
is fixed there by means of two similar tracheal tubes, both ramifying into its body.
This double trachea is furnished by the large bladder of which it is the continua-
tion.— This unusual case of parasitism, this example of two insects of widely
different genera — one grafted upon the other, by the most important organic
apparatus, that of the circulation — constitutes a fact hitherto unheard-of in the
annals of science ; and M. Dufour observes, that nothing at all analogous to it
is known, except the utero-fcetal circulation of the larger animals — and even be-
tween these two phenomena there exists an immense difference. — Bibliotheqve
Universelle de Geneve.

4. — Notes on Viviparous Serpents. — One of my friends, says Mr. Samuel
Woodruff, having killed a large water serpent (Coluber sipedon, Less.) came to
inform me that it was full of young. On opening its body, I found in its sto-
mach two moderate sized Toads, and several insects and larva?. Distinct from
the stomach and the other viscera, but contiguous, and only separated by a thin

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 45

membrane, there was a cylindrical body, seven inches in length, and about one
inch thick. This organ was white, and of a mammillary structure, porous, and
resembling a cellular sponge. With gentle pressure it emitted a milky fluid. On
the outside of this organ, I observed heads of young Serpents about an incli in
length. They were so small and tender, that in extracting them from their cells,
I crushed several ; but I succeeded in getting out a few, measuring from three to
six inches in length, and of the thickness of a knitting-needle. The Serpent was
killed with a pointed stake, which passed across the body, bruising part of the
organ containing the young. These latter were also injured, so that I could not
ascertain their exact number ; but there were between ten and twenty. They
had evidently never left their mother's body, nor were they capable of feeding on
anything but liquids, and even that not of their own accord. I therefore con-
cluded that the mammillary organ was the place in or near which they com-
menced their existence, and which, at a certain stage of their growth, supplied
them with nourishment. The following fact tends to confirm this opinion : —
Several years afterwards I examined a number of young Serpents of a different
genus, and found them much larger, and considerably stronger and more lively
than those taken from the body of the water serpent. — Dr. Silliman's American
Journal, vol. xxiv.

5. — The True Cause of the Sound produced by Insects in Flying. —
It is generally believed, both by men of science and by the vulgar, that the " buz-
zing" of insects in flight is caused by the vibration of their wings. Dr. Hermann
Burmeister, in a paper on this subject published in the Annalen der Physik
und Chemie, combats that notion, and states, that it is really produced by the
contact of the air with certain air or respiration holes in the thorax, the sound
being assisted and modified by the motion of the wings, and being produced much
in the same manner as the notes of a flute. The Doctor proves that the wings
alone cannot be looked to as the cause of the humming, by its being still heard
when the wings are entirely removed, and the insect is held by the legs ; and he
demonstrates that the above-mentioned air-holes are the true whistles — for to such
they may be compared — by the fact, that when those tubes are filled with gum,
and the insect flies away, the sound is no longer heard. True, the animal can
only survive this operation a short time, from the impossibility of breathing ; but
Dr. Burmeister considers that the experiment satisfactorily points out the truth
of his views. In these opinions— -facts we might call them — Dr. B. is opposed by
M. Silbermann, and supported by MM. Dumeril, Schelver, and Chabrier. —
Those who desire a more minute account of Dr. Burmeister's discovery, are
referred to the German work, Annalen der Physik und Chemie, vol. xxxviii., or
to the translation of the Professor's paper, in Taylor's Scientific Memoirs, vol. i.
p. 377.

46 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

BOTANY.
6. — Synopsis of the JungermannijE of Germany and the neighbour-
ing Countries. — Although many important works have been written on the
Hepaticce since the publication of the present volume by Mons. T. P. Ekart,
amongst others that of Nees d'Esenbeck on the Hepaticce of Europe, the above
Synopsis is not on that account the less indispensable to those engaged in the
study of this portion of cryptogamic plants. His excellent figures, extracted from
Sir W. J. Hooker's Monograph, will prove of great use in the study of these
plants, the extreme minuteness of which renders them so difficult to understand.
It also contains good descriptions, and a carefully selected synonymy of the Jun-
germannice found in Germany, the British Isles, Switzerland, France, and Europe
in general. The author suspects, and not without reason, that those species of a ge-
nus which, from their smallness, easily escape observation, may one day be inclu-
ded in the German flora. One hundred and five Jungermannice, or nearly the whole
of the European species, are described. — The classification, as usual, is determined
according to the shape and situation of the leaves, the absence or presence of stipulse,
&c. The part of the work treating of this subject, by M. Nees, in which the
system is based upon the organs of fructification, has not been published, so that
M. Ekart has not had the advantage of the labours of that learned botanist in
this particular. The new method of dividing and classing the Jungermanni<ey
contemplated by M. Nees, although more philosophic and satisfactory, inasmuch
as it depends on more important characters, will require much time and many
new observations to establish it. It has, moreover, this great inconvenience. —
especially great to beginners — that it cannot dispense with an examination of the
floral parts in plants in which it is very rare to find them. The figures accom-
panying M. Ekart's work, represent, highly magnified, nearly all the known
species, and are, above all praise, beautiful and correct.

GEOLOGY.

7- On the Fossil Flora of Silesia. — M. Goppert has solicited the aid of his
countrymen in an account he intends drawing up of the petrifications of Silesia.
But the specimens he in a short time received from every part of the district were
so numerous, that he was obliged materially to enlarge the field of his labours.
Instead of a mere description of the fossil roots discovered in Silesia, he has under-
taken a monograph of this family, of which the Silesian roots have only served as
a commencement of his researches. The number of roots described in this work —
including about one-third of the fossil plants known — is 268; of which 96 are
found in the coal strata of Silesia, 91 in England, 49 in France, 32 in Bohemia, 63
in the rest of Germany, 2 in Scandinavia, 4 in the East Indies, and 2 in New
Holland. Only 212 kinds were before known ; but M. G.'s work has increased
this number by one-fourth, of which 50 are peculiar to Silesia. — Bib. Vnivers. de
Gen., Nov. 1836.

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

A Synopsis of the Birds of Australia and the adjacent Islands. By Joh#
Gould, F.L. S,, &c. Part 1. London: published by the author, 20, Broad
Street, Golden Square. Jan". 1837-
Having elsewhere repeatedly been called upon to speak in terms of the highest
admiration of the valuable and splendid works of Mr. Gould — especially his
Birds of Europe — we are well nigh at a loss to know how to express our opinion
of the commencement of his new work, now before us. However, we will do our
best to convey to our readers an idea of its plan and aim, and of the manner in
which they are executed. — A figure, natural size, of the head of each bird is given,
with, occasionally* the rest of the body supplied in outline, and in some cases we
have the tarsi and wings. The letter-press consists of descriptions, in Latin and
English, of the species, with synonyms, &c, and the habitat. These accounts are
short but pithy, and will at once serve to point out to the student the species to
which the Australian birds which may happen to be in his collection belong, and will
supply the requisite information relative to birds before unknown to him. We
could have wished to have heard some particulars of the habits of our feathered
friends in Australia ; but of these, we fear, too little is at present known to furnish
much matter of interest or importance. — With regard to the plates, they leave
nothing for us to desire. For accuracy and vigour of delineation, we consider
them unrivalled ; and on the score of beauty, we verily believe this work would
prove no mean ornament on the lady's drawing-room table. They are executed
with the practised hand of a master ; and we particularly admire the representa-
tions of the genus Malurus, where the heads are finished as usual, and the rest
of the bodies sketched in a light and excellent style. The colours, too, are as
judiciously and accurately laid on as we could desire, and Mr. Gould has not
failed even where the tints are most brilliant and difficult to obtain the fresh-
ness and vividness of Nature. The first part of the Birds of Australia includes
forty-five species, and each succeeding publication — to appear quarterly — will
contain about the same number, the whole to be completed in from'six to eight
parts. We hope to receive this excellent work regularly, and shall in that case
take an early opportunity of announcing its progress.

Contribution to a Natural and Economical History of the Coco-nut Tree- By

Henry Marshall, Deputy-Inspector General of Army Hospitals. 8vo. p.p.

32. Edinburgh: John Stark. 1836.

This unpretending pamphlet, appearing in almost too modest an attire, is rich

in the store of interesting facts it has collected together ; and Mr. Marshall,

combining his own observations in Ceylon with the remarks of various authors

48 REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

from an early period, merits high praise for the skilful elucidation of the subject
he has taken in hand. Indeed, for the future every modern account of the Coco-nut
might be greatly enriched from the facts set down in the work before us, a few of
which, to gratify curiosity (for we are persuaded they are not much known), we
shall record.

The Coco-tree (Cocos nucifera) belongs to the Moncecia Hexandria of the
Linnsean system, and to the natural order Palnice. The stem rises to the height
of from 60 to 100 feet, crowned with 12 or 14 gracefully drooping fronds, from
10 to 15 feet long, from 3 to 4 in width, and finely pinnated. The flowers are
included in a large spathe ; they are spicate axillary, with a few female flowers
at the base of each spike, those above being male. The fruit is clustered about
the size of a man's head, requiring nearly twelve months to become completely
ripe. The kernel (Endosperm) is white, and hollow, containing about a pint of
whey-coloured liquor, often improperly called " milk" in England, the real milk
being quite different. The nut, originally trilocular, has one hole at the base,
closed with a black membrane, and two external depressions, resembling holes,
" which gives it the appearance of the head of a Monkey." The embryo is situated
immediately under the membrane that covers the hole in the shell, through which
the germinating shoot projects, while the water and kernel of the interior supply
nourishment to the embryo and its rootlets.

The Maldivian Islands appear to have been the birth-place of the Coco-nut
tree, from whence it has been distributed abundantly throughout the tropics.
It thrives best in the vicinity of the sea, and may be watered with salt or fresh
water. Some of the Malay isles, it is alleged, would be uninhabitable without
this Palm, from their want of fresh water. The inhabitants give Coco-nut whey
to their cattle, and never use any other beverage themselves. The fruit requires a
mean temperature of 72° Fahr., to bring it to perfection. Plantations of Coco-
nuts are called topes, and some very large ones exist in India. One is mentioned
by Buchanan, 18 miles in length, and from one to a quarter of a mile in width.
In Ceylon 10,000,000 Coco trees were estimated in 1813, to be growing on the
S. W. coast only. The lands which are occupied with this plant alone, yield a
settled income to the owners, without much labour.

The Coco-nut tree blossoms and bears fruit at five or six years of age, continues
to grow for 30 years, bears fruit until 60 years, and dies at 90 or 100. The
following curious list of its products and economical uses we have collected from
Mr. Marshall's " contribution" to its history. The roots are chewed as a sub-
stitute for the areca-nut — a cloth-like net-work, called matulla, is obtained
from the base of the fronds — the unexpanded leaf-bud is much prized as an
article of diet — the leaves are manufactured into baskets, mats, carpets, sails,
tents, &c. — the dried fronds form torches — the petiole is made into oars, brushes,

REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 49

&c. — the spathe forms aprons and petticoats — the pulp of the young nut forms a
vegetable blanc-mange, and 100 sorts of sweetmeats are made in India from the
kernel — the " milk" or emulsion (prepared from a pressure of the grated kernel,
and a little hot water) is used as extensively as cow's milk is employed with us,
and also for curries, &c. — Sugar, toddy, and arrack are prepared from the sweet
juice of the flower-stalk, in which case the trees are prevented from fruiting —
Vinegar and yeast are prepared from the toddy, which is also medicinally used
as an aperient — a decoction of the root is " a very useful remedy in intermittent
fevers" — the matulla forms a'lint for wounds, bruises, and Leech-bites — the flower-
juice is recommended as a demulcent, and the whey -like fluid in the young nut is
considered as an excellent cosmetic for the fair-sex — finally, the oil prepared from
the kernels, either by decoction or expression, is used for innumerable purposes, —
forms soap and candles, and by great pressing is separated into a pure limpid oil
called elaine, and an unctuous solid substance, stearine, now manufactured under
a patent at an establishment near Vauxhall Bridge, London. Besides all this,
the fibrous covering of the husk of the nut is made into a substance called Coir,
much used for stuffing mattresses, cushions, &c, and highly esteemed as a supe-
rior material for cordage. The shells themselves, as may be easily imagined, are
made into cups, and a host of other ornamental trinkets. In 1825, Ceylon alone
exported 6,933,552 nuts, chiefly to the continent of India, which were valued at
£7,561, or little more than a farthing each. In the London market the price of
Coco-nuts is from 10s. to £l 10s. per 120, subject to a duty of Is. when imported
from a British possession.

We should like to see monographs of other trees executed in as interesting a
way as that employed to so good a purpose by Mr. Marshall with the Coco-nut.
We know nothing so well adapted to excite general attention to the study of
vegetables, and to remove the senseless and captious sneer, so often raised against
the quiet labours of the unassuming botanist, that his time is wasted in no higher
object than counting sepals, stamens, and pistils ; — as if because a man was
observed unlocking a door, he should be represented as a trifler playing with a
lock and key, by some casual wanderer who did not wait to see him enter the
building whose door he was unlocking.

A History of British Quadrupeds. By Thomas Bell, F.R.S., F.L.S., Prof, of

Zool. jn King's Coll. Lond. London : Van Voorst, Paternoster Row. Part

viii. " March, 1837.

With increasing pleasure we hail the appearance of each succeeding number

of this elegant and valuable publication, which combines neatness of "getting up'

with accuracy of scientific and popular information. The names of the authors

employed on the whole series, at once place the work beyond the suspicion of its

No. 7, Vol. II. h

50 ItEVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

being a mere book-making speculation, and that, in these mercenary days, is no
small recommendation. At the same time, from the exceeding usefulness of such
a series, and from the admirable manner in which it has hitherto been conducted,
we hope and trust, that it has proved a source of profit to the enterprising pub-
lisher. The present number contains the conclusion of the Hare family (Le-
pori a>), the Hog family ( Suidae) and the commencement of the Horse family
(Equidat), including altogether seven species. We had marked several passages
for insertion ; but notwithstanding the increase of letter-press in our current num-
ber, regret our inability to find room for them.

The Ornithological Guide; discussing some interesting points in Ornithology.
By Charles Thorold Wood, jun., Esq. London : Whittaker & Co. 1837.
sm. 8vo.

The principal contents of the Ornithological Guide are, a chapter on vernacular
and scientific nomenclature, notices of books, and a catalogue of British birds for
labelling cabinets. The first part we sincerely recommend to the perusal not only
of the ornithologist, but of naturalists in general. We consider the rules there
laid down with regard to nomenclature, for the most part, sound and practical,
and we doubt not but natural science would be greatly benefitted by their general
adoption. We think, however, that the opinions on this subject expressed by
Hugh E. Strickland, Esq., might have been couched in gentler terms. Mr. S.
appears to us to have the worst of the argument ; but, unless he has a heart of
steel — and, until credibly assured that this is actually the case, we do not feel
inclined to believe it- — the views promulgated by that gentleman, in the Analyst,
might surely have been discussed in a more philosophical manner. We shall
make no extracts from this portion of the book, as we wish our readers to peruse
the whole of it themselves.

Of the second chapter we cannot speak in favourable terms ; independently of
the style in which the critical notices are written, they could be of little use, only
about fifty works being included, and no inconsiderable number of important pub-
lications being passed over without the slightest allusion.*

In the third division — the list of native birds for labelling cabinets — we are
happy to be enabled to renew our commendation. The author has here had an
admirable opportunity of carrying his theory into practice; and, with a few un-
important exceptions, we think he has succeeded remarkably well. But why will
Mr. C. T. Wood draw upon himself the deserved ridicule of the naturalist by in-
troducing his absurd method of orthography ? In conclusion, we may observe that

* In the Editor's Ornithologist's Text-Book, about three times as many works are noticed a*
in the Ornithological Guide ; in the former work the preface acknowledges the unavoidable im-
perfection of that portion of the book ; in the latter, no kind of apology or excuse is offered.

REVIEW OF PERIODICALS. 51

this Guide contains many hints well worth attention ; but, notwithstanding the
date of the preface, it does not appear to have been written with that care and
accuracy so necessary in a scientific treatise.

The Naturalist's Library. "Conducted by Sir W. Jardine, Bart., F. R. S. E.,
F. L. S., &c. Mammalia, Vol. VI. Ordinary Cetacea or Whales. Edin-
burgh : Lizars ; Highley, London ; Curry, Dublin. 1837.
Here we have an extremely well- written account of a most interesting but
somewhat obscure race of animals, illustrated by the usual ample number of co-
loured plates, and at the same extraordinarily low price as heretofore. The
volume opens witha biographical sketch of Lacepede, or M. le Comte de Lace-
pede, as his countrymen would doubtless wish him to be styled. — The Cetacea
have ever been wrapped in much obscurity, the accounts of species resting for the
most part on the confused accounts of mariners, or the drawings of unscientific
persons. The valuable works of Scoresby and others have greatly contributed
towards the elucidation of the Cetacea, but much yet remains to be done. The
present volume places the subject in as clear a point of view as it will at present
admit of, and contains much that will instruct the naturalist as well as interest
the less scientific reader.

PERIODICALS.

The Magazine of Zoology and Botany. Conducted by Sir Wm. Jardine, Bart.

P. J. Selby, Esq., and Dr. Johnston. Edinburgh : Lizars ; Highley, London,

No. v. Feb. 1837.
This is an invaluable journal ; but we fear that the public is yet scarcely pre-
pared for it ; and that it will be supported rather by the names of its Editors and
contributors, than by the real interest it will impart to the generality of readers.
The perusal of the present number has given us sincere pleasure ; and we hope so
excellent a magazine will maintain its ground.

The Analyst ; a Quarterly Journal of Science, Literature, Natural History, and
the Fine Arts. Edited by W. Holl, F. G. S., and Neville Wood, Esq.,
&c. London: Simpkin and Marshall. No. xix. Jan. 1837-
Each No. of the Analyst contains much matter of interest to the naturalist,
under the various heads of " Original Communications," " Correspondence,"
" Proceedings of Provincial Societies," " Miscellaneous Communications,"
" Extracts from the Foreign Journals," and " Reviews," concluding with
a meteorological report for the preceding quarter. It is not for us to pro-
nounce any opinion on the merits of this periodical, but of course we are expected
to take some notice of every work, bearing on Natural History, that may be
sent us.

5-2

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

ZOOLOGY.

The Brake Nightingale (Philomela luscinia) breeding in Confinement.
— A bird-catcher in this town had a pair of Nightingales that bred while in his
possession, during the summer of 1833. They were captured the previous sum-
mer. The female laid five eggs, which were all hatched. Three of the young
birds were reared ; and although the male died previously, still the female did not
relax her attentions to her offspring. This is the only instance I have known of
the Nightingale breeding in confinement. — J. D. Salmon. Thetford, Norfolh
Feb. 6, 1836.

Departure of the Chimney Swallow (Hirundo rustica) in 1836. — At
the end of September, 1836, the greater number of Chimney Swallows had winged
their course over the sea; but we observed several individuals of the species in
the neighbourhood of Doncaster on the evening of Oct. 3rd. Most of them were
in so weak a state as to be scarce able to support themselves on the wing ; as they
were not young birds, and as the weather was mild, we cannot at present adduce
a satisfactory reason for so strange a circumstance. — Ed.

The Peewit Lapwing (Vanellus cristatus). — Lapwings have now congregated
in large flocks upon our fields, on their passage to the south, or to the sea-coasts,
where food, during winter, can be obtained. — James Stuart Menteath, Close-
burn Hall, Dumfriesshire, Oct. 25, 1836.

Anecdote of a Shetland Pony. — I was some time since passing rather late
in the evening, through one of the streets in the immediate neighbourhood of
London, and observed two men walking briskly along, with a beautiful little pony
trotting by their side, without either bridle or halter. Presently one of the men,
who seemed on the best possible terms with his little steed, passed his arm round
its body, and lifting it with ease from the ground, carried it for some distance ;
then setting it down, he threw one leg over its back, and half rode, half walked,
with his feet touching the ground on either side. After a short time he again
carried the horse a short distance ; and at length coming to a large gin-shop carried
it up the steps and disappeared with it at the door. Whether he made it partake
of his cheer, I know uot. — Bell's Hist, of British Quadrupeds, p, 374.

MISCELLANIES. 53

A Robin Redbreast ( Rubecula familiar -is ) with the Mandibles of the Bill
crossed. — A curious specimen of the Robin Redbreast has lately fallen into my
possession, with the mandibles of the bill slightly crossing each other, in the man-
ner of those of the Crossbills ( Crucirostra ) . In the plumage there is nothing
remarkable. I doubt not, that in time the deformity would have increased, and
perhaps eventually have prevented the poor bird from obtaining its food, for which
purpose it requires a bill formed as Nature forms it for the rest of the species. A
bill adapted only for procuring another kind of food (such, for instance, as the
Crossbills subsist on), would be worse than useless ; and the above-mentioned
Robin Redbreast would have been starved to death, as not unfrequently has been
the lot of birds whose bills have, from some unknown cause, grown to an un-
natural size or shape. No birds appear more subject to these deformities than
the Starlings, at least as far as my knowledge goes. — The curious specimen I have
here noticed has been preserved by Mr. Hugh Re id, of this town, whom I have
no hesitation in pronouncing to be unrivalled in his art, and to be excelled by
no preserver of birds in the united kingdom. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, March 18,
1837.

The Birds of Scotland in theWinter of 1 836-7. — It is strange, that although
the winter has been unusually severe in this part of the country, scarcely a single
rare bird has made its appearance here. We have snow at present on the ground,
and I can find nothing better than Fieldfare and Redwing Thrushes, and such-
like. To-day, however, I shot two Reed Buntings, and saw a Grey Wagtail, of
both which species it is very seldom that an individual is seen here in winter. —
W. MacGillivray, 16, Minto Street, Newington, Edinburgh, March 15, 1837. —

Capture of the Jer Falcon (Falco Islandicus) near York. — A fine adult
specimen of the Jer Falcon, one of the rarest of the British Falconidce, was shot
at Storthwaite, a few miles from this city, on the 15th instant, and is now in my
possession. It is shot in each wing, but not wounded in the body. Like most
birds of the family when captured, it sulked and entirely refused all food for the
first four days ; it now begins to eat a little, but will only feed on fresh killed
birds. I am in hopes its life will be preserved. — Thomas Allis, York, 2d Month
21; 1837.

Singular Locality for the Common Conger (Conger vulgaris, Cuv.)— A
little mine has lately been set on foot at Newlyn, near Penzance ; and not beincr
able to open their adit on the course of the lode, in consequence of a fish-cellar
over it, the miners were compelled to drive in another direction to come on the
lode, when they found a cavity in the earth about 18 feet in length, with water a

54 MISCELLANIES.

foot deep, in which were discovered a number of Common Congers (Conger Eel,
Anguilla conger, of the older authors), although there appears to have been no
inlet or outlet for the water. It is supposed, that a mine was worked on the spot
about 150 years since; but how the fish got there is unexplained, as it is
upwards of 70 feet from high-water mark. The fish are mostly eight or nine
inches long ; but there are said to be some large ones in the same place. •

Distribution of the Corn Bunting f Emberiza miliaria) in Britain. — In
the 18th number of thfi Analyst, Mr. Hewitson has mentioned the Corn Bunting
as extremely rare in the north of England ; it is here pretty generally dispersed,
and in winter associates in large flocks, particularly towards the northern districts.
I found it common in summer in the northern-most part of Scotland — Sutherland-
shire — where several pairs might be seen in a small piece of meadow ground. —
P. J. Selby, Twizell House, Northumberland..

Early Signing Birds. — Many of our native choristers have commenced
their lays unusually early this season. On Feb. 1, we heard the monotonous
ditty of the Coal Tit, and the sweet but desultory notes of the Missel Thrush
had resounded from the leafless groves some time previous. On the 10th — a
remarkably fine day — the vernal and joyous song of the Garden Thrush was
first heard. On the 13th, the Sky Lark, Hedge Dunnock, Yellow Bunting, and
Chaff Finch added their notes to the general harmony. The several strains of
all these birds (besides that of the Robin Redbreast, which sings throughout
the year) were distinguished on the following day. — Ed.

Distribution of the Goldencrowned Kinglet (Regulus auricapillus )
in England. — I believe, that in some parts of Yorkshire the Goldencrowned
Kinglet is comparatively scarce. I know no district where it is so common as in
Derbyshire. — W. C. Hewitson, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Oct. 10, 1836. — [We
can confirm the above statement from our own observation ; but both in York-
shire and Derbyshire the species is more abundant in winter than in summer,
considerable additions being made to their numbers about the end of October;
these strangers disappear in February, when the song of the resident males is first
heard. — Ed.]

Partial Migration of the Sky Lark (Alauda arvensis, Linn.)— If I
remember rightly, — for I have not a copy of the work by me — Mr. Neville
Wood, in the British Song Birds, speaks of the Sky Larks congregating in flocks,
and migrating in winter to the south. In Northumberland I believe they do not
remain, or at least I never saw them at that time, and I have explored a con-
siderable part of that county at all seasons. When I came here, I was much

MISCELLANIES. 55

struck by the flocks that remained about us in winter, and the havoc made
amongst them by the pseudo-sportsmen of Doncaster. I fear Larks are held
delicacies further north than Dunstable. — W. R. S. Doncaster, March 7, 1837

Notes on the Duck Family (Anatidse). — Some years ago I had the plea-
sure of keeping a great variety of wild fowl. I found I could not long preserve the
Shoveller in good health, and even the Redheaded Pochards (Fuligula ferina)
did not survive a second summer, although they had a beautiful stream of water
constantly running through their inclosure. At the time of moulting there is
great danger of losing the birds if they happen to be suddenly disturbed, for at
this period they are able to fly, notwithstanding their being pinioned. One of my male
Teals escaped from the inclosure in the moulting season, when it had lost the quill
feathers from the wing not pinioned. After being absent during the summer,
nearly six months, it returned, and remained with me through the winter. In
the spring I was obliged to shorten its pinion. — When the birds are just caught,
it is astonishing what a small piece cut off from one wing will effectually prevent
their flying ; but after they had once moulted, I always found it necessary again
to shorten the pinion.— With the exception of a pair of Shieldrakes — which one
season brought forth four young ones, and these all died in a fortnight — none of
my Ducks ever laid an egg, which was the principal object of my keeping them.
The Wigeons, Teals, Garganys, Gadwalls, and wild Common Ducks, always
paired at the approach of spring, and continued so through the summer ; still
they never offered to make any nests, although there were plenty of materials for
the purpose, and the spot was perfectly retired. — A pair of tame Common Ducks,
which I kept with the wild fowl, hatched a lot of half-bred wild Ducks, with,
apparently, no admixture of any other species. — J. D. Salmon, Thetford, Nor-
folk, March 10, 1837- [J We thank our correspondents for the above communica-
tions ; and shall be happy to receive contributions of a similar character, on the
other departments of Zoology. — Ed.]

BOTANY.

Rare Flowering- Plants found near Doncaster. — The following are
some of the rarer early flowering plants found near Doncaster : — Yellow Figwort,
Scrophularia vernalis, April and May ; Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem, Ornithogalum
luteurn, April ; Wild Tulip, Tulipa sglvestris, April ; Green Hellebore, Hellc-
horus viridis, April and May ; Stinking Hellebore, H. fcetidus, March and April. —
W. R. S. March 7, 1837.

5C OBITUARY.

GEOLOGY.
Analysis of a Mineral Substance from a Calcareous Rock near
Ghasni, in India. — This mineral is a clammy, semi-transparent mass, of a
brown colour, containing fragments of flint, and particles of a deep brown or black
hue. The smell is slightly nauseous, the taste acrid. It dissolves with difficulty
in water. Calcareous fragments, and a coarse black powder, resembling half
decomposed excrements of birds, remain on the filtre. This singular substance is
supposed to be the product of the sojourn of some kind of bird in a calcareous
cavern communicating with the fissure whence it was obtained ; the decomposi-
tion of the excrements of these birds undoubtedly forming the nitrates of soda and
lime which it contained.

OBITUARY.

John Latham, M. D., F. R. S., F. L. S., F. A. S., celebrated over the whole
civilized world for his ornithological works, expired Feb. 4, 1837, at the very
advanced age of 97. He was born, June 27, 1 740, at Eltham, in Kent, and
was the son of John Latham, a surgeon and apothecary of that place. The
degree of M.D. was, unsolicited, conferred upon him by a foreign university, in
1795. In 1796 he retired from his professional duties with a handsome fortune,
his fame as a medical man having been very considerable. He had enjoyed a
leisure of upwards of 20 years in affluence, when a series of calamities left him
almost destitute at the age of eighty ; at this time he retired with his second
wife to the house of his son-in-law, W. N. Wickham, Esq., at Winchester,
where he remained till his death. In his eighty-second year this indefatigable
man commenced his General History of Birds (his other works being the Gen.
Syn. and Ind. Orn.j, 10 vols. 4to., in the hopes of deriving pecuniary ad-
vantage from its publication. In 1835 he, for the first time, began to feel the
failure of his sight. Infirmities gradually increased on him ; but he was still
an active and cheerful man, taking his daily walk alone, and scorning the as-
sistance of an arm. Four days before his death he exhibited unusual vivacity ;
this was followed by a failure of understanding, and he fell into a deep sleep,
in which he expired without a pang. Dr. Latham was the founder of the
Linnaean Society ; and although only known to the world as an ornithologist,
was greatly attached to antiquarian pursuits. — An interesting memoir of this
amiable and excellent man will be published in The Analyst, No.xx., for July,
1837, to which we beg to refer our readers for further particulars.

THE NATURALIST.

ON THE IMPROPRIETY OF PLACING THE COLUMBIDiE
IN THE ORDER RASORES.
By ThomasAllis,
Curator of the York Philosophical Society.

Recent as well as more ancient authors differ in their classification of the
ColumbidcB ; some placing them in the order Rasores, others separating them
from it, and some even including the Struthionidce in the Rasores. Of this num-
ber is Mr. Selby, certainly no mean authority. He says, in the Naturalist's
Library, " The Pigeons or family of Columbtdse* are now. in accordance with
their true affinities, admitted into the order of the Rasores, or Gallinaceous
Birds, of which they form one of the five great groups or divisions, the other
four being represented by Pavmidce, Tetraonidce, Struthionidce, and Cracidce.
In this order they constitute what is termed an aberrant family (considering the
Pavonidce and Tetraonidce as the typical groups); and from the affinity that several
of the members composing it shew to the Insessores or Perching Birds, they
become the medium by which the necessary connexion between the Rasorial
and Insessorial birds is supported ; such indeed appears to have been nearly the
view taken of this interesting group by the earlier systematists, whose classifica-
tion was not always conducted on those philosophical views which guide the
naturalists of the present day ; as we find the Colmnbida arranged alternately
among the Insessorial and Gallinaceous birds, or sometimes as an intermediate
order separate from both. — An investigation of their habits and economy, both
external and internal, shewing the close approximation that some species make
to the typical Rasores, is, however, sufficient to prove, that their affinity to the
true Gallinaceous birds is much stronger than that which connects them with
the Insessores, though the latter is sufficiently so to support the requisite con-
nexion between the two orders."

Thus far Selby. According to Cuvier, the Columbidce is considered as the last
family of the Gallinaceous order. A writer in Partington's Cyclopedia takes
a different view of the subject, and considers them as a distinct order ; I coincide
with him in this respect, though I do not agree with him in all the facts on which
that opinion is founded ; he says : — " The poultry tribe are, we believe, without a
single exception, polygamous." I thought every one had known that the Par-
tridge was monogamous ; and I believe the whole of the Cracidce (which are

* It should be, " the Pigeon family or Columbidai"- Ed.
No. S, Vol. II.

58 ' THE COLUMBID.E.

truly Gallinaceous) are also monogamous. — Again, he says, — " No doubt there
is some similarity in the sterna, but it is confined to the posterior angles, and
consists in there being two notches in each." Now I deny that there is any thing
that can be fairly called similarity between the sterna ; the Gallinaceous birds
have two deep notches or emarginations extending from the posterior edge of the
sternum more than two-thirds of its length. But few of the Columbidce have two
notches, and where that is the case, the external one extends little more than
half the length of the sternum, and the internal one not more than the eighth
part of its length ; but in most of the Columbidae two small holes or foramina
supply the place of the internal notches.

I think that each family ought to possess several distinct points of resemblance,
in habits of life, functions, external appearance, and internal structure, with
every other family of the same group, or at least with the typical genera of that
group, which no other group of birds possesses in common with them ; that each
genus should consist of birds similar in their general habits, appearance, and
structure, but constantly differing from each other in some one character ; and
that this constant difference in some one particular constitutes a species. When
there is no general resemblance through the whole of the families, but only
a similarity in a few particulars between some of the extreme species of each
family, they ought not to be included in the same order, this connection
between the extremes of the different families, clearly pointing out that they
should be considered as distinct consecutive orders.

I will now enumerate the points of difference and agreement between what I
consider the true Gallinaceous birds («, e. the Pavonidae, Tetraonidae, and Cracidce
of Selby) and the Columbidae.'

In my comparison between the Columbidae and Rasores, I do not include
Selby's Geophilus. This genus is little known. It appears to bear a much
nearer resemblance to the Rasores than any other of the Pigeon family, particu-
larly as regards the number of eggs ; the young being able to see at birth ; being
hatched on the ground, and running as soon as hatched ; but I think all these
points of resemblance afford no reason why all the Pigeons should be classed with
the Rasores ; but that they only prove a connecting link to exist between them.

Pigeons — with the exception of the Rock Pigeon — build their nests in trees.
The Rasores — with the exception of sonrc species of Cracidae — uniformly make
their nests on the ground.

Pigeons never lay more than two eggs. — The Gallinaceous birds always lay
more than two.

Pigeons are blind at birth, and remain so several days. — The Gallinaceous birds
eee at birth.

Pigeons remain several weeks in the nest after they are hatched, and until

THE COLUMBIDE. 59

fully fledged. — Gallinaceous birds (I believe without exception) run from the nest
as soon as hatched.

Pigeons, for the first few weeks after they are hatched, are invariably supplied
with food regurgitated from the crops of their parents ; and in the early stages of
their existence the food is always in a soft or pulpy state, so as to render it easy
of digestion. — Gallinaceous birds always pick their own food as soon as they
run from the shell.

Pigeons are uniformly monogamous, and the male bird takes a share in incuba-
tion.— Gallinaceous birds are, generally speaking, polygamous, and the male
never takes any part in incubation.

Pigeons are strictly vegetable feeders. — Gallinaceous birds, in their early days,
are fond of and require insect or other animal food.

The mode of fighting and courtship, the voice and gait, are characteristically
different in the Columbidce and the Rasores. The feathers of the two classes are
of a different texture, — so much so as to afford ground for the old wives of
Yorkshire to assert, that the sick cannot die on a pillow of Pigeons' feathers.

We now come to the difference of structure ; and here I would observe, that
when a particular organ or part is greatly developed in any one species or group
of an order, the same is generally more or less developed (though frequently only
rudimentarily) in the whole, of the order, the particular degree of development
depending on the peculiar habits and necessities of the species individually.

I have by me skeletons of three genera and five distinct species of Pigeons ;
and of thirteen species of true Gallinaceous birds, among which are some of each
of the three families, Pavonid<z, Tetraonidce , and Cracidce.

It is evident, at the first glance, that they form two perfectly distinct and well-
defined groups. Here follow the distinctions : — •

The Pigeons have a long, slender bill, the nasal aperture forming a narrow slit,
and running nearly to the extremity of the bill. (I have no skeleton of the hard-
billed fruit-eating Pigeon, which would probably present some modification of this
form.) — Gallinaceous birds have the bill strong, short, and arched, with the nasal
aperture short and oval.

Pigeons uniformly possess a furcula, terminating at the extremity of the fork,
without any appendage. — Gallinaceous birds always have a bony process or
appendage at the extremity of the fork of the furcula, similar to what we see in
the Domestic Fowl, but varying in some degree in the different genera and species
in size and form.

Pigeons may be called long- winged birds ; having the extremity, or what may
be termed the hand bones of the wings, uniformly of greater length collectively
than the humerus ; but these bones are much more developed in the powerful-
winged Pigeons, than in the Turtles and Ground Doves.— Gallinaceous birds have,

80 THE COLUMBID.E.

without exception, short wings, the hand bones, collectively, being shorter than
the humerus.

The sternum of Pigeons has one moderately deep notch or emargination on its
exterior edge, and one shallow one, or in many instances only a small hole
pierced near the posterior edge. — The sterna of all Gallinaceous birds have two
very deep emarginations on each side.

The keel in Pigeons is very much rounded off at its anterior extremity, is of
great depth, and extends as far forwards as the anterior point of the sterna. —
In Gallinaceous birds the keel approaches much nearer to a straight line , is of
less proportional depth, and terminating generally in a p oint ; though the Cracidce
certainly have the keel more resembling that of the Pigeon, than the other classes.
The keel seldom exceeds two-thirds the length of the sternum ; in some instances
it is not much more than half the length, and it never reaches nearly to its an-
terior extremity.

In Pigeons the hind toe is placed at the bottom of the tarsus, on a level with
the front toes, as obtains in the Insessores, and the front toes have no connecting
membrane. — Gallinaceous birds (I believe), with the single exception of the
Guan, have the hind toe situated higher than the front toes, which are always
united by a membrane.

The Columbidce have the heart proportionably larger than the Rasores. —
Cuvier says, when speaking of the intestines of birds :• — " Birds generally have
two cseca, which insert themselves on each side of the intestinal canal ; in om-
nivorous and graminivorous birds, they are usually long and of great size." Here
I think he speaks rather too generally. I have examined several species and
some genera of the Columbidce, which are peculiarly graminivorous ; most of them
entirely want the caeca ; and where they exist, they are so small as? to be nearly
microscopic.

In all the Rasores which I have examined, the caeca are considerably developed ;
in the Red Grouse these organs are very large, — affording a wise and seasonable
provision for those privations to which the birds are subjected during periods of
continuous snow.

I have no intestines of the Curasow, the Guan, or the Crowned Pigeon ; but
as the two former approach the other Rasores so nearly in the form of their
skeletons, I assume that their caeca and crops would follow the same type ; and as
the skeleton of the Crowned Pigeon so nearly resembles that of the typical
JColvmbidce, I presume that, like them, it will want the cseca. — I regret not
having preserved the intestines of these birds ; but when I began preparing skele-
tons of birds, I was so occupied with the bony structure, that I attended to no
other trait of their anatomy. Such, I believe, is often the case on taking up a
new subject; we know not what is likely to be useful, and often throw away

THE COLUMBID^. 61

opportunities of gaining information which are not easily recovered. It is only as
the mind becomes familiar with one subject, that it is prepared to see the different
bearings of those that are related to it, and to appropriate them to its use. When
I commenced the pursuit, I had read nothing whatever on the subject, and had
no one to direct my labour. I was not even aware, that some birds had caeca and
others none, that the sclerotic membrane of their eye was furnished with, and
supported by, a ring of bony plates, or any other of the facts of comparative
anatomy. But to return.

I now come to the points of agreement between the Rasores and the Columbidce.
Here I find myself quite at fault, and shall be glad of the friendly assistance of
my readers ; for I find a total absence of that kind of resemblance, either in habit,
function, form, or internal structure, which I think ought invariably to accompany
the different families of one order. Indeed the only points of similarity I can
discover betweeen them, are, that the one is principally and the other entirely a
vegetable feeder ; and that they each have a membranous crop as well as a carti-
laginous one, and a gizzard ; even these are shared by several other families
of birds, and the membranous crop of the Rasores and the Columbidce differs in
shape ; in the former it is globular, in the latter composed of two lobes.

Pavonidce and Tetraonidce are said by Selby to constitute the typical forms
of the Rasores ; Cracidce, Struthionidw, and Columbidce, to be aberrant families of
the same group. To shew in how unequal a degree they are entitled to the term
aberrant, I would observe, that out of 17 distinct points of agreement existing
between the Pavonidce and the Tetraonidce, the Crucidee agree with them
in fourteen, the Struthionidce in seven, and the Columbidce in only one.

To make the order Rasores consist of these five families, appears to me very
incongruous, and to arise more from a desire of adapting them to the exigences of
a preconceived theory, than from any natural affinities observable between them.
A circle* composed of families differing so greatly in the amount of their aberra-
tions, presents, according to my ideas, chasms so extensive and frightful between
the different families of which it is composed, as not at all to accord with the
beautiful order of Nature; whereas, if placed in separate orders, we find the ex-
treme species running into each other, and forming one harmonious whole, which
cannot be contemplated without feelings of admiration and delight.

* I have written the preceding observations without being aware of the views of the Editor of
The Naturalist on Systematic Zoology, and of course without wishing to hurt the feelings of any

one. I have, in fact, given my own candid opinion on the subject T. A. [This \g, precisely

what we should wish all our Correspondents to do. Although we would by no means have our
readers suppose that Mr. Allis has, in the above paper, demolished the quinary or circular
theory, yet we consider his remarks well worth the attention of the quinary systematist.— Ed.]

THE NATURALIST ABROAD;
OR, DAYS IN THE WOODS AND FIELDS;

INCLUDING INCIDENTAL BOTANICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTICES.

By Edwin Lees, F. L S., and F. E. S. L.

No. II.

The morning Lark has not yet heralded the day ; all is obscure in the misty
mantle that envelops sleeping Nature, and the river rolls its dark noiseless cur-
rent, irradiated only by the scanty gleam of a solitary planet. As I penetrate
among the groves and glens, an overpowering stillness seems to prevail, broken
only at long intervals by the distant bark of the watch-Dog, or the crowing of the
vigilant Chanticleer. But a distant harmony now sweeps its cadence through the
air, rising and blending with the breeze that wafts sighing through the bushes.
It comes like the memory of departed years, for it is a pleasing sound that will
ere long cease its intonation in these vales. It is the bells on the teams of Here-
fordshire, that sound far in the silence of the morning, and which once warned ap-
proaching vehicles that there was no passing each other through the deep hollow-
ways and water-courses then forming the roads. Custom continues the old bells that
have descended from horse to horse and harness to harness, ever since the old
timber-mansion rose beside its Yew-tree ; but the roads have become wider, the
narrow defiles are now abandoned to the Marchantice and the Ferns, — the old
tenant is succeeded by a modern " agriculturist," who knows not bells,and the
harmonious jingle will soon tell the tale of other times no more !

We have imperceptibly got across the fields to the brink of the river, and here,
beneath a Willow, a Bat is taking his early breakfast. It is not our little friend
of the barn and out-house, fluttering to and fro like a parachute, nor yet is it the
swift darter of evening snapping his wing as he hurries over the water, for this
seems confined to one spot, where he works away with persevering industry
round and round the tree, in the dubious twilight, though the glimpse we obtain
of him is scarcely sufficient to distinguish him satisfactorily. A brilliant saffron
tint now spreads along the brightening east, the stars are rapidly fading away,
various Moths dash along for their last career in the cool air, the solemn Heron
steals silently, flagging his wings to a deeper recess among the bulrushes, and a
cloud of Rooks make the air resound with their repeated cawings, as they slowly
fly over us beyond the upland woods.

THE NATURALIST ABROAD. 68

It is now quite light, and all along the borders of the wood before us innu-
merable Roses bend their snowy dew-covered petals, while the devious course
of the river is marked far along the vale, by a cloud of rolling steam that
hides the current foaming here and there among the stones in the shallows.
We have gained the summit of the hill through a host of dewy Mosses and
sleeping Cisti, just as the golden disk of the expected sun peers proudly over
the long dark rampart of eastern heights. The chirping birds hail his rising,
and the Cuckoo vainly attempts to continue the melodious notes that in the
vernal hours brought news from Paradise ! But it is useless, one cue and a
hoarse cough, announces too plainly that advancing summer directs an in-
forcement of the "silent system" from the feathered throng. And we are
silent, as we gaze with gratitude on the wide landscape now revealed beneath
the resplendent gleam of the monarch of day. Beauty is retiring before util-
ity, for the wants of man must be supplied as well as his eyes charmed. The
orchards are all faded into dullness, but the green fruit hidden beneath the
leaves is swelling into maturity ; the corn fields are rising into flowering vigour,
but the mower whets his scythe, and the flowers and grasses in the wide golden-
tinged meadows, lie withering in the morning beams- The fragrance now
borne upon the breeze is of the most exquisite kind ; the balsamic odours
wafted from the flowering Bean-field, mix with the scent of the aromatic hay,
and the profusion of fragrance rising from the empurpled meads of Honey-
suckle Clovers, forms a luxurious olfactory treat, which they only can fully
understand who have waded knee-deep in the dewy grass, leaped from stone to
stone over the rapid brook, or, in search of Nature's beauties, dashed in the
gloom of twilight through boggy meadows, or deep entangled underwood.
There is a Humble Bee's (Bombus terrestris) nest in the bank close by, and
one by one the huge hairy insects emerge from the entrance, shake their wings,
and with a solemn boom fly off to their desultory labours. How often thave
I chased them in early life, confined them under broken panes of glass with,
Dandelions, or exclaimed with Shakspeare, — ''Monsieur Cowweb, good
Monsieur, get your weapons in your hand, and kill me a red-nipt Humble-Bee,

on the top of a Thistle; and, good Monsieur, bring me the honey-bag \" a

commission my thoughtless companions were but too eager to execute. Loud-
est of the insect buzzers, his boom heard far in the air, and compared by St.
Pierre to a fire-coal among the bushes, is still always listened to with pleasure,
as a pledge of confirmed summer, bright sunny days, and short nights.

Here is an old grotesque Oak, on whose withered Stags-horn arms five hun-
dred winters have spent their rage in vain ; it stands as it would ever stand,
still partially decked in verdure, still rooted with power to resist an ordinary
hurricane, but nevertheless it displays the ensigns of ruin. The Polypody

04 THE NATURALIST ABROAD.

(P. vulgare*) has mounted upon its trunk, the Pipewort (Fistulina hepaticaj
oozes its red, liver-like lobes from its orifices, and a colony of Black Ants
(Formica fuliginosa) are excavating its anterior into countless hollow gal-
leries and chambers. These sable Ants will occasionally honeycomb the
floors of houses in a most singular manner; leaving a dark extensive series of
labyriflthal work, that from its burnt sooty appearance might be supposed
cumbrous and heavy, but which, when taken up, feels exceedingly light,
as I have ascertained in several instances. From a fragment of this ma-
nufactured pasteboard (for such it almost is), thus worked up Dy the Ants,
and taken from the floor of a house, curiously enough, a Death's-head Hawk-
moth (Ackerontia atropos), once emerged, as I noticed, in a small glass-case
where it] had been placed. But we are now on the edge of the woodland,
whose solitary glades and retired recesses invite us to refreshment, shelter, and
repose. Within its gloom all is still, the soothing note of the Ring Pigeon
alone being heard ; but the thicket is yellow with the Cow-wheat (Melampy-
rum pratense) and the Purple Bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus) spreads far and
wide beneath the bushes, while here and there the golden Broom still presents
a radiant object amidst the close forest trees.

We are in one of those rocky woods, whose romantic covertures so frequently
adorn the bold acclivities bounding the deep valley of the green chrystal
Teme. On one side we see the river splashing down the hollows of fthe stony
wier, adorned with purple tufts of Arundo phragmites, the bright yellow Wil-
low-herb (Lysimachia vulgaris), and the tall rank masses of the (Enanthe
crocata ; on the other a deep rocky defile extends before us, dark with verdure,
along whose gulleys a rill gushes deep amidst the underwood, which takes its
rise far up in the dark recesses of rock, to which superstition has assigned a
name of demoniac dread.* But while we yet loiter by the stilly pool before
us, edged by an array of grenadier-like Typhaa, and diversified by the elegant
bending Carex p&eudo-cyperus, a brown bird has shot past us to the wier, and
disappeared behind the stones. It mustbe the Dipper (Cinelus aquaticvs, Fle-
ming. A cautious step among the Willows brings us in full view of him. He
trills a faint quavering note, now runs into the water, overhead reckless he
goes, in and out, and now turns suspiciously round, preening his wing, then at
it again, dashing under the water, careless of a wet coat, and now he is off"
behind that mass of rock. We have roused him again, and there springs his
mate from that grassy islet, but both shoot away up the stream, and are lost
behind yon spreading Wyteh Elm, that covers half the river with its mossy

• It was the Polypody of the Oak that was formerly held in such esteem for medical virtue*,
probably arising from its comparative rarity on that tree.

t The * Devil's Den."

THE NATURALIST ABROAD. 65

arms, and which some future flood must overwhelm in the waters. As we
return up the weir, the Sandpiper ( Tringa hypoleucos) circles over the water,
uttering his shrill cry, and returning ever and anon on rapid wing ; while
around that herd of cattle silently standing near the plashy marsh, a friendly
party of Swallows are chasing the winged swarms that annoy the poor animals,
and rapidly clearing their vicinity of the nuisance. Conscious of the benefits
conferred upon them, the Cows move not their heads, though the birds dash
before their faces as closely as it is possible to do without touching them ; and
below, a band of Pied Wagtails [MotacUla maculosa) are as busily engaged
with the ground insects beneath their feet.

We have penetrated into the grove, and the trees shroud us in their shade,
while before us, with shrill cry, the Spotted Woodpecker darts away, just show-
ing his crimson crest, and the Squirrel stops, inquiringly, covered with his
bushy tail. The hum of noon now resounds, even amidst the shade, through
every part of the wood. Wherever a vagrant ray of light can pierce, a thou-
sand insects attend it, and dance incessantly in its radiance. It creeps on
and quivers beneath that thicket of blooming wild Roses, overhanging a deep,
dark, glassy reach of the rivulet, — in a moment a joyous band of Gyrinidce, as
if called up into electric existence by its presence, whirl about and dodge each
other with unceasing celerity upon the radiant chrystal. A sullen Bombus
muscorum murmurs as he slowly enters, and is half buried in a white archangel
blossom, while troops of bright dipterous insects poise on humming wing, over
the brilliant golden St. John's Worts, the green Musca Ccesar, and his con-
geners hurry briskly, buzzing as they go, and a troop of Wasps, angrily threat-
ening, occupy every flower of the red, open-mouthed Scrophularia aquatica.
But around that flowering Lime-tree ( Tilia parvifolia) the combined insect
concert is at its height. There hundreds of Bees, coming and going, raise a
murmur of sounds heard far over the landscape, while the delicious fragrance,
scented out from afar, causes, so long as day-light lasts, a continued thorough-
fare through the air to the tree.

By degrees the glen assumes a gloomier aspect, the light breaks in only at
intervals, the plash of water sounds among the nodding pendulous Carices
( C. pendula) the hum has become fainter, and we are in the thickest and
deepest part of the wood ; — here, emulating the description of Thomson —
" Still let me pierce into the midnight depth

Of yonder grove, of wildest largest growth,

That forming high in air a woodland quire

Nods o'er the mount beneath."
It is one of the felicities of the botanist and entomologist to be led, by his
ardent devotion to his favourite pursuit, into scenes like these. Who comes
here P none else, unless it be the unobservant woodman, with his vulgar axe
No. 8, Vol. II. K

66 THE NATURALIST ABROAD.

and bill to desecrate the dryads. Perhaps in the nutting season, or when the
blackberries are ripe, "children in the wood" may truantize away a happy
fearful holiday here. September may show the sportive 'squire eager for the
slaughter of the " birds " once a-year, but happily not here now. But who wan-
ders hither to find emotions and pleasures which no one can deny bring the con-
templative mind nearer to the deity ? Alas ! none. Though while here forgetful
of life's cares and woes, there is a taste of Paradise for all who will seek it. Look
at the delicate Wood Vetch ( Vicia sylvatica), festooning every tree with its blue-
streaked flowers of transcendent beauty and delicacy ; look at those Fritillary
Butterflies as they hurry past, whose mosaic markings, and the pearly lustre of
whose under- wings, are matchless in elegance ; behold those bright Campanulas,
blue as the bright cserulean, just visible through the net-work of branches before
us, and with devotion in our hearts, and praise upon our lips, who would not
wish to be a constant dweller in the wilderness ? Well, thank God for this
glance into the vestibule of his temple ; for if envy, malice, and detraction's cor-
rosive influence is excluded here, if reflection on these minor works of creative
wisdom induce the highest and sublimest feelings, what may we not hope when,
in a superior scene, injustice, error, and ignorance shall be banished for ever ?
But I must digress no further. An opening suddenly appears in the wood, and
from its deepest solitude and gloom, we emerge into noontide irradiance, and the
warmth of light and joy. The field before us swarms with the Green Forester
(Ina Statices, Leach) covering the flowering grass in all directions, but seen
only in the field close by, for beyond we totally lose it ; though where the Broom
spreads its scattered bushes, the beautiful Six-spot Burnet ( Anthrocera filipen-
dulce) opens its gorgeous green wings to the blaze of day.

The Hop-yard just before us next invites attention, and for a moment we
will inspect the plants, now mounted to some height upon the poles, and see the
condition they present from the attacks of the " fly." The " fly " is a technical
term given by the Hop-growers to the Aphis of the Hop (A. kumilij, which
sometimes infests the plants to such a degree as entirely to prevent a crop,
by drinking up the juices required to bring them to perfection. Hence it has
been observed, that this apparently insignificant insect is capable of abstracting
£453,000 per annum from the treasury of Britain, such a large sum having been
once deficient from the usual duty paid to government upon Hops.* In all pro-
bability, however, certain peculiarities in the season, when that occurred, com-
bined with the ravages of the Fly to destroy the Hops, and many years may
roll away before such a circumstance again happens ; but undoubtedly some
plantations suffer in a greater or less degree from the Hop Aphis every year.

* Rusticus in Entomological Magazine.

THE NATURALIST ABROAD. 67

Many expedients have been tried for destroying the Fly, or eluding its ravages,
but hitherto without much success ; though a plan proposed and acted upon by
Mr. Eyton,* of using iron props for the Hops, instead of poles, is said to have been
beneficial to a considerable extent. Planters, however, living close to woodland
districts, where poles are abundant, will, I imagine, resort to the iron system in
very few instances ; hence I am led to suggest the use of poles stripped of their
bark, as of course the cleaner they are, the less liable will they be to harbour
insects, as they now do in the crannies of the bark. But perhaps, under
every precaution employed, the Aphides will come ; for certain it is that soon
after May commences, troops are seen on the wing about the Hop-grounds, and
shortly spread themselves over the plants, where producing a young progeny,
these latter, as has been well-ascertained, after ingulphing their rostra into
the leaves, and commencing the pumping-up process, rapidly increase in size,
and, without any sexual intercourse, give birth to others, who proceed in the
same manner to the end of the season, when winged ones are at last produced.
These take their flight, pair, and are seen no more till the following spring, when
the same process re-commences. From this sketch it may easily be conceived,
that something more than a " moral cheek" is required to stop the consequences
of this extraordinary fecundity ; and though, to a certain, extent it is very pro-
bable the Aphis may not be injurious,}- yet if that boundary is overstepped,
ruin and destruction is the result. Here, however, a beautiful little family of
coleopterous insects, the Coccinellidee, step in to perform their useful services,
and keep the Aphides from overstepping the limits assigned them.

If we now turn our attention to the Hop-leaves, clammy as they are, and many
of them swarming with Aphides, we shall perceive several circular patches of
yellow. If we examine closely, these will be seen to be eggs, and that they are
those of the Coccinellte will be evident, for there is a female of C quadripuncta
depositing her eggs, which she does very curiously and regularly, advancing and
retracting her ovipositor till she has completed her yellow circle. But if we look
about, numbers of C. septempunctata, the Common Ladybird, and C. bipunctata,
are busy with their nuptial festivities, and all will soon be prepared for a mortal
exterminating war upon the Aphides. We shall now turn our attention to the
larva of C. septempunctata, already hatched, active, and, small as his frame may
appear, with all the murderous ferocity of the Wolf in his composition ! He is jrf
a dusky blue colour, with four double orange-coloured spots on the segments of the
body, and two on the thorax. He has six legs, and, moving swiftly along, seizes
without compunction upon his helpless prey, devouring them upon the spot, till
he has cleared the leaf, when he proceeds to another, with the pride of a

* Report of the Proceedings of the Entomological Society of London,
f I am of this opinion because almost every tree and plant has its peculiar Aphis.

C8 THE NATURALIST ABROAD.

conqueror, to continue his insatiable ravages. At length Nature demands an
armistice ; its back swells, and becomes of a duller colour ; it turns itself round
and round on the leaf it occupies, restless and uneasy, and at length fixes
itself by the tail, remains quiescent for some time, and assumes the chrysalis state.
In ten days,* forth steps a lovely insect, and claims our notice as the well-known
Ladybird. First, its soft elytra are of a fine yellow, without any spots ; then
seven faint specks appear upon the shells, which by degrees become deeper and
brighter, and the usual red hue is finally assumed. It is not indeed on the Hop
only that the Coccinellce attack the Aphides ; for some years ago I remember to
have observed a bed of Nettles covered with hundreds of the C. sepiempunctata,
in the larva, chrysalis, and perfect states. The nettles had been literally loaded
with Aphides, which the Ladybirds had nearly cleared away. The chrysalids
vary considerably in hue, some being of a bright orange with black spots, others
darker, with black patches, and some so very dusky as to appear almost black.
When the perfect insects emerge, they are at first of a light orange colour, till the
sun gives them their rich red tint. The larva of C. bipunctata is of a dusky brown,
with black longitudinal stripes down the body, and three light orange spots
arranged in a triangular manner just below the thorax ; some, however, appear with
the body covered with small black spots, and four black spots at the corners of the
thorax. The chrysalis resembles the larva in colour, the ground being dusky
white, with marks of black and brown. When touched, the head of the chrysalis
suddenly springs up and falls back again. Although the members of the Cocci-
nellidce seem very sociable in their perfect state, and intermarry with each other,
it is far otherwise in the larva state, for woe then to the hapless wretch who
comes within reach of a stronger cousin's fangs — a death-clutch is his inevitable
portion ! It is thus evidently the Hop planter's interest to encourage the increase
of the Coccinellce, and, what is not often the case with farmers, I have in general
found that to this benefit at least their eyes are pretty well open, and the Lady-
birds are preserved-

A great number of C. bipunctata took the liberty, last winter, of quartering
themselves in clusters upon the ceiling of my parlour, hall, and study, where I
suffered them to stay till genial spring summoned them off. Though I thus
cheerfully gave them the rites of hospitality, not one has returned this winter.
It is the way of the world !

To say nothing of their utility, the Coccinellidce must be allowed on all hands
to be a pretty and most interesting tribe. Endeared to us even by the absurd
rhymes of childhood, we are open to their real claims in riper years, and look

* This was the exact time taken by a larva I bred in confinement; but perhaps some little
variation may occur.

THE NATURALIST ABROAD. 69

i upon them with pleasure, if not respect. Spotted and marked in a variety of
ways, black on a red ground, red on a black, black on yellow, with from two
to almost countless spots, or marked as with Egyptian hieroglyphics in every
form and shape, they are elegant and pleasing. Stephens has enumerated
thirty species as natives of Britain, and probably careful research might detect
many more.

I must here just allude to another enemy of the Aphides, which shows them no
mercy, though it acts in a somewhat different way from the Ladybird. This
is a minute Ichneumon, whose operations are well deserving attention, and I have
several times observed it. Sometime ago, putting some Rose-leaves covered with
Aphides under a glass, I found I had enclosed a small Ichneumon, whose
manoeuvres I therefore inspected. He felt about with his antennae, and the
Aphides manifested much alarm at his presence by the movements of their
bodies ; at length, approaching one of them, it suddenly bent its abdomen between
its legs, and immediately protruding its ovipositor, left an egg glued to the body
of the insect ; thus it did with several, and it was very curious to observe the
proceeding. This egg produces a little white grub, which devours the body of
the insect to which it is attached, and then seizes upon the Aphides around it, till
it has arrived at its full growth.

But we must resume our progress, and lo ! the Vanessa C. album, the Butter-
fly of the ground, starts before us, flying where that long streak of rosy purple,
on the brow of the limestone height, points out the habitat of the beautiful
Onobryckis sativa ; and, scattered amid the rocky hollows by the side of the
wood, the bright Pyramidal Orchis (0. pyramidalis), both purple and white,
blooms luxuriantly, while the delicate and sprightly Marbled Butterfly (Hip-
parchia Galatkea) plays about the clustered flowers. Here, for the present, we
rest upon the mossy turf, fanned by the breeze of the hill, while rocks feathered
with wood, solitary glens, groves, heaths, and woodlands, rise in view, in long
succession, terminated in the far distance by the dark, solemn, Cambrian
mountains.

PAPILIO PODALIRIUS.
In the last number of the Naturalist, I perceive Mr. Allis has recorded
some observations on the above insect. In a conversation with me a short time
ago, the point chiefly dwelt upon by Mr. A. was the fact, of the person who sold
him the specimens having professed herself, at first, unable to tell where they were
captured. She did not then expect to see him again ; but, in the interval before
the second interview, made the inquiry, the result of which Mr. Allis has stated.

This seems strongly corroborative of the veracity of the woman, and appears to
establish, beyond question, the occurrence of this noble insect in Britain — that is,
for those who have entertained any doubt of the fact, which no one of any candour
could, after the appearance, about a year ago, of the figure and description of it
in Mr. Curtis's splendid work, British Entomology.

April 1, 1837- F. 0. Morris.

AN EXPLANATION OF THE LATIN NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS.
By the Rev. F. Orpen Morris, B. A.,
Honorary Member of the Ashmolean Society, <^c, fyc.
(Continued from p. 29.)
Sylvia. From syha a wood. Warbler.

Tithys. Tithys Warbler.

Phcenicurus. <pom% purple or red, and ovpx a tail. Redtail Warbler.

Provencalis. That belongs to Provence of France. Dartford Warbler.

rubecula. Rubeo, to be red, from the colour of the breast. Red-
breast Warbler.

luscinia. fJFrom lugens, mournful, and cano, to sing. — Ed.] Night-

ingale.
— cinerea. Grey, ash coloured. Whitethroat Warbler.

sibilatrix. A hisser. Wood Warbler.

hortensis. That inhabits gardens. Garden Warbler.

1 sylviella. A diminutive ofsylvia. Whitebreast Warbler.

atricapilla. Ater, black, capillus, the hair of the head. Blackcapt

Warbler.
hypolais. tiro hxxs under stones, where it seeks for Worms. Or, from

which its voice seems to come ? Hedge Warbler.
Salicaria. [Trom Salix, Willow. — Ed.] Reedling.
locustella. A diminutive of Locusta, a Locust. From its chirping

note. Grasshopper Reedling.

arundinacea. That inhabits Reeds. Marsh Reedling.

phragmites. Sedge. Sedge Reedling.

Accentor. A singer, chaunter, or warbler. Dunnock.

nodularis. Melodious. Hedge Dunnock.

Alpinus. Alpine. Alpine Dunnock.

Hirundo. A Swallow.

riparia. That belongs to banks. Bank Swallow.

NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 71

Hirundo. urbica. That belongs to cities or houses. Martin Swallow.

rustica. That belongs to the country. Chimney Swallow.

Cypselus. [Kv^sXis, a basket ; probably with allusion to the nest. — Ed.]] Swift.

Alpinus. Alpine. Alpine Swift.

murarius. From murus a wall, to which it has a facility of clinging.

Wall Swift.
Caprimulgus. Caper a Goat, and mulgeo to milk. Nightjar.

Europseus. European. European Nightjar.

Cuculus. [[From the well-known note of the bird. — Ed.] Cuckoo.

canorus. Musical. Grey Cuckoo.

Columba. Pigeon.

migratoria. Passenger or migratory. Passenger Pigeon.

pdlumbus. A Dove. Ring Pigeon.

cenas. Burrowing Pigeon.

livia. A livido colore, from its livid colour. Rock Pigeon.

turtur. A Dove. Turtle Pigeon.

Phasianus. ([From the river Phasis, whence the Pheasant was first imported

to Europe. — Ed.] Pheasant.
Colchicus. From Colchis, whence the bird was first brought to

Europe. Common Pheasant.
Perdix. A Partridge.
cinerea. Grey, ash-coloured, cinereous. Grey Partridge.

rufa. Red. Red-legged Partridge.

Coturnix. A Quail.

major. Greater, larger. Common Quail.

Lagopus. Aayus a Hare, and irovs a foot, having soft feathers down to the

foot. Ptarmigan.
vulgaris. Common. White Ptarmigan.

Scoticus. Scotch. Red Ptarmigan.

Tetrao. A bird supposed to be the present. Grous.
tetrix. Black Grous.

urogallus. Gallus a cock, and ovgos a mountain. Capercail Grous.

Otis. A bird so called from the long feathers near its ears (wns) ; supposed,

therefore, to be the Bustard. Bustard.
tetrax. Little Bustard.

tarda. Slow,— rather a strange designation for so swift a bird. Tur-
nip Bustard.

CEdicnemus. Otitu to swell, and nnyjas a thigh. Thick-knee.
crepitans. From its creaking note. Stone Thick-knee.

72 NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

Vanellus. From its fan-like >ings, another meaning'of the word Vanellus.

Lapwing.
cristatus. Crested. Peewit Lapwing.

Squatarola. Squatarole.

cinerea. Ash-coloured, cinereous. Grey Squatarole.

Charadrius. A bird supposed to be the Dotterel Plover. Plover.
pluvialis. Rainy. Golden^Plover.

morinellus. Mupowu to be silly, the bird being so foolish as to

imitate the motions of the fowler. Dotterel Plover.
Charadrius hiaticula. Ringed Plover.

Cantianus- Kentish- Kentish Plover.

Cursorius- Curro, to run. Swiftfoot.

isabellinus. so called from its isabel colour. Cream-coloured

Swiftfoot-

Arenaria. Arena the sand. Sanderling.

calidris. Common Sanderling.

Glareola. Glarea, sand, shingle, which this bird frequents. Pratincole.

. torquata. Having a ring (round its neck). Collared Pratincole.

Strepsilas. ar^u to turn (as it does the stones). Turnstone.

■ collaris. Collare, a collar. Common Turnstone.

H&matopus. ot-ij.-j. blood, m the face, or countenance. Oystercatcher.

ostralegus. Ostrsea, Oysters, and %o, to collect. Common

Oyster-catcher.

Himantopus. A long-legged bird supposed to be the present- Stilt.

melanopterus. MtXacs black, and irneoi a wing. Black-winged

Stilt.

Machetes. M*^j(i to fight, from its quarrelsome disposition. Ruff.

pugnax. Quarrelsome, pugnacious- Common Ruff.

Tringa. Tringa.

cinerea. Ash-coloured, cinereous.

maritima. That frequents the sea shore. Purple Tringa.

subarquata. Diminutive of arquatus, arched, or curved, as is the

bill of this bird. Curlew Tringa.

Temminckii. Temminck's, named after him. Temminck's Tringa.

variabilis. Variable (in appearance, in winter and summer.) Dunlin

Tringa.

pusilla. Very small. Minute Tringa-

Totanus. Sandpiper.

fuscus. Dark. Dark brown. Dusky Sandpiper.

NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 73

Totanus. hypoleucos. Two under or beneath, and \tvws white. Common
Sandpiper.

macularia. Macula a spot. Spotted Sandpiper;

glareola. Glarea sand, pebbles, shingie, which these birds frequent.

> oehropus. Siygos yellowish-green, and now, a foot. Greenshank

Sandpiper.
glottis, [tXuttx a tongue ; having a long tongue.— Ed.] Green

Sandpiper.
— calidris. Redshank Sandpiper.

Limosa. Limus, mud, which this bird frequents. Godwit.

rufa. Red. Red Godwit.

melanura. Ms\as black, and ovgx a tail. Blacktailed Godwit.

Avocetta. Avocet.

recurvirostra. Having the bill bent backwards. Scooping Avocet.

Scolopax. ZxoXo'vat?; a Woodcock. Snipe.

Sabini. So named after Captain Sabine. Sabine's Snipe.

■ grisea- Dark grey.

■ gallinula. fJA diminutive term, signifying the small size of the

bird. — Ed.] Jack Snipe.

gallinago. [Same as gallinula. — Ed.] Common Snipe.

major. Greater or larger. Great Snipe.

rusticola. An inhabitant of the country. Wood Snipe.

Numenius. Curlew.

phceopus. Qxtos, dark, and o%J/, the countenance. Wimbrel Curlew.

arquata. Arched, curved (its bill being so). Common Curlew.

Ibis- Ibis.

fakinellus. Falcula, a crooked hook, or talon. Glossy Ibis.

Platalea. [Signifies broad or wide, with regard to the bill. — Ed.] Spoonbill.

leucorodia. Awkos white [and gohos red. — Ed.] White Spoonbill.

Grus. Crane.

cinerea. Ash-coloured, cinereous. Common Crane.

Ciconia. Stork.

alba. White. White Stork.

nigra. Black. Black Stork.

Botaurus. Compound of Bovs a Bull, and Taurus a Bull, whose bellowing its
note was supposed to resemble. Bittern.

stellaris. Stella a star ; spotted, starred. Common Bittern.

Mohoko. A proper name. American Bittern.

minutus. Small, minute. Little Bittern.

No. 8, Vol. II. l

74 NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

Nycticorax. N^ the night, and xop«| a Raven. Nighthern.

Europceus. European. Common Nighthern.

Ardea. \_Arduus, high, lofty, with allusion to flight — Ed.] Heron.

garzetta. Egret Heron.

alba. White. White Heron.

russata. Russeus, flesh or buff-coloured. Buff-backed Heron.

purpurea. Purple. Purple Heron.

cinerea. Cinereous, ash-coloured. Common Heron.

ralloides. Resembling a Rail- Squacco Heron.

aquatica. That frequents the water. Aquatic.

Crex. Kpt|. A Crake. Crake.

pratensis. Of or belonging to Meadows. Meadow Crake.

porzana. Spotted Crake.

Gallinula. Gallinule.

— pusilla. Very small. Little Gallinule.

Foljambei- So called after Mr. Foljambe, Foljambe's Gallinule.

ckloropus. XXufos green, and ttws a foot. Common Gallinule.

Fulica. \_Fuligo, blackness. — Ed.] . Coot,

atra. Black. Common Coot.

Phalaropus. ^oCKxgis a sea bird, supposed to be the same as our Phalarope.
Phalarope.

hyperboreus. Northern: Red Phalarope.

i lobatus. having lobed or semipalmated feet. Grey Phalarope.

Podiceps. Pes, a foot, and capio, to catch. Halt, lame, limping, as this bird
appears when on the land, out of its proper element. Grebe.

minor. Lesser. Little Grebe.

rubricollis. Having a red neck. Rednecked Grebe.

■ cornutus. Horned. Horned Grebe.

auritus. Eared. Eared Grebe.

i cristatus. Crested. Crested Grebe.

Uria. A bird supposed to be the present. Guillemot.

troile. Foolish Guillemot.

grylle. TfvXXv, a grunting sort of note, which this bird has. Black

Guillemot.

alle. A\kn, another, a different one, a second.

Colymbus. KoXt^/Saw, to dive. Diver.

septentrionalis. Northern. Red-throated Diver.

glacialis. Belonging to the icy regions. Northern Diver.

arcticns. Arctic Black-throated Diver.

NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 75

Alca. Auk.

torda. Corrupted from tarda, slow ? the bird being very unwieldly in

its make, and slow in its motion. Razorbill Auk.

— — impennis. Wingless. Great Auk.
Mormon. Mop//.«, a hobgoblin, a bugbear. Puffin.

fratercula. Common Puffin.

Sula. From Zv\xu to rob, as the Gannet was supposed to rob other birds of
prey. Gannet.

alba. White. Solan Gannet.

Carbo. Carbo, a coal ? So called from its dingy appearance]? Cormorant.

— cormoranus. A coined word for the Cormorant.

1 graculus. Noisy, shrieking.

1 cristatus. Crested. Crested Cormorant.

Lestris. A^urpir, predatory. Skua.

cataractes. Kxrappxurvs, a cataract or torrent. This bird darts down

on its prey with the force of a torrent.
parasiticus. Parasitic ; the notion which gave rise to this name is

exploded. Arctic Skua.
pomarinus. Pomarine Skua.

Larus. Axpos, a Sea-mew or Sea Gull. Gull.

glaucus. Glaucous. Glaucous Gull.

marinus. Of or belonging to the sea. Black-backed Gull.

fuscus* Dark, brown, dingy. Fuscous Gull.

— — — tridactylus. Three-toed. Kittiwake Gull.

ridibundns. Inclined to laugh (i. e. its note). Black-headed Gull.

capistratus. Head-stalled, haltered.

minutus. Small, little, minute. Little Gull.

Sterna. Tern.

Anglica; English. Gull-billed Tern.

arctica. Arctic. Arctic Tern.

hirundo. A Swallow, which bird it in some particulars resembles.

■ Cantiaca. Kentish. Sandwich Tem.

Dougalli. Of or belonging to Dugald? [T>iscovered*by Dr. Mac-

dougal.— Ed.] Roseate Tem.

Jissipes. Cloven-footed. Black Tern.

minuta. Small, minute. Little Tern.

Caspia. Caspian. Caspian Tern.

Thalassidroma. ®x\cc<t™, the sea, and rpiX^ Jifyo***, to run. From its way
of seeming to run on the tops of the waves. Petrel.

— pehgica, Of or belonging to the sea. Stormy Petrel.

76 NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

Thalassidroma Bullockii. So called after Mr. Bullock. Forktail Petrel.
Puffinus. Shearwater.

cinereus. Ash-coloured, cinereous. Grey Shearwater.

Anglorum. Of the English (coasts). Manks Shearwater.

Procellaria. Procetta, a storm, which the Fulmar is erroneously supposed by
sailors to forerun. Fulmar.

glacialis. Belonging to the icy regions. Northern Fulmar.

Mergus. Mergo, to dive. Merganser.

cucullatus. Hooded. Hooded Merganser.

albellus. Aldus, white. Smew Merganser.

serrator. Serra, a saw, from the notched appearance of its bill.

Red-breasted Merganser.

merganser. Compounded of mergus, and Anser, a Goose. Com-

mon Merganser.
Cygnus. Swan.

ferus. Wild, savage. Whistling Swan.

A Swan.

Bewichii. So named after the immortal Bewick. Bewick's Swan.

Anser. Goose.

ruficollis. Red-necked. Red-breasted Goose.

— ferus. Wild, savage. Bean Goose.

albifrons. White-fronted. White-fronted Goose.

brenta. A name coined for the Brent Goose. Brent Goose.

Bernicla. A coined word for the Bernacle Goose. Bernacle Goose"

Somateria. 2o>/*a a body, and tpw, wool or down. Eider.

molUssima: Most soft. Common Eider.

spectabilis. Handsome, worthy to be admired. King Eider.

Chauliodus. XxvXidSovs, having prominent teeth ? The name, in my opinion,
would be more appropriate to the Shoveller. Gadwall.

strepera. Noisy, clamourous. Common Gadwall.

Tadorna. Shieldrake.

rutila. Ruddy, ferruginous. Ruddy Shieldrake.

— : vuljoanser. \Vulpes, a Fox, and Anser, a Goose; from the Fox-colour

on the breast. —Ed.] Common Shieldrake.
Anas. Duck.
— boschas. [Bosco, a wood ; from the partiality of the bird to wooded

islands. — Ed.] Common Duck.
Spathulea. Spathula, a spatula, which surgeons use ; shaped somewhat like

the bill of this bird. Shoveller.
clypeata. Armed with a shield. Common Shoveller.

A NATURAL AVIARY. 77

Fuligida. Fuligo, soot ; so called from its dark-coloured breast. Pochard.

nyroca. Nyroca Pochard.

marila. Scaup Pochard.

ferina. Adjective derived from ferus wild. Red-headed Pochard.

cristata. Crested. Tufted Pochard.

Oidemia. Oiltu, tumesco, so called from the protuberance at the base of the
bill in this genus. Scoter.

perspicillata. Surf Scoter.

fusca. Dark, brown, dingy. Velvet Scoter.

nigra. Black. Black Scoter.

Mareca. Wigeon.

fistularis. Fistula, a pipe. This name is derived from the note of the

bird resembling that instrument. Common Widgeon.
Querquedula. A bird supposed to be the Teal. Teal.
glocitans. Glocio, to cluck or quack. Bimaculated Teal.

circia. Gargany Teal.

crecca. Common TeaL

Dafila. Hareld.

1 caudata. Tailed, having a long tail. Long-tailed Herald.
Clangula. Clango, to clang or cry, like a Goose or Crane. " Like a Crane or
Swallow, so did I chatter." Garrot.

histrionica. Harlequin Garrot.

vulgaris. Common. Golden-eyed Garrot.

Lendal, York, Jan. 10, 1836.

A Supplement and additional remarks will be added in the next number.

THE CHARMS OF A NATURAL AVIARY.

By Edward Blyth.

I have lately been revelling in the delights of a place consisting of that pleas-
ing admixture of trees and bushes, of furze-brakes and forest, which of all others
is perhaps most interesting to the naturalist. It is a truly charming spot, and
close to my residence. With the exception of the Reedlings and the Pied Fly-
catcher, every migratory songster we possess was within hearing. A Nightingale
was warbling exquisitely over my head, and was so familiar as to surprise me ;
a Garden Fauvet was straining to out-sing him on the next tree. The Blackcapt
Fauvet and Willow Warbler chirped and twittered perpetually in an almost con-
tiguous clump of trees, where also was heard the Cuckoo cry, and the peep, peep,

78 A NATURAL AVIARY.

peep, of the Wryneck. Close at hand were two Redstarts, and Whin Chats,
Whitethroated Fauvets, and Locustells, among the bushes. Here also the Gar-
den Ouzel warbled full and melodious, while the Thrush's delightful note every-
where resounded, with the Missel Thrush also in the distance. Every one of
these species I noticed, and one- too in addition (besides Redbreasts, Dunnocks,
Wrens, &c.) which, as it has been the subject of much error, I shall mention
more particularly ; this is the White-breasted Fauvet (Ficedula garrula), of
which I noticed as many as nine different individuals, two only in the bushes,
all the remainder in trees, some at a considerable height ; and I three or four
times observed them utter their loud shivering concluding cry, while flying from
one tree to another. I never knew this species so plentiful as it appears to
be this season, as is in fact the case with the rest of our migratory birds.

At the same place I tried yesterday to entrap a Locustell, but ineffectually,
though I hired a man to attend the trap the greater part of the day ; and I my-
self watched it early in the morning, for two or three hours. This bird opens its
mouth in a remarkable manner while trilling, an action which I find, by the
assistance of a pocket telescope, imparts a perceptible vibration to the whole
body. The Locustells are certainly not so shy as is supposed, nor do they ap-
pear to trouble themselves much about concealment, being generally rather con-
spicuous when uttering their cry. Here they are very far from being uncommon.
I have no reason to suspect that it is a double-moulting bird, as the Pipits are.
I have never known it utter its cry on the wing, but still would not venture to
dispute the fact, as I think it probable, from analogy with the brake birds.

Montagu says, very correctly, of the Locustell, that " it is not a plentiful
species," which is quite true as compared with the Fauvets ; at the same I en-
tirely differ from Sweet, who says that it is extremely rare near London. I
think I could obtain about two dozen specimens annually, within a circle of five
miles from this place ; and am pretty certain that four or five pair breed in three
localities, diverging less than half that distance. I have been watching them
much this season with my telescope, to ascertain whether they run or hop,*
though as yet in vain. The other day one remained some time on a bare piece
of ground just before me, but, unfortunately, I did not perceive it before it flew
up. The wild and beautiful spot alluded to in the former part of these notes,
has already afforded me much amusement and instruction, and I still anticipate
passing many delightful hours in a place so admirably adapted for ornithological
observation.

Tooting, Surrey, May 14, 1836.

* Mr. Hoy informs me he has repeatedly seen it running, and he is of opinion that it never
progresses otherwise on the ground.— E. B. April 1, 1837.

LEICESTERSHIRE FLORA.
By the Rev. Andrew Bloxam.

I beg to send, for insertion in The Naturalist, the result of my botanical excur-
sions in Leicestershire, the south-western half of the county chiefly having been
explored. The catalogue contains about seven hundred species.

Class I. Hippuris vulgaris. River Soar, near Ayleston, pond at Staunton
Harold ; near Shenton.

Class II. Ligustrum vulgar e. In hedges, common. — Veronica serpyllifolia. Com.
-. — V. scutellata. Grooby Pool ; between Newbold Verdun and Desford ; in a pond on
the left of the road, between Cadeby and Sutton. — V. anagallis. — V. Beccabunga.
— V. officinalis. Not uncommon. — V. montana. Woods in Charnwood Forest. —
V. Charmcedrys. — V. hedercefolia. — V. agrestis. — V. polita. In gardens and cul-
tivated fields, with the foregoing; not rare. — V. arvensis. — Pinguicula vulgaris.
Formerly at Grooby Pool, and Pocket-gate, near Loughborough, found now but
sparingly in Charnwood Forest. — Utricularia vulgaris. Canal, near Congerstone.
Lycopus Europceus. Very common in watery ditches. — Salvia verbenaca. On
rocks about Croft village. — Circcea luetiana. Charnwood Forest woods. — Frax-
inus excelsior. — Lemna trisulca. About Congerstone. — L. minor. — L. polyrrhiza.
Pond at Kirkby Mallory ; ponds near Enderby. — L. gibba. Ponds at Conger-
stone.— Anthoxanthum odoratum.

Class III. — Valeriana dioica. — V. officinalis. — Fedia olitoria. Near Ayleston.
— -F. dentata. Near Braunstone. — Iris pseudacorus. — Scirpus lacustris. — S.
setaceus. Charnwood Forest. Near Mount Bosworth. — S. sylvaticus. Near
Kirby ruins; Sheet-hedges Wood, near Grooby Pool; Mount Bosworth, near
Congerstone ; not rare in the county. — Eleocharis palustris. — E. acicularis.
Banks of Grooby Pool. — E.fluitans. Charnwood Forest. — Eriophorum pubescens.
Near Loughborough. — E. angustifolium. Grooby Pool. — Nardus stricta. Charn-
wood Forest ; about Congerstone. — Alopecurus pratensis. — A. agrestis. Not rare.
— A. geniculatus. — Phalaris Canariensis. Near Zouch Mill. — P. arundinacea.
— Phleum pratense. — Milium effusum. Nailstone Wigs ; between Mount Bos-
worth and Sutton. — Calamagrostis epigejos. In Martinshaw; abundant in Bos-
worth Park, and at the Ambien Wood. — Agrostis canina.—A. vulgaris. — A. alba.
A. var. pumila. In Sibson Gorse cover. — Catabrosa aquatica. — Air a cristata.
Croft Hill. — A. ccEspitosa. — A. flexuosa. Charnwood Forest ; near Braunston. —
A. caryophyllea. Near Newtown Unthank.— A. prcecox. Croft Hill.— Melica
ttniflora. Charnwood Forest; Ratby Woods; near Mount Bosworth.— M. cce-
rulea. Charnwood Forest.— Holcus mollis. Near Newbold Verdun.—//, la-
natus. — Arrhenatherum avenaceum. — Poa aquatica. — P. fluitans. — P. trivialis.

80 LEICESTERSHIRE FLORA.

P. pratensis. — P. annua. — P. distans. Under canal bridges near Congerstone.

Triodia decumbens. Charnwood Forest ; near Kirby Firth. Congerstone pas-
tures.— Briza media. — Dactylis glomerata. — Cynosurus cristatus. — Festuca
ovina. Charnwood Forest ; Sibson Gorse Cover. — F. Duriuscula. — F. bromoides.
Charnwood Forest. — F. myurus. Charnwood Forest. — F. loliacea. Near Braun-
ston. — F. pratensis. — F. elatior. Between Braunston and Enderby. — Bromus
giganteus. Near Braunston. — B. asper. Near Braunston. B. sterilis. Near
Braunston. — B. secalinus. Cornfield near Glenfield. — B. mollis. — B. racemosus.
— Avena fatua. Near Glenfield. — A. strigosa. Near Glenfield. — A. pubescens.
Braunston Church-yard. — A.flavescens. — Arundophragmites. — Hordeummurinum.
— H.pratense. Meadows at Braunston. — Triticum caninum. — T.repens. AtBil-
ston, near Congerstone. — Brachypodium sylvaticum. — Lolium perenne. — Montia
fontana. Grooby Pool ; pond near Nailston Wigs.

Class IV. Dipsacus sylvestris. — D.pilosus. Between Barwell and Hinckley,
near Garendon. — Knautia arvensis. Near Leicester ; Dunston Basset ; Newbold
Verdun. — Scabiosa succisa. — S. columbaria. Dare Hills, near Liecester. — Galium
verum. — G. cruciatum. — G. palustre. — G. saxatile. Charwood Forest. Mount
Bosworth Park. — G. mollugo. Near Enderby. — G. aparine. — Asperula odorata.
Charnwood Forest pastures, Mount Bosworth. — Sherardia arvensis. — Plantago
major. — P. media. — P. lanceolata. — P. coronopus. Croft. — Cornus sanguinea. — i
Parietaria officinalis. Wall at Bosworth ; ditto at Orton-upon-the-Hill. — Al-
ckemilla vulgaris. — A. arvensis. — Sanguisorba officinalis. Very common in mea-
dows.— Ilex aquifolium. — Potamogeton densus. Near Glenfield; Mount Bos-
worth; Hinckley. — P. pectinatus. — P. pusillus. Pond near Bosworth Park. — i
P.gramineus. Ditch in the Frog-hole, Grooby Pool. — P. zoster eefolius. Canal
at Congerstone and Mount Bosworth ; River Sence near Congerstone. — P. crispus.
Pond between Congerstone and Shakerstone. — P. perfoliatus. — P. lucens. — P.
natans.—Sagina procumbens. — S.apetala. Congerstone. — Mcenchia erecta. Banks
of Grooby Pool; Croft Hill.

Class. V. Eckium vulgare. Cornfield near Mount Bosworth; Gracedieu. —
Pulmonaria officinalis. Near Gopsal ; Gracedieu Wood. — Lithospermum offici-
nale. Near Glenfield. — L. arvense. Near Carlton and Congerstone-field. — Sym-
phytum officinale. Braunston ; Congerstone ; Snarestone. — Lycopsis arvensis. —
Anckusa officinalis. Near Congerstone. — Myosotis palustris. — M. ccespitosa. —
M. arvensis. Near Shenton. — M. versicolor. — Cynoglossum officinale. Near
Braunston. — Anagallis arvensis. — A. carulea. Kirkby. — A. tenella. Grooby Pool.
Lysimachia nemorum. — L. nummularia. — L.vulgaris. Sparingly on the Lough-
borough and Leicester Canal. — Primula vulgaris. — P. elatior. — P. veris. — Hot-
tonia palustris. Near Cavendish Bridge. — Menyanthes trifoliata. Grooby Pool,
near Elmsthorpe. — Erythrcea centaurium.— Datura stramonium. Dunghill near

LEICESTERSHIRE FLORA. 81

Braunston. — Hyoscyamus niger. Bradgate Park ; Congerstone Church- Yard.—
Atropa belladonna. Gracedieu Ruins. — Solanum dulcamara. — S. nigrum. Ma-
nure heap at Grooby. — Verbascum thapsus. Breedon Hill. — V. nigrum. Glen-
field Village. — Convolvulus arvensis. — C. sepium. — Samolus Valerandi. Conner-
stone. — Jasione montana. Charnwood Forest, between Newbold Verdun and
Kirkby. — Campanula rotundifolia. — C. patula. At Wilson, near Melbourne :
Breddon Wood. — C. latifolia. Charnwood Forest, various places ; between
Measham and Ashby; near Mount Bosworth. — Lonicera peridymenum. — Rham-
nus cathartkus. Congerstone ; Shakerstone. — R. frangula. Near Braunston.
■^—Euonymus Europceus. Between Desford and Ratby. — Viola odorata. — V.
palustris. Beacon and Bardon Hills — V. canina. — V. tricolor. — V. jlavicornis.
Charnwood Forest. — Ribes rubrum. Wood near Grooby Pool — R. grossularia.
— R. alpinum. In plantations at Gospal and Braunston. — Hedera helix. —
Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Grooby Pool ; Charnwood Forest ; near Newbold Verdun,
and Osbaston. — Sanicula Europcea. — Apium graveolens. Tur Langton Village ;
Bilston, opposite Mr. Neale's. — Petroselinum sativum. Near the Aqueduct,
Shenion.—+Helosciadium nodifiorum. — H. repens. — Sison amomum. Congerstone.
■^-JEgopodium podagraria. — Carum carui. Near Ashby. — Bunium Jlexuosum. —
Pimpinella magna. Common in several places. — P. saxifraga.-^Sium angusti-
folium. River Soar, various places ; River Sence, at Congerstone. — (Enanthe
Jistulosa. — (E. peucedanifolia. Grooby Pool; near Glenfield. — (E.pimpinelloides.
Ashby Canal, near Congerstone ; abundant in a ditch on the right of the road
below Sutton Wharf. — "(E. phellandrium. River Soar. — JEthusa cynapium. — •
Silaus pratensis. Common in Meadows. — Angelica slyvestris. — Pastinaca sativa.
Not rare ; about Congerstone. — Heracleum sphondylium. — Daucus carota. —
Torilis anthriscus. — T. nodosa. Breedon Hill; Congerstone; Ayleston; Sutton.
— Scandix pecten — Anthriscus sylvestris. — Chcerophyllum temulentum. — Conium
maculatum. — Chenopodium polyspermum. Grooby Pool ; Mount Bosworth ; Con-
gerstone.— C. bonus-hcnricus. Common about villages. — C. rubrum. On dung
heaps. — C. album. — Ulmus suberosa. — U. glabra- — U. montana. — U. major. —
U. campestris. All the above species of this genus are found in the neighbour-
hood of Congerstone, and other parts of the county. — Viburnum opulus. In
hedges ; rather common. — Sambucus ebulus. Near Cadeby, by the side of the
Hinckley Road. — S. nigra. — Staphylea pinnata. (Planted.) Braunston and
Gopsal Shrubberies. — Parnassia palustris. Grooby Pool ; near Elmsthorpe; be-
tween the Ambien Wood and Sutton Wharf. — Linum usitatissimum. Meadow
hear Braunston, adjoining footpath; probably from seed dropped. — L. catharti-
eum. — Myosuirus minimus. Mr. Babington's garden at Thrinkstone.

Class. VII. Berberis vulgaris. In a hedge between Kirby Muxloe and
No. 8, Vol. II. M

82 LEICESTERSHIRE FLORA.

Newtown Unthank. — Peplis portula. Charnwood Forest ; in a small pond on
the right of a lane between Cadeby Toll-gate and Cadeby. — Galanthus nivalis.
Bradgate Ruins. — Narcissus pseudonarcissus. Brad gate Ruins. — Convallaria
majalis. Martinshaw ; Buddon ; Gracedieu ; and other Forest Woods. — Allium
vineale. Bank below the Floodgates ; Grooby Pool ; near Thrinkstone, opposite
Mr. Babington's. — A. ursinum. 'Charnwood Forest Woods, especially Street-
Hedges, between Cadeby and Bosworth. — Hyacinthus non-scriptus. — Fritillaria
meleagris. Meadow near Worthington. — Acorus calamus. River Soar; near
Kegworth. — J uncus glaucus. — J. effusus. — J. conglomeratus. — J. obtusifolius.
Common in the canal and ponds about Congerstone. — J. compressus. Braunston
village; Grooby Pool; Canal near Congerstone. — J. bufonius. — J. squarrosus.
Charnwood Forest. — J. acutifiorus. — J. lampocarpus. — J. uliginosus. Charnwood
Forest. — Luzula sylvatica. Gracedieu; Street-hedges, and other Charnwood
Forest Woods. — L. pilosa. Street-hedges; near Bosworth; at Kirkby Mallory.
■ — L. campestris. — Rumex hydrolapathum. Ponds at Shakerstone. — R. crispus. —
R. pratensis 9 Congerstone pastures. — R. sanguineus. — R. acutus. — R. obtusi-
folius.— R. maritimus. Grooby Pool ; pond in the Old Park at Mount Bos-
worth.— R. acetosa. — R. acetosella. — Triglochin palustre. Not uncommon.-—
Colchicum autumnale. Soar meadows, near Cavendish Bridge.

Class VIII. — Acer campestre.—>A. pseudo-platanus. — Erica tctralis. Charn-
wood Forest. — E. cinerea. Charnwood Forest. — Calluna vulgaris. — Vaccinium
myrtyllus. Charnwood Forest ; Nailstone Wigs. — Epilobium hirsutum. — E. par-
viftorum. — E. montanum. — E. roseum. Rail-road below Desford. — E. tetrago-
num. Grooby Pool ; Congerstone. — E. palustre. Grooby Pool ; Congerstone. —
Daphne laureola. Street-hedges Wood. — Polygonum bistorta. Meadow near the
Church, Newtown Linford. — P. aviculare. — P. convolvulus. — P. amphibium.*—
P. persicaria. — P. lapathifolium. — P. hydropiper. — Paris quadrifolia. Grooby,
Gracedieu and Gopsal Woods. — Adoxa moschatellina. Outwoods about Lough-
borough.— Elatine hexandra. Pond near Thrinkstone ; Mount Babington.

Class. IX. — Butomus umbellatus.

Class. X. — Scleranthus annum. Rocks about Grooby Pool. — Chrysoplenium
alter nifolium. Alder dingle by the Mill, Grooby Pool. — C. oppositifolium g
Ditto ; also near Newbold Verdun. — Saxifraga granulata. — S. tridactylites. —
Diantkus deltoidcs. Rocky knoll near Grooby ; Croft Hill. — Silene inflata.
Road:side, between Leicester and Lutterworth; rare in the county. — Stellaria
media. — S. holostea. — S. graminea. — S. uliginosa. — S. glauca. Grooby Pool.—!
Arenaria trinervis. — A. serpyllifolia. Gracedieu Ruins ; Croft Hill, near the
summit. — A. rubra. On gravelly roads. — Cotyledon umbilicus. Swithland
Slate-pits. — Sedum acre. On walls. — S. reflexum. On walls. — Oxalis acetosella.

TRIPH/ENA FIMBRIA. 8&

— Agrostemma githago. — Lychnis dioica. — L. vespertina. — L. jlo&cuculi. — Ceras-
tium vulgatum.—C. viscosnm. — C. semidecandrum. Near Grooby Pool. — C.
aquaticum. — Spergula arvensis. — S. nodosa. Grooby Pool ; Ashby Canal, near
Shakerstone.

Class XI. — Lythrum salicaria. River Soar ; River Sence, at Congerstone.—
L. hyssopifolium . Pond on the boundary edge of the county, between Calke and
Melbourne.— Agrimonia eupatoria. — Reseda luteola. Rare. — Sempervivum tec-
torum.

Class XII. — Prunus institia. Congerstone. — P. spinosa. — P. padus. Plan-
tations at Gopsal and Braunston, probably planted. — P. cerasus. About Mount
Bosworth. — Crataegus oxyacantha. — Pyrus communis. A few old trees in hedges
in the neighbourhood of Mount Bosworth. — P. aucuparia. Woods. — P. mains.
— Spircea JUipendula. Near Braunston ; on Bosworth Field ; not common. —
S. ulmaria. — Rosa spinosissima. Rocky knoll, near Grooby. — JR. tomentosa.
Near Congerstone. — R. rubiginosa. Between Mount Bosworth and Newbold
Verdun ; also between Congerstone and Barton. — R. arvensis. — R. canina.-—
Rubus idceus. Cham wood Forest; Braunston; not rare. — R.fruticosus. — R.
Koskleri. Near Shakerstone. — R. corylifolius. — R. ccesius — R. ? leucostachys.
Near Kirby Muxloe. — Fragaria vesca. — Potentilla anserina. — P. argentea. Near
Grooby Pool, on rocks below the great Floodgates. — P. reptans. — P. fragarias-
trum.-—Tormentilla officinalis. — Geum urbanum. — G. rivale. Near Thrink-
stone ; plentiful in the pastures at Mount Bosworth.

(To be concluded in our next number.)

SOME ACCOUNT OF TRIPHiENA FIMBRIA.

By the Rev. F. Orpen Morris, B. A., &c.

Mr. Curtis, the celebrated author of that truly national work, British Ento-
mology, in a letter lately received, expresses a wish to learn any particulars I
may be able to afford him respecting the capture of that lovely insect, Triphcena
fimbria, some specimens of which, captured last year, I had forwarded to him
and other friends. I embrace the medium which the pages of the Naturalist
afford for replying to his enquiries. Triphcena fimbria has always been consi-
dered a scarce and valuable species, though most cabinets contain specimens.
Mr. Stephens, in his Illustrations, calls it ** unquestionably rare in Britain."
My friend, Mr. Dale, who has been collecting diligently all his life, had only, I
think, three very indifferent specimens when I last saw his noble collection. The

84 TRIPELENA FIMBRIA.

year 1836, however, appears to have been singularly favourable to the appear-
ance of this insect, affording another example of those extraordinary, and never
yet sufficiently accounted for, irregular periodical appearance of certain species,
favoured, no doubt, by some atmospheric influence of which our senses allow us no
perception. The neighbourhood of Doncaster has, however, in most years pro-
duced some individuals of the species in question ; indeed, as it was only last
year that the proper method of procuring them, which I am about to relate, was
discovered, it is very probable, that more might have been obtained, if they had
been sought in what the experience of the past summer has proved to be the
proper manner. The locality in which they have been usually and chiefly taken
in this neighbourhood, is " Sandall Beat," on the north-side of the race-course.
The first living specimen I saw was in Melton Wood, near here ; it was beaten
out of a young Ash-tree, by the person who was with me. He did not see it at
first, until I pointed it out flying down into a corn field close at hand, and he
immediately recognised it as fimbria, having taken the species before, though I
at that time did not know it, but only remarked it as an usual Moth. Subse-
quently he found the specimen in the corn-field, and the following day I went to
Sandall Beat, as being the best known locality, in quest of more, and was so
fortunate as to procure four specimens ; nor shall I soon forget the pleasure with
which I beheld the first specimens secured, and in fine preservation. I did not
hear of any more specimens being taken at Melton Wood, and very few others
appeared to frequent the Ash, nearly all being procured from the Oaks. In all,
I procured eighty-nine, and many hundreds were taken by other collectors,
though nearly all in Sandall Beat. Most of mine were captured by my servant,
or by a gamekeeper who lives near the wood ; of the latter I bought many, and
he, seeing the demand the insects were in, thought it a good opportunity of turn-
ing his wanderings in the woods to some account.

In former years, the noon was considered the best time for taking Triphcena
fimbria, as they occasionally fly then, particularly on sunny days ; but their
flight is then very rapid and wild, and by the tops of the trees, generally in a
straight line for a considerable distance. When on the wing, they much resemble
the commoner species, innuba and pronuba, on which account I have no doubt
they have often been mistaken. The best time to get them (and if I had dis-
covered this in time, which I now make known to others, I could, I doubt not,
have procured five times as many as I did), is in a very heavy, dull, or foggy
day, or even when it is raining fast. Then they will not fly off at all, when
the trees are shaken, or kicked, which is the way to get them out or down, but
fall down, either close by the tree, or slanting off to a little distance from it.
The heavier the atmosphere, the more apparently lifeless they fall down, and if
it is finer farther off, generally flying quite away when the sun shines brightly.

NOTES ON THE LARTD.E. 85

They are difficult to discover when in the grass, the colour of which at that time
of the year much resembles theirs-

The large trees cannot be shaken, and the insects seem to frequent rather
the lesser trees (especially Oaks) which are easily shaken ; they generally appear
to have one tenant, and some have three or four. The overseers of the " Woods
and Forests,'' as I afterwards heard, made sad complaints about the injury to
the bark of the young wood from the kicks of the sturdy entomologists^ who were
there most hours of the day. I once went myself, at four o'clock in the morn-
ing, being unable to spare any 'other time for the purpose, and I think the earlier
hours to be favourable for capturing the insects, which appear to be more sleepy
or dull before the sun has risen, and enlivened them. I have heard, from many
quarters, that besides the numbers taken here, a great many others appeared
last year in various parts of the country, and in the letter above alluded to, Mr.
Curtis informs me, that a friend of his had had two hundred caterpillars feeding
since last year's brood, and that he possesses two himself.

Nothing can exceed the beauty of this lovely insect when first taken. The
superior wings vary, in different individuals, from dark brown to cream-coloured,
with intermediate shades of a greenish hue. My specimens were very fine, so
much so, that Mr- Curtis asked in his letter if they had been bred, with a view
to the treatment of the larvae in his possession. Mine, however, were all taken
in the perfect state ; and were killed instantaneously, without any injury to
them as specimens for the cabinet, by compression of the thorax. I was very
happy in being able to supply my friends with series of this interesting insect.

NOTES ON THE LARID^E.
By Beverley R. Morris.

During the autumn of 1836 immense flocks of the Gull family visited the
Dorset coast, being engaged in the pursuit of the Sprats and Mackarel which
then approached the shore. Among them I noticed the following species : —

Blackbacked Gull, Larus marinus. — Adults of this species are at all times
tolerably common in Dorsetshire ; but at this season they were in great numbers,
though not so abundant as several other species. The young birds were exceed-
ingly numerous. The keenness of its eye almost precludes the possibility of
obtaining perfect specimens, though the young may often be procured. This ac-
counts for adults being so rare in collections.

Fuscous Gull, Larus fuscus. — The Fuscous Gull, which had previously been

86 NOTES ON THE LARID^E.

very rare with us, I now noticed in great abundance. On the wing it is, I think,
more graceful than any other of the genus with which I am acquainted. The in-
tensity of the slate-colour on the back, seems to vary considerably in different
individuals ; at least no two of those that came under my own observation were
alike. I speak, of course, only of adult birds, of which I had several in my
possession, with frequent opportunities of observing others. Does this proceed
from age or sex, or from both ? — On shooting one of these birds, I noticed that
the tips of all the quill feathers were wanting. These, I at first thought, might
have been cut off by the shot, so cleanly and evenly were they removed. That,
however, appeared too extraordinary, and, remembering a remark of Mr. Blyth's
in the second number of your magazine, I came to the conclusion that they were
thrown off naturally. Mr. B., however, if I mistake not, speaks of feathers
generally, as losing " their extreme terminal edgings in spring and summer." I
examined three or four other specimens, with the view of attending to this par-
ticular, and found them all similarly defective, in the quill feathers alone. These
birds had, however, probably moulted, as it was about the 10th of October. I
examined other species of Gull, but found all their wing feathers complete.

Herring Gull, Larus argentatus. — This beautiful bird is at all times one of our
commonest species, and is easily recognised, by the silvery whiteness of its back.
It is in fact only a gigantic Common Gull ; and though, as its English name im-
plies, an enemy to the Herrings, it certainly seems to have no objection to Sprats
or Mackarel, when there are enough for them.

Common Gull, Larus canus. — Though called common, it is very rare with us,
so much so, that in the vast flocks of Gulls I had opportunities of inspecting, I
noticed, comparatively, but few specimens.

Kittiwake Gull, Larus rissa. — Great numbers both of the old and young of
this very [pretty little Gull were also with us. The absence of its fourth toe
(there being only a small warty protuberance in place of one), at once prevents
this bird being confounded with any other species. It is at all times found there
(on the Dorset coasts) in considerable numbers. Montagu says, that it is very
rare on the southern coast; this is remarkable, unless the observation made
above on the Fuscous Gull applies also to the present species.

Blackheaded Gull, Larus ridibundus. — The Blackheaded Gull is also very
numerous, both in the adult and young state, in which latter it is not unlike the
Kittiwake. It remains with us the whole year.

Arctic Skua, Lestris parasiticus. — I think I also observed this bird, but am
not certain. As far as I could judge from looking at it through a glass, it agreed
with the descriptions usually given of the species. Its continued attacks on the
Gulls first led me to notice it. Besides these there were immature birds innu-

CORRESPONDENCE. 87

merable ; indeed for one adult, I should think there were at least five or six
young individuals.

Manks Shearwater, Puffinus Anglorum. — The Manks Shearwater visited us in
considerable numbers at the same time, but did not associate with the Gulls.
Its flight, which is very peculiar, is best described by its name, Shearwater. It
is not unlike the dipping flight (for I know no better name for it) of the Wood-
pecker, but the dip is much longer. Its food appears to be dead animal matter, and
as it is always in excellent condition, I suppose it finds it in abundance. Though
its feet are webbed, and placed in a very favourable position to assist its progres-
sion under water, I think it never dives ; for when only slightly wounded, and
endeavouring to escape, it makes no attempt at diving. I have, moreover,
watched it when feeding, some hundreds of times at least, and never saw it go
beneath the surface ; it merely touches it, and then rises again. The general
opinion is, I believe, in favour of its diving partially. It is an excellent swimmer.

March 13, 1837.

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir, — I have to make the following corrections to my last paper (Vol. I. p.
$49) ; how the errors occurred, I am at a loss to know : — " Crambus, n. sp. on
Parley Heath, is sylvellus of Hubner, and new to Britain." The reference to
Donovan about the Fulgora is not quite correct, as I have lately discovered, by
turning to his work. I have also procured Yeats's Institutions, which he
quotes. Yeats says : — " Two different species have been caught in this coun-
try, one by the author of that useful and elegant work, Flora Anglica (Mr.
Hudson), the other by my friend Mr. Gray." Wales is omitted ; but I think it
likely to be correct, as Hudson collected much there. I have a Tortrix exca-
vana^ with all the markings of emargana ; and, were it not for the colour, I
should pronounce it that species. I have one of Littorana with a red splash,
closely resembling tricolorana, with the black spots very large, &c. I also possess
an irrorana, with the black spots of littorana. These I think are hybrids, if
those species are actual species.

• I am, Sir, yours, &c,

April 6, 1837. J. C. Dale.

88 CORRESPONDENCE.

Notice of the Discovery of a New Insect, Acosmeiia Morrisii, — Dale's MSS.

To the Editor of the Naturalist,

Sir, — I have great pleasure in forwarding for your pages a description of a
species of Acosmetia, which I believe to be entirely new to entomologists. My
kind friend, Mr. Dale, has been so good as to name it after me, as the discoverer
of the insect. The following is the general description : — pale straw colour, ap-
proaching to silvery white, the upper (part of the) wings very faintly streaked
with narrow brown lines, diverging (from an obscure black dot ?) towards the
margin, which is of the same colour with the rest of the wings, from which they
are hardly distinguishable ; the, wings underneath ^ are divided transversely by a
faint waved brown line, and the margins clouded with the same colour. The
insect is an inch and half a line in width from tip to tip, and is not thick bodied,
though belonging rather to that class than to the thin-bodied. The' first speci-
mens I took were met with several years ago, near Charmouth, Dorsetshire, be-
yond a lime-kiln on the cliff on the east side of the little river Char. I believe
individuals may be taken there every year, though they certainly are not com-
mon. They rise up from the grass, and fly well and straight, on being disturbed
in the day-time, somewhat after the manner of the Plusia gamma (when not
flying voluntarily), and are rather difficult to capture. They seem to be among
the long grass, to which they assimilate in colour. I do not remember the
exact time "6f their appearance, but it is about the middle of summer, and they
remain " out " a considerable time. Mr. Dale has also taken specimens at the
same locality. Francis Orpen Morris.

April 4, 1837.

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Sir, — When your readers hear that I am about to place before you a few hints
on the conducting of a periodical, they may well marvel at my boldness in
addressing them to the Commander-in-Chief of two excellent Journals — the one
quarterly, the other monthly — who must of course possess no small experience in
such matters. Still, though I cannot boast of being at the helm of even a weekly
magazine, yet a subaltern may often be enabled to throw out suggestions at
least worthy the consideration of his officer ; and with this view I propose to
you, Mr. Editor, one or two alterations and additions which may perhaps tend to
improve the character of the Naturalist. First, then, I would recommend the
introduction of a chapter dedicated to what Loudon, in the better days of the

CORRESPONDENCE. 89

Magazine of Natural History, termed " Retrospective Criticism," wherein any-
correspondent might comment on whatever he had reason to find fault with in
the communications of writers in previous numbers. It is obviously of import-
ance that no erroneous or imperfect statements should pass unnoticed ; but at the
same time it is to be hoped, that the discussions]and criticisms will be carried «n
with due attention to courtesy, and that everything verging on personality will
be scrupulously avoided.

It cannot be denied, that the 7th number of the Naturalist is a great improve-
ment on the previous publications of the work; and I think your subscribers
have every reason to be satisfied with the numerous alterations and additions
effected in the plan of the magazine. The method of dividing the No. into several
chapters — as " Original Communications," " Correspondence," &c. &c, is excel-
lent ; and the publication of several pages of shorter communications will doubt-
less be the means of pleasing a very large majority of readers. Many who would
not take the trouble of reading such an article as that u On the Lemuridce"
(however ably written) in the last number, would find an interest in the
*' Extracts from Foreign Journals," " Chapter of Miscellanies," &c. With regard
to the latter section, I would say, that it could scarcely be too long. If judi-
ciously selected, the subjects would prove of equal interest to the scientific na-
turalist and the general reader. The " Reviews," I think, ought never to extend
to a great length. In a work like the Naturalist, they ought merely to give an
idea of the plan of the books, and of the manner in which that plan is earned
into execution. With the reviews in your last number, I have no fault to find ;
except that, by a mistake of the printer (in the notice of the Ornithological
Guide) poor Mr. Strickland was charged with a fault evidently belonging to the
author of the book under notice. The word " couched " should be " com-
batted."

In concluding these brief and perhaps worthless notes (if they serve as a com-
mencement of the " Retrospective Criticism," I shall not regret that I wrote
them), I will only observe that, under your able leadership, I feel assured The
Naturalist will long flourish in its career of amusement and instruction ; and as
you have kindly undertaken to cater for the benefit of us naturalists through so
excellent a medium, I trust the charge will continue in your hands through
many a volume and many a year. With my best apologies for having occupied
so much of your space with these desultory observations, I have the honour to
be, Sir, Yours, respectfully,

H. E. H.

No. I, Vol. II. n

90 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CORN BUNTING IN ENGLAND.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Sir, — In every ornithological work which has fallen under my notice, your
Song Birds excepted, the Corn Bunting (Ember iza miliaria) is boldly stated to
be extremely common throughout Britain. Now I have travelled a good deal in
this country, and have found the bird very much scarcer, and far less generally
known, than the Yellow Bunting, which, indeed, appears to abound and super-
abound in every part of our island. In many of the midland and northern
counties of England, the Corn Bunting may undoubtedly be called a rare species,
and it is probably nowhere very common. In Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Northum-
berland, &c, I have passed days and weeks without observing a single indivi-
dual, and I have seldom been able to find the nest in those counties. It has
been the custom, ever since Ornithology became a science, to consider the Corn
Bunting a common bird in England, and therefore, probably, little trouble has
been taken to ascertain the truth of the assertion, relative to a species supposed
to be so abundant ; and, to casual observation, many brown birds might pass for
the Bunting. In some parts of Scotland, I should be inclined to say that it was
of more frequent occurrence than in England. I invite the attention of our orni-
thologists to the subject, and should be glad if correspondents in different parts
of the country would favour us with their observations on this point, through

the medium of the Naturalist.

Yours, very truly,

Bristol, April 16, 1837. Charles Liverpool, M. D.

PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES.

BOTANICAL SOCIETY.
March 16.— J. E. Gray, Esq., F. R. S., President, in the Chair. Various dona-
tions were announced ; among others, that of a new Moss found on a Moor near
Malkham Farm, Yorkshire, by Mr. R. Ley land, and named by him Cinclidium
styrzicum; an extensive series of French plants, from Mr. G. E. Dennes, said
to have formed a part of the collection of the celebrated botanist M. J. J. Rous-
seau ; and some plants from Port Mahon, near Minorca. — A paper by Mr. J.
Reynolds was then read, on the plants of China, being translated from a French
memoir. The curious property of the China Rose changing colour twice a day,

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. SI

from purple to white, from the loss of a peculiar ammoniacal principle, was first
alluded to ; 2. Clusium; 3. a plant analogous to Sago, having a farinaceous pulp,
which is commonly employed by the natives as an article of food, and is known
by the name of "Quanglang;" 4. CZavaria, which grows only upon insects. — Some
instances were then adduced, showing the ardour which actuates the labouring
classes, in various parts of the country, in the study of Botany.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

March 14. — Mr. W. Sells read a paper on the Vultur aura, a species inhab-
iting Jamaica, where it is known by the name of " John Crow." It feeds on
carrion ; and its services in clearing the country of putrid substances are so highly
valued by the legislature, that for every individual destroyed, a fine of £5 is
imposed. Some recent dissections, by Mr. Owen, led to several interesting com-
parative observations on this bird and the Goose and Turkey ; the difference
consisting in the distribution of the olfactory nerves, and the superior size of the
true olfactory in V. aura, the latter arising from two oval ganglions, which is not
the case in the Common Turkey. — Mr. Reid gave a description of a new species
belonging to the order Rodentia, nearly allied to the genus Ctenomys, but differ-
ing in the great breadth of its incisors. — Mr. Darwin read a paper on the Rhea
Americana, and the newly described species. Its progress through the water is
slow, only a small portion of the body appearing above the surface, and the neck
being extended forward. The males are said to perform the office of incubation,
and rear the offspring. Several females lay in one nest, the number of eggs
deposited by each amounting, according to Azara, to sixty or seventy. He then
alluded to the Avestris pctise, which is very common about li° south of the Rio
Negro. Rhea Americana inhabits La Plata, as far as a little south of the Rio
Negro, lat. 41, Avestris petise taking its place in South Patagonia. — Mr. Gould
described a species of Rhea from Patagonia, brought over by Mr. Darwin, dis-
tinguished from R- Americana by being one-fifth smaller, by the bill being
shorter than the head, the tarsi reticulated in front, instead of being protected,
as in the Common Ostrich, by large transverse plates, and by being feathered below
the knee. The wings, moreover, are more thickly plumed, and the feathers mar-
gined with white.

March 28. — Dr. Bostock in the chair. — Mr. Bennett read part of a paper
" On the Natural History and Habits of the Spermaceti Whale." — A communi-
cation, from the Rev. Mr. Lowe, on the fishes found in Madeira, was read,
accompanied with a copious synonymy. — Also a paper from Mr. Jones, relative
to the close branchial fissure, or external gills, of the Tadpole.

92 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

March 21. — Some fine specimens of Ixora coccinea, Berberis aqui folium, Den-
drobium aggregation, Euphorbia jacquiniflora, Nemophila insignis, &c, were ex-
hibited. Amongst the varieties of the Apple was noticed the Melo di Carlo, or
Finale Apple, so highly esteemed in Italy, but which cannot be successfully
cultivated in this country ; at least the attempts which have hitherto been made
have failed.

The exhibitions, at the Society's gardens, for the present year, will take place
on May 13, June 10, and July 8.

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

April 3. — The Rev. F. W. Hope, F. R. S., in the chair. — Some specimens of
exotic insects were exhibited by Lord Prudhoe ; amongst others, the queen of
the workers of the White Ant. — The Secretary then alluded to the condition of
some of the pictures in the National Gallery, which have been much injured by
insects, and read an extract from the Parliamentary Reports upon the subject.
Several members rose to suggest remedies for the extermination of these little
pests, and we certainly think it would be both interesting and useful to make
trial of some of them. The Secretary further cautioned agriculturists against the
employment of a powder recently advertised, and which professes to prevent the
Turnip-seed from being attacked by " the Fly," and which, from the recent dis-
coveries relative to the habits of that insect, is entirely inefficaceous. — Mr. R addon
exhibited some lepidopterous larvae, found in considerable numbers in a Wheat-
stack near Bristol, in which they had caused much damage, by devouring the
grain. — A paper was read " On the economy of one of the species of the family
Cynipidce, residing in the fiat circular galls on the under side of Oak leaves,''
and which have been mistaken for Fungi. Also, " On insects and the larvse of
insects found in the human body," by the Chairman, illustrated by figures of
species obtained from the human body, and by a series of tables, to elucidate the
different cases of scolechiasis, canthariasis, and myasis. This paper was the sub-
ject of an interesting discussion, by the author, Messrs. Bell, Owen, Bracy
Clark, Dr. Blundell, and others. — Nor ought we to pass unnoticed the dona-
tions of books and insects to the society's collection, the latter including specimens
of the beautiful Chiasognathus Grantii, from Cheloe, the gift of C. Darwin, Esq.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
March 22. — The Rev. W. Whewell, Pres., in the chair. — The commence-
ment of a paper was read by Mr. Roy, " On the supposed ancient state of the
North American Continent, especially on the extent of an inland sea, by which a

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 93

great portion of its surface is conjectured to have been covered ; and on the
evidences of progressive drainage of the waters."

April 5. — Mr. Greenough, V. P., in the chair. — Mr. Roy's paper was con-
cluded.— The next paper was " On the Geology and neighbourhood of Smyrna,"
by Hugh E. Strickland, Esq. The vicinity of Smyrna consists of limestone,
and greenish slates, containing Hippurites, lacustrine limestone, marls, and
trachytic rocks. The Hippurite limestone and schist form considerable tracts,
both to the north and south of the bay of Smyrna, constituting Mounts Sipylus,
Tartali, and Corax. In some localities it consists of grey limestone, more or
less associated with black and greenish schists, but in others it is composed
almost solely of the latter. The lacustrine deposits constitute an extensive table
land, ranging south from Smyrna, and to the north of the bay — the southern
base of Mount Sipylus. Mr. Strickland is of opinion, that they were accumu-
lated in a basin, bounded principally by the hills of hippurite limestone. The
table land is composed chiefly of white or yellowish limestone, sometimes re-
sembling chalk, at other times the compact, secondary limestone of the Ionian
Islands, and contains nodules and layers of black flint, with quartz resinite.
White and greenish marls are interstratified with the limestone and extensive
beds of gravel, especially towards the margin of the basin. The beds are
generally horizontal, but in some places, when near the trachyte, they are inclined.
The shells found by the author belonged entirely to fresh-water genera, but in the
deposit at the foot of Mount Sipylus he discovered a rich store of vegetable re-
mains, in the highest state of preservation, and consisting of leaves of about
twelve species, which belonged to the genera Laurus, Nerium, Oka, Salix,
Quercus, and Tamarix. — Trachyte. This volcanic rock Mr. S. ascertained to be
more recent than the lacustrine deposits, because, in the plain of Pedikeui, it
overlies the fresh- water limestone ; and because no pebbles of it occur in the
alternating beds of gravel. The trachyte is principally porphyritic and homo-
geneous ; but it sometimes contains numerous angular blocks and fragments of
black porphyritic trachyte, much harder than the general body of the rock ; and
near the ford of the Meles it contains a mass of quartzose conglomerate. In
some localities the trachyte splits into slabs, from a foot to an inch thick, and
the cross fracture exhibits stripes of various colours, parallel to the planes of
cleavage. These layers are occasionally accumulated to the thickness of 100
feet, and are traceable laterally for as many yards. — The paper concluded with
some general observations on the changes produced in the features of the country
by the eruption of the trachyte, and the drainage of the lake in which the
lacustrine fonnations were deposited.

For the above succinct report of Mr. Strcikland's interesting paper, we are

94 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

indebted to the Athenaeum, our own correspondent not having transmitted us any
particulars relative to the memoir. — A letter from Mr.R. W. Fox, of Falmouth, to
Sir Charles Lemon, Bart., was read, on the mechanical deposits in mineral
veins. Also extracts from two letters on the earthquake in Syria, in January,
addressed by the King's Consul-General at Beyrout, to Lord Palmerston, and
communicated by J. Backhouse, Esq., and the Hon. W- T. H. F. Strangways,
Under Secretaries of State. " At Damascus, four minarets and several houses
were thrown down ; and at Acre, part of the walls and some buildings. Saffet
was entirely destroyed, and nearly all the population, amounting to between
4,000 and 5,000, had perished. The ground, near the city, was rent into fear-
ful chasms, and up to the last accounts shocks were felt daily. Tiberiad was
also entirely overthrown, except the baths, and the lake rose and swept away
many of the inhabitants." The despatch contains a list of 39 villages which had
been totally destroyed, and six partially ; and Mr. Moore (his Majesty's Consul-
General) says, it had been ascertained that the earthquake was felt on a line of
five hundred miles in length by ninety in breadth. It was also perceived in the
island of Cyprus.

ST. JAMES'S ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

We have been favoured with a copy of the plan and rules of this society, which
appear to us so excellent, that we shall present them without comment.

Title. — The Ornithological Society of London.

Management. — A Council with the usual Officers.

Honorary Members. — Limited to five. Eminent scientific ornithologists, or
liberal Patrons of the Society. Elected by the Council.

Ordinary Members. — Elected by ballot. Gentlemen will subscribe, annually,
two guineas ; ladies, one guinea. Entrance fee for gentlemen, two guineas ; for
ladies, one guinea. Members of the St. James's Ornithological Society will have
the option of being Original Members of the Ornithological Society of London, at
the annual subscription of one guinea.

Foreign Members. — Elected by ballot. Eminent foreign ornithologists.

Foreign Correspondents. — Elected by the council. Residents abroad, desirous
of assisting the Society ; exempt from all pecuniary contribution.

The objects of the Society are to be attained by the exhibition of living birds ;
the propagation and dispersion of the domesticated races ; a museum ; library ;
periodical meetings; ornithological lectures; the publication of ornithological
works — scientific and practical ; prize shews.

Living Specimens. — The Rasorial genera, and their types, will be particularly
attended to, as being most beautiful and attractive, pre-eminently domestic, and
practically useful.

PROCEEDINOS OF SOCIETIES. 9j

The hardy birds will be gratuitously exhibited in the Parks ; those for which
buildings" are required will be seen by the public on payment of a small ad-
mission fee.

The Duplicates. — Birds and eggs will be distributed among the Members.

The Museum. — The specimens will be accurately named according to the na-
tural system ; and so arranged as to convey to the student, through the eye
alone, a general and accurate knowledge of the affinities and analogies of birds,
and to exhibit examples of the different organizations which are known to ac-
company ^different habits and modes of life. The museum will include stuffed
birds, bird-skins, skeletons, and parts of birds, nests, and eggs, and will be open,
without restriction, to scientific persons and artists.

Library. — The library will contain, ultimately, every ornithological work of
merit ; British and foreign ornithological periodicals will be taken in, and circu-
lated among such of the members as subscribe an additional half-guinea for this
advantage.

Periodical Meetings or Conversaziones will be held for the exhibition of living
and dead specimens, drawings, books, nests, &c. — for reading ornithological pa-
pers, and for oral observations.

Lectures. — Competent ornithologists will be invited to deliver lectures;

Publications. — The Society will publish, or patronize the publication of, a ge-
neral^ornithological work at an accessible price : the proceedings will be published
concisely and cheaply ; and the Society will collect and publish all the informa-
tion they can obtain as to the best modes of rearing foreign birds adapted for the
park, the preserve, the poultry-yard, and the aviary.

Prizes. — A prize of the value of £15 or £20 will be given annually for the
best paper on Systematic Ornithology, in elucidation of the power, wisdom, and
goodness of God. Another, of the value of £l 0, for the breeding of foreign birds :
and a third, of the value of £5, for the best method of keeping alive in this coun- •
try such foreign birds as will not breed.

Application will be made to Government for a locality for the Society's mu-
seum, library, and housed collections : if the application be successful, the mu-
seum will be freely open to the public three days a week.

The ordinary funds, arising from subscriptions and entrance fees, will in the
first instance be applied solely to the construction of aviaries, and the purchase,
rearing, and breeding of birds : and an extraordinary fund will be raised by the
creation of 100 shares of £25 each (to be paid, if desired, in two half-yearly
instalments) which will be applied exclusively to the purchase of books, speci-
mens, and cabinets, to lay a broad and solid foundation for a worthy museum
and library. The property thus acquired will be vested in the shareholders ;

96 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

and will not, unless specially conveyed by donation, form part of the general
property, until the funds shall be sufficient to pay off the shareholders.

The duplicates will, at first, be distributed among the shareholders only, and,
in addition to the ordinary privileges of personal admission to housed collections,
museum, library, and meetings, they will be entitled to give a certain number of
free admissions daily to strangers.

EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN PERIODICALS.
Zoology.
1. The Chigger Flea {Pidex penetrans). — M. Duges, of Montpellier, has
lately published an interesting account of this insect in the Annales des Set*
ences naturelles. In writing his former memoir on the genus Pulex, in the
same Journal, he knew nothing with certainty of the above species; reduced
to accounts which could be of little value, and deceived by a caudal appen-
dage which is probably nothing more than the penis of the male, he expected
it would form a genus by itself. Actual observations made upon specimens
preserved in spirits, have, however, convinced him, that this insect only differs
from the rest of the genus in slight particulars, and especially in its habits,
which would not warrant the formation of a new genus. After noting some
particulars relative to the Fleas which infest the clothes of the bathers on the
shores of the Mediterranean in such numbers, and after extracting some ob-
servations on P. penetrans, from M. Aug. de St. Hilaire's Voyage au Bresil,
we find some further remarks on the latter insect. The author ascertained,
that the Chigger Flea settles between the epidermis and the cuticle, by cutting
through the latter. It proceeds then by increasing the small hole which
the animal has already made in the skin, and this may be done without the
person on whom the insect operates feeling any pain, or losing even the
smallest quantity of blood. The insects generally lodge themselves under the
nails; M. Saltzmann has had them on the soles of the feet and the palms of
the hands. In the specimens preserved in spirits, M. D. did not find the
rings of the abdomen which pass through the hole in the epidermis, protruding
from the skin, and making the vermicular motion spoken of by M. de St.
Hilaire. Perhaps the latter only takes place at the period immediately fol-
lowing the incision of the insect. In the individuals examined by M. D., the
abdomen appeared entirely membranous; but in the region of the anus cor-
responding to the opening of the epidermis under which the animal was
lodged, an orifice, surrounded by plates, was found. This circumstance con-

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 97

vinced M. Duges, that it is not excess of food, but numerous eggs, which cause
the insect to remain so long in its cell. Are these eggs — which are distinct and
numerous — hatched under the skin ? Are they laid there ? That seems impos-
sible ; and if they are dropped from the side of the anus, it would only be to fall
outside. Possibly, it is true, the mother may die befoi-e laying, and the
little vermiform larvae may produce an ulcerous abscess in the part ; they would
then be no longer able to breed, in consequence of the injuries they are supposed
to cause. Animals infested by this insect are unable to get rid of it, and yet the
effects of such attacks are seldom serious. — The legs do not differ much from those
of the Common Flea (P. irritans), but the thorax has no comb, nor membranous
or villous fringe. The head bears considerable resemblance in shape to that of
P. irritans, and is likewise destitute of spines ; the eye is large ; antennae
lenticular, oval, keeled ; the sucker is comparatively large, and M. D. mentions
some particulars relative to this organ which, for want of space, we must omit. —
The jaws are short, and only differ from those of the Common Flea by the first
and second articulations being nearly of equal length. The chief distinctions
appear to lie in the formation of the antennae, the lips, and the palpae, and although
these are amply sufficient to characterise the species, we think, with M. Duges,
that the insect above described has no claims to rank in a separate genus, but must
still retain its name of Pulex penetrans.

2. Organs of Sensation of Pentastoma toenioides. — A remarkably well
developed nervous system exists in this reptile, as indeed Cuveir has already
pointed out. When the back of the animal is cut open, and the brown strings
forming the ovary are taken away, the intestinal canal is exposed to view ; when
again this is extracted, we find under the oesophagus a long, thin, white ganglion
— the cerebral ganglion — situated above the sexual apparatus. This ganglion
sends out on all sides fine threads, amongst which are especially observed, from
their size, the two which pass to the anterior extremity of the body ; they supply
several very slender threads to the oesophagus, and terminate in the lateral cavities of
the mouth, or at the holes containing the fangs. The ganglion moreover transmits,
to the posterior portion of the body, two nerves which extend along the open-
ings of the cells formed by the passages in the leaflets described in a former part of
this paper ; they are attached to the walls of the abdomen. These nerves pre-
sent neither swellings nor points of union with one another ; their course is not
in a straight line, but slightly tortuous, so that each nervous filament penetrates,
with a flexure, into the openings before mentioned. — Thus it will be perceived,
that the nervous system of this intestinal worm is distinguished from that of Am-
pliistoma subtriquetrum, by the latter possessing, under the oesophagus, two
ganglions communicating with each other by means of a nervous cord, and by the
No. 8, Vol. II. o

08 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

two filaments which proceed from these ganglions reuniting after a short distance,
whilst they send forth other threads. But the nervous system of these two
worms has nevertheless this in common, that the situation of the ganglion in
Pentastoma entirely corresponds with that of Amphistoma, and that they both
transmit two filaments extending from each side along the abdominal cavity.
— From an elaborate paper on P. toenioides, by Mons. C. E. Miram.

3. On Antediluvian Blatt;e. — A paper was published in the Annales de la
Societe Entomologique de France, for 1836, by De. Bebendt, on antediluvian
Blattce, Orthopterous insects. The author has turned his attention to the species
of Blatta frequently found in yellow amber with other insects. They are more
commonly in the larva than in the perfect state. Still their characters are
sufficiently obvious to determine the species. The author is of opinion, that the
in sectsfound in yellow amber are not identical with, but only analogous to, the
living species, and that, in this respect, the general law among geologists applies
to fossil insects. He has figured seven species of Blatta, only two of which are
winged, the others being younger, and some very small. There are doubtless
more species, but it is difficult to determine whether the differences observed are
to be accounted specific, or whether they belong to age or sex.

4. The Leeches and Beptiles of Chili. — It is a remarkable fact that the
Leeches of Chili are all terrestrial, living in the woods, and never in water. M.
Gay assures us, that he could not make a botanical excursion without having his
legs bitten by these blood-suckers. They crawl upon plants, along trunks of
trees, and ascend shrubs, but never approach marshes or rivers ; the only one which
M. Gay accidentally discovered in these latter habitats, is a very small kind of
Branchiobolelle, which has the singular habit of living in the pulmonary cavity
of the Auricula Dombeii. M. Gay had previously discovered, in the environs of
Santiago, another Leech of the same genus, which lives under the branchiee of a
species of Lobster. (The Leeches of Chili, in their sylvan manners, resemble the
Leeches of Ceylon.)

A fact not less interesting is this ; in these western regions the reptiles have
a tendency to become viviparous. The greater number of those which M. Gay
dissected, afforded him proofs of this assertion. Not only the harmless Snake of
Valdivia brings forth living young, but likewise all the pretty Inguanians allied
to the genus Leposoma of Spix, and which, from the beauty of the colours, M.
Gay provisionally calls Chrysosaurus. Even those species which are oviparous
at Santiago are here viviparous. The Batricians furnish some examples of the
same fact, although in general they are all oviparous. However, a genus allied
to the Rhinella of Fitzinger, consisting of several agreeably coloured species, is
constantly viviparous, and consequently adds to the proofs of a fact the more

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 99

remarkable that all the examples of it are found collected within a radius of two
or three leagues only.

5. Spirula Peronii. — It is a rare thing to find this common shell with its animal'
a fact which, according to MM. Robert and Leclenchet, is in some measure
explained by their having discovered that it is the prey and common food of the
Phgsalix, which swarm in the same equatoiial seas. The figures hitherto
published of the Spirula are incorrect ; it is a cephalopode which approaches re-
markably in form to the shell-less Loligo sepiola, having the shell almost entirely
imbedded in the posterior part of the body, where there are two natatory ex-
pansions of the cloak. The eye is proportionally very large, and without a lid.
— Annates des Sciences Naturelles ; as translated in the Mag. of Zool. and Bot.,
Vol. i., p. 414.

G. Parmacella, Cuvier. — MM. Webb and Vanbeneden have attentively exa-
mined the American mollusca, reputed to belong to this genus, in the rich
collection of the late Baron de Ferussac, and the result is, the establishment
of a new genus (Peltella) for their reception, the organic differences between
them and those of the old continent being so considerable as to justify their
separation. This division, besides, has the advantage of fixing in a precise
manner the geographical distribution of the two genera. The Parmacellce
belong more particularly to North Africa, one species only having been met
with at the western extremity of Europe, and in one of the warmest regions of
the Iberian Peninsula. We may then presume, that when the Limacidce of
North Africa are better known, the group to which the Pharmacellse belong,
will present a series of species similarly conformed, and replacing in those
climates the Slugs of our temperate regions. The European species is mi-
nutely described and figured in a late No. of Guerin's Magazin de Zoologie.
It was found on the hills of Alcantara, behind Lisbon, feeding on the young
shoots of Cochlearia acaulis, and is characterized as follows: — Parmacella Va-
lenciennii, corpore toto fulvo, reticulatim ruguso ; concha scutello obvoluta,
tenui, diaphana, fragilissima; spirae rudimento instructa, basi motaria amditu
sinuata. — Webb and Vanbenjeden in Mag. de Zoologie.

BOTANY.

7. Reproduction of Alg^:. — The eighth volume of the Societe de Physique et
cCHistoire Naturelle de Geneve, contains a paper read Dec. 17, 1835, by M.
Duby, on the propagation of the species of Ceramium. Highly important
conclusions have resulted from this memoir (the greater part of the materials
of which were furnished by M. Crouan, a naturalist of Brest), regarding the
physiology of the Alga, and especially of Ceramium. They may be reduced
to the following :—

100 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

I; The development of the reproductive organs of Ceramium takes place
without any rupture of the envelop, but by extension of the tissue. The in-
ferior system, commencing from the root, is first developed.

2. Whatever be the mode of fructification, and notwithstanding some appar-
ent or actual differences presented by the reproductive organs, the results are
precisely the same, that is, the reproductive organs formed by those of fructi-
fication, even though the latter differ greatly, produce equally the parent plant,
and in the same manner.

3. Wherever there is agglomeration and condensation of colored matter,
there is formed a germ which reproduces the parent plant, sometimes even
before it is detached.

4. Lastly, under certain circumstances, it is not even necessary that there
be agglomeration of coloring matter, the head being able, by its separation
from the parent stock, by a slip, to act as a conceptacle or organ destined to
prepare the reproductive parts, put forth radicles, and renew the species.

This paper, of which we have given a brief summary, is accompanied by two
plates, illustrating the developments of the reproductive apparatus of several
species of Ceramium, and fully justifying the views of the author. — Biblio-
theque Univtrselle de Geneve*

GEOLOGY.

8. On some Interesting Phenomena relative to Ananchites and Spa-
tangus. — The royal mineralogical museum of Berlin contains two fossil spe-
cimens of Ananchites sulcatus, Goldf., similar to that described and represented
by Walch in Knorr's work on petrifications. The quartzose, cellular, and
remarkably regular structure of the interior of this fossil — whence it was
named, by old authors, after the cells of the Honey Bee— is explained by
another series of petrified echinites in the same collection. The surprising
regularity of these latter, precisely the same in a number of specimens, clearly
points out, that on each blade of the shell of the echinites is a crystal of cal-
careous spar, of which the axis is perpendicular to the blade, and the base
occupies its whole surface ; all the crystals seem ranged in a straight line with
the greatest regularity, diminishing in size towards the top of the echinite, and
increasing at top, all their axes converging to the interior of the shell. This
influence of the echinites upon the calcareous spar which crystallizes in their
interior, excites just surprise by its regularity. The form of the crystals is
rhomboidal.

An echinite analogous to these is the Spatangus coranguinum, in which, on
the contrary, it is on the exterior surface of the shell that each blade has been

MISCELLANIES. 101

covered with similar crystals of calcareous spar, but the crystals in the speci

mens in the Berlin museum are considerably injured.

From a comparison of the first series of these phenomena — that is, of the
Honey-Bee Echinites — with the second, it evidently results, that the qaartzy
cells on the interior of the Ananckites, converted into silex, are but the enve-
lops of analogous crystallizations of calcareous spar, formed on the interior sur-
face of their blades, and destroyed later. It is, therefore, a confirmation of the
nature of the impressions, provided we keep in mind how much the elongated
hexagonal form of the blades modifies the shape of the crystals of calcareous
spar, and to what extent the faces of the rhomboidal crystals can vary. The
structure of quartz is an equal confirmation ; it is perfectly adapted to serve as
the envelop of a similar cellular formation. — Karsten's Archiv fur Mineralogie.

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

ZOOLOGY.

On the Backwardness of the present Spring. — What a dismal spring
we have had ! 1 fear much that it will be the destruction of many of our fea-
thered friends. All seems to be with them at a stand-still. The Missel
Thrush is as full of song as it was a month ago, and I do not think any bird,
except the Rook, has yet begun to breed. I observed the other day (April 3),
during a most pitiless storm of snow and a strong wind, a Swallow and a Sand
Martin hawking for Flies, in the neighbourhood of a wier of the river Derwent.
They seemed much exhausted from contending with the storm, and frequently
rested on the margin. — W. C. Hewitson. Derby, April 13, 1837. [Up to
this day (April 20) not a single Spring visitant has made its appearance in
the north of England. — Ed.]

Plumage of the Warblers (Sylvia). — I have no doubt but the Willow
and Dark-legged Warblers (Sylvia melodia and S. loquax,) acquire their yel-
low or second plumage by moulting, but in what manner does this color after-
wards disappear ? by a change of plumage, or by a gradual change of color in
the feathers themselves ? From a series of specimens in my possession, I have
reason to suspect the latter, but I should very much like to know from direct
observation. Have you ever seen the Wood Warbler in yellow plumage ? 1
am inclined to believe it never acquires this hue. — Edward Blyth, in a letter
to the Editor •, dated Tooting, Aug. 25, 1835.

102 MISCELLANIES.

The Wanton Destruction op Swallows. — If you have a convenient op-
portunity, I pray you to enter your protest against that abominable prac-
tice of shooting Swallows, which is a more serious offence than may at first
appear. I often hear the remark made that "we have fewer Swallows than
usual"; may not this be owing to their wanton destruction? The Swifts,
more especially, appear to be diminishing everywhere, to my no small regret,
as they are charming creatures to my mind, and I love their harsh scream
perhaps almost as well as I do the melody of the Nightingale. I was forcibly
struck with the comparative scarcity of these birds during a little tour I made
last May, through parts of Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and
Northamptonshire. There is a beautiful passage relating to the Swifts in the
Journal of a Naturalist, the perusal of which I recommend to your readers. —
W. T. Bree, Allesley Rectory* Warwickshire, Oct. 31, 1835.

Early Nidification op the Robin Redbreast (Rubecula familiaris,
Blyth). — The first nest we found this year was that of a Robin Redbreast, in
the hole of a wall in an outhouse. It was commenced on the 15th of March,
when the ground had been covered with snow several days. The structure
was soon compl eted, but no egg was laid till the 28th, when there was a consi-
derable improvement in the weather. Notwithstanding a heavy fall of snow
on the 29th, another egg was deposited ; and the nest now contains four eggs.
The first day we discovered the nest, the parent birds fearlessly flew within a
few inches of our head, when we approached the hole, but they afterwards be-
came much more shy and wary, and now never suffer themselves to be seen
near the spot. — Ed.

Hipparchia blandina. — Five specimens were captured about the 21st of
August, 1836, at the foot of Whernside, in Craven, Yorkshire, by Abraham
Clapham, Esq., a pair of which were presented by him to the museum of the
Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, and one to Mr. Henry Denny. — Ma-
gazine of Zoology and Botany, No. v., Feb. 1837.

An Instance of the Attachment of the Sky Lark to its Offspring. — The
other day some mowers actually shaved off the upper part of the nest of a Sky-
Lark without injuring the female, which was sitting on her young ; still she did
not fly away, and the mowers levelled the grass all round without her taking
further notice of their proceedings; A young friend of mine, son of the owner of
the crop, witnessed all this, and about an hour afterwards went to see if she was
safe, when, to his great surprise, he found that she had actually constructed a
dome of dry grass over the nest during the interval, leaving an aperture on one
side for ingress and egress. My friend immediately hastened to inform me of the
circumstance, and I was about to follow him to the spot, but, on his return, he
found that some ruffian had, in the mean time, torn open the nest, and made off

MISCELLANIES. 103

with the young ones. How disheartening it is for the naturalist to be so
continually annoyed by these callous bird-nesters. I was [in hopes, when
the brood had left the nest, to have preserved the latter as a most interesting
specimen ; but, alas ! all is, as usual, frustrated. I should add, that the inten-
tion of the parents was, obviously, to have preserved their young from the scorching
heat of the sun. —Edward Blyth; Tooting, Surry, July 4, 1836.

The Italian Glowworm. — The Italian Glow-worm appears to be different
from ours, for, according to M. Carrara, it has a bag or sack full of air, reaching
from the mouth to the abdomen. By means of this the phosphorescent matter is
put in contact with the atmosphere, without the aid of the respiratory organs.
It is used at the pleasure of the insect, and causes a combustion of the phosphorus,
which renders its light bright and sparkling, while that of our Glow-worm is
dull and steady.

The Burrowing of the Mole. — In a memoir communicated to the Society of
Natural Sciences at Neufchatel, a curious fact is stated respecting the Mole. As
it burrows under ground it always turns its back to the sun, proceeding from
east to west in the morning, and west to east in the evening.

A New Species of Oniscus. — A new species of Woodlouse COniseus, Linn.^
abounds in Cuba, the characters of which have been determined by M. Guerin.
This naturalist, suspecting that they might not be similar to the European species,
although reported as such, procured several from that island, and found that they
differ in the form of the head and antennae, and more especially in the six anterior
feet, which are furnished underneath with brushes of spines, club-shaped at the
end, which serve to fix them upon polished and perpendicular surfaces ; hence
their frequent occurrence in the houses of the Havanna. — Athenaeum.

The Spring Oatear (Budytes verna) in Norfolk. — The few pairs of Spring
Oatears (or " Green Wagtails") that visit this neighbourhood, resort to the imme-
diate sides of the river, which is bordered by grass lands and uncultivated wastes ;
it is only in this locality that they are to be seen. I have repeatedly noticed
them running upon the weeds on the surface of the water, catching insects, &c. —
I have found its nest among the Ling (Calluna vulgaris), which grows close to
the water. The old birds express considerable anxiety when you approach within
the vicinity of their nest, hovering with their peculiar undulating motion whilst
on the wing over your head, or alighting upon a bank or any other convenience
on the ground, at the same time incessantly uttering their note of alarm. — J.
D. Salmon, Tket/ord, Norfolk, July 28, 1836.

The Common Crossbill (Crucirostra vulgaris). — The Crossbills are still with
us, and I saw one yesterday. About a week ago, I shot a male and female. The
former repeatedly made use of a cry I never before heard, and which, I presume,
was the love note of the species. — Prideaux J. Selby, Twizell House, Northum-
berland, May 19, 1836.

104 MICSELLANIES.

The Yelllow -nosed Albatross a British Bird. — On November, 1836, a
beautiful specimen of the Yellow-nosed Albatross (Diomedea chlororhynchus,
Lath. ) was observed sailing above the river Trent, at Stockwith, near Gainsbo-
rough, and was shot nearly opposite the Chesterfield canal basin. Thus,
according to the rule generally agreed on by naturalists, this bird may now be
included in the British fauna. There are four species of Albatross ; the Diomedea
exulans, or Common Albatross (and not the Yellow-nosed species, as erroneously
supposed by the newspapers) being the largest. — Analyst, No. XIX., April, 1837.

The Song of the Sky Lark. — In walking out in some fields, near here, towards
the close of October, I was surprised to see great numbers of Sky Larks flying about
over the fields on every side. I may almost say in flocks, the greaternumber of them
singing all the while. They neither soared very high, nor remained so long in the air
as they are wont to do in spring. I had not heard the song of this bird for several
weeks previously, and it is worthy of remark that the day was rather cold and
windy. In autumn the Sky Lark often rises perpendicularly into the air, and then
descends in a slanting direction, performing all the other spring manoeuvres,
without singing, but occasionally giving a twitter, as if congratulating itself on
the progress it is making. The same may be said of the Wood Lark at that season.
If you consider the above worth inserting in your " Chapter of Miscellanies" —
by no means the least interesting portion of the Naturalist — it is perfectly at
your service. — Charles Liverpool, M.D., Bristol, March 23, 1837-

Chace of the Wild Boar. — The chase of the Wild Boar has always been
considered as a sport presenting the highest interest and excitement ; and it is
certainly one of the most dangerous- The old males are preferred to those of a
less advanced age, as being less swift in their flight, both on account of their
greater obesity, and the confidence they feel in their own strength ; they are also
less dangerous, as their tusks are much more curved, and are thus less capable of
inflicting severe and well-directed wounds. When once at bay, the Boar becomes
indiscriminately furious. He turns on his persecutors, and strikes at the nearest,
often ripping open the belly of a Horse or a Dog ; and the hunter is himself in
no little jeopardy if he be on foot, or his Horse have thus been disabled.

At the period when Britain was covered with forests, the Wild Boar was found
in them as a native, and probably once in some considerable numbers. About the
year 940, the laws of Hoel Dha direct that it shall be lawful for the chief of his
huntsmen to chase the Boar of the wood, from the 5th of the Ides of Nov. (9th),
until the Calends of December (1st). — Cap. xxi. s. 14. In the next century the
numbers had perhaps begun to diminish, since a forest law of William I, estab-
lished in A.D. 1087, ordained that any who were found guilty of killing the Stag,
the Roebuck, or the Wild Boar, should have their eyes put out ; and sometimes
the penalty appears to have been a painful death. It appears, indeed, that
Charles the First, turned out some old swine in the New Forest for the pur-

MISCELLANIES. 105

pose of restoring the breed to that royal hunting-ground ; but they were all of
them destroyed during the civil war. A similar attempt has, I believe, been
lately made in Bere Wood, in Dorsetshire ; but one of the Boars having injured
a valuable Horse belonging to the worthy Nimrod who exhibited this specimen of
sporting epicurism, he caused them to be destroyed. — Bell's History of British
Quadrupeds, p. 360.

Disposition op the Robin Redbreast (Rubecula familiaris, BlythJ—
Although the Robin Redbreast is a most pugnacious creature, yet it is far from
being destitute of attachment to its kind. One that we caught and caged in No-
vember, 1835, was for several weeks constantly attended by its mate, which seems
to prove that this bird pairs for life. When any one approached the cage, the
male departed very unwillingly, and, if wholly excluded from the room in which
the prisoner was confined, it would utter the most unceasing and piteous wailings.
After some time, however, the visits became gradually less frequent, and at length
ceased altogether. — Ed.

Period of arrival of the Garden Fauvet (Ficedtda hortensis). — I have
noticed, for many seasons past, that although some Garden Fauvets (or
" Garden Warblers") always arrive about the close of April, we continue to
receive a constant accession to their numbers till the beginning of June. I par-
ticularly observed this last year, and now again at the present time ; it having
been a subject of remark with me, all the spring, that in the delightful wild
garden I have already mentioned (p. 77), there were but few visitants of this
species ; but this morning I saw no less than three, which were singing away
merrily. — Edward Blyth, Tooting, Surrey, June 9, 1836.

The Song of the Missel Thrush (Turdus viscivorus, Linn.). — I have lately
heard the song of the Missel Thrush ; its notes are not much unlike those of the
Garden Ouzel (Merula vulgaris, Ray), but neither so varied nor so mellow. I
now find that I have repeatedly heard this bird, but had always supposed it to be
the Garden Ouzel. I cannot be mistaken in this circumstance, having approached
several birds sufficiently near clearly to identify them. The top of a Fir tree is
a favourite place for uttering its song. — J. D. Salmon, Thetford, Norfolk, June 6,
1836.

Preservation of Zoological Specimens. — I have often noticed, with regret,
both in public and private museums, in this country, that the damp was making
fearful inroads among the zoological specimens ; and, as I learned, while in France,
some time since, a most simple and efficacious remedy for that evil, I beg to sub-
mit it to you for the benefit of your readers and the public. A glazed flower-pan,
of the size of a dessert plate, placed in the cases, at intervals of eight or ten feet,
and filled with quicklime, will rapidly imbibe all damps, and will only require
renewing when it is found that the lime is completely saturated.— -As a preven-
No. 8, Vol. II. p

10H MISCELLANIES.

tive to moth in museums, I have seen used, and have used myself with great
effect, the huile de petrole, put into glass vessels like shallow finger-glasses ; and
four or five in a case of 20 feet long, will produce so powerful an effluvium,* that
it is necessary to have as many watch-glasses, with small portions of musk in
them, to make it bearable. But this, in good air-tight cases, is of little conse-
quence.— Magazine of Natural History, New Series, No. IV., April, 1837.

Instance of the Missel Thrush singing on the Wing. — Instances of this
bird having been known to sing while flying have from time to time been recorded.
The circumstance is certainly not one of common occurrence, though we have
noticed it more than once. A few days ago one flew from a tree close to where
we were standing, singing all the while, and we listened to the notes until they
were at length lost in the distance. We never met with a more remarkable in-
stance of the fact than this ; as the bird in most cases only utters its strain
while flying from one lofty tree to another close at hand. — Ed.

Hawking with the Golden Eagle. — The following remarkable fact is, we
believe, without a precedent in the annals of hawking : — Captain Green, of
Buckden, in Huntingdonshire, has now in his possession a splendid specimen of
the Golden Eagle, which he has himself trained to take Hares and Rabbits. —
When the difficulty even of handling a bird of the size and strength of the
Golden Eagle is considered, the performance of Captain Green must be deemed
extraordinary. Hawks are carried on the fist of the falconer, but this would
be impracticable with a bird of this size and weight ; recourse was therefore
had to a very ingenious invention, as a substitute for the fist. — Doncaster
Gazette, Nov. 11, 1836. [What the "ingenious invention" was, we are not
informed. — Ed.]

Entomological Bibliography. — A zealous entomologist, M. Percheron, who
has been much inconvenienced in his studies by having to seek for information
scattered through various works in the forms of monographs, treatises, memoirs,
notices, &c, is about to publish a catalogue raisonne of all the entomological
works now known, in order to facilitate the researches of future students.

The Darklegged Warbler (Sylvia loquax, Herbert). — The first migratory
bird we noticed in the north of England this year, was a Darklegged Warbler.
We observed one individual flying briskly about a wet ditch, on the morning of
April 21, very lively, but apparently hungry. It first settled on the hedge above,
then descended upon the bank, or darted down upon a slender twig close to the
water, a drop of which it would occasionally sip. It was extremely tame, and
evidently looked upon us as friendly to the feathered race. Sometimes it would

* This we consider a [great drawback to the introduction into common use of the huile d*
vetrole. — Ed.

MISCELLANIES. 107

dart up into the air after an insect, and often approached within a few feet of
where we were standing. Although we watched it and followed it up the stream
nearly a quarter of an hour, we could not discover that it had a companion, there
being no other birds about the place, except a pair of Longtailed Tits and a few
Chaff Finches. The only note the Warbler uttered was low and short. We
watched the motions of the beautiful little creature with peculiar delight, as being
the first harbinger of an unusually late spring ; and when, in returning home, a
severe and protracted hail-storm overtook us, we remembered the lovely green and
yellow Warbler we had left alone amongst the leafless bushes with a pang. — Ed.

Habits of the Sand Pigeon (Columba arenea, Salmon). — I have lately been
asked if I can suggest a better name than Stock or Wood Pigeon for the Columba
cenas of authors ; the provincial name in this district is Sand Pigeon, which I
cannot but consider fully as appropriate as Bank Swallow, applied in consequence
of the situation the bird selects for nidification. Those who live in woody dis-
stricts, however, might object to this specific designation, as the bird would then,
in all probability, breed in woods, but of this I am not certain. I am inclined to
suspect that the species is very local in its distribution in this county during
the breeding season, and that it is only towards its autumnal migration
that it is seen in very great numbers in the woodlands. I have known
an instance of its breeding in the top-most branches of the Scotch Fir, in a
similar manner to the Ring Pigeon (Columba palumbus), which is a true
arboreal species, and might with greater propriety be called Wood Pigeon. In-
deed the latter is given by Selby as a provincial name, by which, also, it is
always known in this county. If it be found necessary to make any alteration
in the nomenclature of the British Pigeons, I should be disposed to name them
thus : — Wood Pigeon, Columba palumbus ; Sand Pigeon, C. arenea ; Rock
Pigeon, C. livia. — J. D. Salmon, Tketford, Norfolk, Dec. 3, 1836.

Organization of the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus, Linn.). — Mr. J. L.
Levison, of Doncaster, informs us that he considers the extraordinary habits of
the Cuckoo, as regards propagation, to result rather from a deficiency in the organ
of Constructiveness, than from any want of Philoprogenitiveness, which latter
propensity he states to be amply developed in this interesting bird. The habits
of the species certainly tend to confirm this view of the matter ; for it has been
observed that the Cuckoo frequently returns to the nest in which it has deposited
its egg ; and the anxiety of the bird to obtain a proper place for the reception of
its egg, is decidedly considerable. On the other hand, that the Cuckoo has never
made the remotest attempt at building a nest, is an incontrovertible fact. Mr.
Levison's observations on the development of the head of the Cuckoo, were
alluded to by that gentleman in a conversation with his friend the late Dr.

108 MISCELLANIES.

Spurzheim, and were communicated to us during a visit we had the pleasure of
paying Mr. L. some time since. — Ed.

BOTANY.

Oenothera speciosa. — This species has been cultivated several years in Europe
as an ornamental plant, but it is a new fact that it secretes at the bottom of its
corolla a sweet liquid, which is glutinous enough to retain prisoners several species
of Sphinx, especially those which frequent the Vine, the Bindweed, and the
Milk Thistle.

Agaricus cochleatus, Eng. Fl. V. II. p. 69. — " Inverary" is the only recorded
station for this rare Agaric in Scotland. It may therefore be worth while to
mention, that I gathered it in great perfection, on November 17, 1836, in the
plantation around Foulden House, Berwickshire. — George Johnston, M. D.

Additions to Cooper's Flora Metropolitana. — Silene olites. — This uncommon
plant, in the vicinity of London, was discovered in Charlton Chalk-pit, Kent, last
summer, by Miss S. Berkeley, from whom I possess specimens. — Crocus aureus,
• — I also found this not very uncommon species, in Charlton Wood, in company
with Messrs. Chatterley and Lee, who also met with it in Battersea Fields.
The locality in Charlton Wood is rather complicated. This species is not men-
tioned in Lindley's Synopsis. — Daniel Cooper. — Magazine of Zoology and
Botany, Vol. I., p. 495—6.

Addition to the paper on the Medicinal Plants of Yorkshire. — I take
this opportunity of inserting an unintentional omission, as well as of correcting a
slight error which occurred in the paper on the Medicinal and Poisonous Plants
of Yorkshire, in the last No. of the Naturalist. After Artemisia asynthium, insert
the Common Tansy, Tanacetum vulgare. Herb ; aromatic, &c. Banks of the
Ouse, above and below York. — An old herbarist who lived at York, and whose
death was announced in the papers a few months ago, informed me that, with an
assistant, he on one occasion went up the Ouse in a boat, and as he proceeded
cut the Tansy, which grew in profusion on the banks for some miles. He re-
turned the following day, and on bringing them home, found, if I remember
rightly, that the produce of his day's work amounted to about 70 stone in weight.
—•Under the head of Menyanthes tri/oliata, " North East" has been accidentally
inserted for North West, of Yorkshire. — E. Doncaster, April 20, 1837.

109
REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

The Naturalist's Library. Conducted by Sir William Jardine, Bart.,
F.R.S.E., F.L.S., &c. Ornithology. Vol. VII. Birds of Western Africa.
By William Swainson, Esq., A. C. G., F. R. S., M. W. S., &c. Edinburgh:
W. H. Lizars; Highley, London; Curry, Jun. and Co., Dublin. 1837. Fools-
cap 8vo.

We conclude that our readers, one and all, are as well acquainted with the
name and talents of the author of the volume before us, as they are with the
scope and objects of the Naturalist's Library, Mr. Swainson is, in fact, without
any flattery, at the head of the zoological school in this country, and he is
favourably known as a scientific zoologist wherever the study of Natural His-
tory is cultivated. We have only to refer to his splendid Zoological Illustrations,
or to the ornithological volume of the Fauna Boreali Americana, to be fully as-
sured of his capability to investigate, in the most satisfactory manner, and on the
highest philosophical principles, the natural affinities existing throughout the
animal kingdom. Not less admirable for their perspicuity and accuracy are the
minor details of those splendid publications ; and the plates, executed by the
author, are scarcely to be surpassed. Individuals who had only witnessed Mr.
Swainson's talents in works like those of which we have been speaking, might
well be inclined to doubt the prudence of engaging him to take any part in a
popular zoological series, similar to the Naturalist's Library. But such an ob-
jection could never be raised by any one who had perused our author's beautiful,
philosophic, and highly interesting volumes, in Dr. Lardner s Cabinet Cyclope-
dia. Besides, no one need ^consider it a disgrace to be the author of a volume or
volumes of Sir William Jardine's useful and widely-circulated Library, seeing
that the Editor has studied to make it practically valuable and interesting to the
professed naturalist, as well as entertaining to all classes of readers, and that he
has engaged some of the most eminent authors in the publication. Mr. Swain-
son has, in short, the talents requisite to enable him to write in almost every
style (on subjects connected with Natural History) equally well ; and although
he has, of course, by no means employed the full extent of his powers in the Birds
of Western Africa, yet the volume is replete with original observations. But
we must not much longer indulge in this strain of general commendation. The
book contains thirty-four plates, engraved by Lizars from drawings by the au-
thor. We question whether the Naturalist's Library ever appeared to such great
advantage, in this respect, as in the volume before us. The illustrations of the Par-
rot and Pigeon families (Psittacida and Columbidae) were, it is true, admirable,
but, on the whole, they would scarcely bear comparison with the plates in the

110 REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

last volume. We have seen some drawings by Mr. Swainson which we greatly
prefer to any of the plates in his then published works ; we suspected, as
indeed we have elsewhere noticed, that the failing of the latter lay in the
engraving; and the plates in the present volume (beautifully engraved by
Lizabs) confirm us in that opinion. We shall now proceed to quote from the
introduction ; and when our readers are informed that, had it not been for the
increase of letter-press in our current number, we should not have been enabled
to extract so freely from our author's pages, we feel assured they will not be dis-
posed to regret the omission of the woodcuts, in lieu of which the additional pages
are given: —

" Of all the zoological provinces into which our globe is divided, Africa is the most unexplored.
The land thirsty and desolate — the people savage and idolatrous — the climate burning and pes-
tilential ; we trace all that can impede and resist civilization, and the prosecution of research.
The interior of Africa is like the fabled Upas-tree of Java ; and of nearly all those adventurous
spirits, who have set out to gather its fruits, nothing remains but their whitened bones. The
Zoology of Africa is even less known than its Geography. Its coasts, at least throughout its cir-
cumference, have been traced out by navigators ; but the Natural History of only two or three
insignificant parts, when compared to the whole, has been investigated ; while of the vast regions
intervening between these distant spots, we know little or nothing. The Ornithology of Egypt
was well explored in the direction of the march of the French army, by the inimitable Savignv,
and those learned men who accompanied it ; Ruppell has brought some striking novelties from
Nubia, and recently from Abyssinia ; while some of the birds of the latter country, collected and
sent to England by the late Mr. Salt, have been imperfectly mentioned.* These, in short, are
the only gleanings that have been made in the vast extent of three-fourths of this wide-spreading
continent ; for even the shores bordering upon the Mediterranean, and the fertile and well-wooded
provinces of Asia Minor, have been quite neglected, notwithstanding the interest they possess in
determining the limits of the three regions which there meet, namely, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
It is only in the southern extremity, long inhabited by Europeans, that anything effective has
been yet accomplished. The name of Le Vaillant takes the lead in this quarter, and the six
splendid volumes that he has given to the world, record how great was the success that attended
his exertions in our favourite science. Yet, notwithstanding his numerous discoveries, many
thers remained to be made; and the three zoologists who subsequently chose this field for their
exertions, Lichtenstein, Burchell, and Smith, added materially to our list of S. African birds.
The latter naturalist, more especially, has already transmitted to this country many new and
interesting species." — p. 92.

From the above observations, our readers will perceive that Mr. Swainson's
task is far from an easy one. He has had but but little to guide him save his
own researches. This volume is, therefore, in a great measure, original, and cer-
tainly it is not the worse for that. Our author then proceeds to impart an idea
of the Ornithology of North Africa, by giving a rapid and masterly sketch of
that of the northern and southern extremities. We extract the following para-
graphs, as interesting and valuable in themselves, and as furnishing some idea of

* " Unfortunately nearly all these species have been mixed up with the old genera, so that they become.
m useles* to modern science at if they had not been discovered."

REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. Ill

the lucid and excellent manner in which our author conveys his instruction to
his readers: — •

" The numerical results, which will be given in a subsequent table, will bear us out in the
assertion, that the Western Ornithology is fully as different from the Northern, as this latter is
from the southern. There are, nevertheless, many points of resemblance between the birds of
Senegal and those of the southern districts, which serve to connect them without diminishing those
peculiar features which each possess. This union is effected by the migratory species of Western
Africa, several of which annually take their flight southward, and return to Senegal after a tem-
porary residence on the plains of Southern Africa. This fact was conjectured by Le Vaillant'
and it is fully confirmed by our own investigations, drawn from the specimens that have been re.
cently imported from Senegal and Senegambia. Hitherto this fact only regards the splendid
genus Lamprotornis, which may be called the African Starlings ; but future information will, no
doubt, show us, that a southern migration takes place in other instances. It may be questioned'
however, whether any of the Senegal birds go northward, excepting those more peculiar to the
banks of the Gambia, which are likewise found in Britain, and the two or three species of perchers^
formerly noticed as extending to Northern Africa and Central Europe.* Adanson asserts, that
our House Swallow is the same as that of Senegal ; but we have no means of judging the accuracy
of the statement.

" The first peculiarity that strikes us in contemplating the Ornithology of Senegal, is the
great preponderance of richly-coloured birds. Now this circumstance may be accounted for in
two ways. Either it is the result of commercial speculation among the dealers, who imagine that
such birds will find a better market in Europe than those of a more homely plumage ; or it is a
real peculiarity, and therefore arising from natural laws. We believe this latter to be the true
reason. In the following pages we shall have to describe a very considerable number of plain
coloured species, which would certainly not have been transmitted with the more attractive sorts,
had not variety been consulted by the dealers, in what they call their ' assortment,' as much as
beauty. In the second place, this splendour of plumage is in unison with that law, which renders
the productions of Nature more rich and luxuriant, whether in growth or colours, in proportion
as the countries they inhabit approximate the equinoctial line. This we find in the splendid va-
riety of birds on the opposite coast of America, and in those far more magnificent races which
inhabit the torrid islands of the Indian Ocean. The forests of Parra contain the most splendid
of all the Brazilian birds, while it will be remembered that the whole of the Paradise birds are
restricted to New Guinea, and the little isles of Aro and Banda in the Malayan seas.

************

" Senegal appears the chief metropolis of the Widah Finches, the males of which, during the
breeding season, are decorated with very long feathers in their tail ; out of this species four are
natives of this country, — while the splendid Lamprotorni, although dispersed as far as the Cape,
appear to make Senegal their true place of residence. The Sun-birds are certainly more abun-
dant here than in the south, while their range appears not to extend so far as the Barbary coast :
they represent the Humming-birds of the New World, and seem, like them, to congregate most
in those countries which are the hottest. The distribution of these charming birds, in a longitu-
dinal direction, extends only to the Cape, but is spread laterally to India and its islands ; they
disappear very suddenly towards the limits of Northern Africa, since only one species appears to
have been met with by Ruppell." — p. 100.

But as our extracts from the introduction have already exceeded all reasonable
extent, and as we can but ill spare room for lengthened quotations, we must pass

* Mtropt Europxut.

1]2 REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

on to a brief consideration of the descriptions and plates contained in this' inter-
esting volume. Although the present volume is only the commencement of the
Birds of Western Africa, it contains about ninety species, many of them
now for the first time described, and above thirty species being figured.
Some of the descriptions are necessarily short and technical, little being
as yet known of them but their plumage ; but the accounts of others con-
tain highly interesting and valuable observations. To be brief — for brief we
must, unfortunately, be — Mr. Swainson has gathered together everything that
could be collected from the researches of himself and others, and has arranged
the whole in a manner which will by no means tend to detract from his fame.
Small as is the scale of the plates, we are happy to be enabled to confer upon
them unqualified commendation — it were invidious to compare them with the
executions in the same line of other artists, living or dead, but we may observe,
that, with a few trifling exceptions, they have hitherto perhaps not been sur-
passed.

The propriety of placing the memoir and portrait of Bruce, the African Tra-
veller, in the volume of which we have been speaking, may perhaps be ques-
tioned, but we believe no one will be inclined to complain of the circumstance,
when they have read the life of that indefatigable man, written, we are informed,
by Andrew Crichton, Esq., author of the " History of Arabia."

After the extracts we have presented to our readers from the Birds of Western
Africa, we presume there are few who do not feel a desire to peruse that work,
and who, notwithstanding the limits of the series in which Mr. S. writes, do not,
with us, look forward with pleasurable anticipations to our author's next volume
on the same subject.

British Oology ; being Illustrations of the eggs of British Birds, with figures
of each species, as far as practicable, drawn and coloured from Nature ; accompa-
nied by descriptions of the materials and situation of their nests, number of eggs,
&c. By William C. Hewitson. Newcastle-upon-Tyne : Published for the
Author, by Currie and Bowman ; W. Edwards, London. Nos. xxx. and xxxi.
January, 1837.

Not having hitherto had an opportunity of giving any account of the British
Oology to our readers, we now at length propose introducing it to them in due
form. We have before us a twin number, which appears to us fully equal to any
of its predecessors. To address any praise of the matter or manner of the work
to those who have subscribed to it from the beginning, would be wholly super-
fluous, and we trust there are not many, calling themseles British ornithologists,
who cannot boast of having the British Oology on their shelf. True, the price
(3s. 6d. a number, published every alternate month) may prove a barrier to

REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 113

some whose love of science and admiration of the publication would otherwise
cause them to procure it ; but we think it cannot, on the whole, be called a dear,
or even an expensive work. However, be this as it may, the list of subscribers
(given in a former number) extends to a considerable length, and we may there-
fore trust that the intelligent author has not suffered, in a pecuniary point of
view, by his undertaking. The plates, it will be perceived, are not published in
systematic order ; but this is of little consequence, as they can for the most part
be arranged, at the conclusion of the work, according to the views in classification
of each subscriber.

The number opens with a representation of the egg of the Common Kite (Mil-
vus vulgaris, Fleii.) ; it is not much subject to variety, and therefore only one
figure is given, and with that one we have no fault to find. Our author, how-
ever, mentions one curious variety, in the possession of the Rev. W. Darwin
Fox, " singularly spotted with minute dots, and waved linear marks."

The next is that of the Darklegged Warbler (Sylvia loquax, and not S. hippo-
lais, as given by Mr. Hewitson). Our author has judged right in representing
three figures, as the eggs are very much subject to variety. We never saw one
of the beautiful dark colour of Fig. 2., a shade between Figs. 1 and 3 being com-
monest. In 1836 we first heard the note of this bird, as mentioned by Mr.
Hewitson, on the 5th of February, but this year not a single individual was
seen in the north of England till towards the close of April, a circumstance easily
accounted for by the dreariness of the past season.

Two figures of the egg of the Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea, Ltnn.), differing
remarkably in size, but not in colour. The representations are characteristic, but
scarcely so well finished as we could have wished.

A couple of sombre-looking eggs of the Black-tailed Godwit (L,imosa melanura,
Leisleb), offering no very remarkable varieties. The extremes have, however,
not been figured in Mr. Hewitson's plate.

We next find a delicately-executed figure of the White Stork's (Ciconia alba)
egg. The situation of the nest in the towns of Holland and Germany is " upon
the tops of towers, churches, and outbuildings, upon many of which boxes are
placed for their accommodation. Mr. Hoy, who has seen them upon a cart-
wheel elevated on the top of a strong pole, for that purpose, says, that they
also, though seldom, build in lofty trees."

Lovely representations of the egg of the Hobby Falcon (Falco subbuteo), the
darker variety being much the commoner of the two.

In the next plate, we regret to find the eggs of two species figured together,
which will preclude the possibility of arranging the work, in this particular, ac-
cording to the views of modern systematists. The species are the Gargany Teal
(Querquedula circia) and the Common Gadwall (Chauliodus strepera). Our
author, it is true, includes them both in LinNjEus's great genus Anas ; but even
No. 8, Vol.11. q

114 OBITUARY.

in that case there would, we conceive, be intermediate species. The first figure
is best, but both are good.

The number concludes with three excellent representations of the eggs of the
Common Ruff {Machetes pugnax), which, as every ornithologist knows, are sub-
ject to considerable variety, both in shape and colour.

We shall not, at present, say more about the British Oology, but may, in con-
clusion, be permitted to observe, that each number of this beautiful and classical
work contains a rich treat for the oologist ; and that the subjects and the illustra-
tions are such as must surely be interesting to every one embued with the slightest
love of Nature. We believe another double part appears cotemporaneously with
this number of the Naturalist.

OBITUARY.

The rigours of the past season, and " the influenza " have swept away from
the land of the living thousands of individuals whose names are unknown beyond
the limited circle of their relations and friends ; and thus a single line in the
newspapers signalizes the departure from amongst us of beings whose existence
first becomes known to us after their death. But the influenza appears to have
been desirous of proving that it is no respecter of persons. We accordingly find
it our melancholy duty to record the demise of several individuals, eminent in
Natural Science, whom the world could ill afford to spare. Wm. Elford Leach,
M. D., died at Genoa some months ago, of a few days' illness from cholera. — •
Mons. A. L. de Jussieu expired at Paris, at the advanced age of eighty -nine. —
Edward Turner Bennet, Esq., died on the 21st of August, 1836, after a short
illness. He is the well known author of the Tower Menagerie, and Menagerie
of the Zoological Society, and published, shortly before his death, an edition of
White's Selborne. He was an active and efficient office-bearer of the Zoological
Society, and edited the Transactions of that body, which will long have reason to
deplore his loss. — January 22, 1837, at his residence, Howland Street, London,
Dr. Thornton, the celebrated botanist. — January 24, aged 67, Joseph Sabine,
Esq., F. R. S., L. S., H. S., Z. S-, &c, many years Honorary Secretary to the
London Horticultural Society, and a well-known amateur of Botany. Mr. Sabine
was brought up to the bar ; but shortly after he had begun to practise, he received
an appointment under government, at a salary of £600 a-year. This office he
held till 1835, when he was put upon the retired allowance of £350 per annum.
In 1810, Mr. S. joined the Horticultural Society, of which he was made Honorary
Secretary on May 1 of the same year, upon the resignation of R. A. Salisbury,
Esq. After Mr. S. ceased to be Hon. Sec, he became an active member of the
Zoological Society, and was the means of greatly increasing its collection of
ornamental plants, in the Regent's Park.

Erratum.— Page 84, for " usual," read " unusual.''

THE NATURALIST.

A BOTANICAL TOUR IN HEREFORDSHIRE, MONMOUTHSHIRE,
AND SOUTH WALES,

WITH INCIDENTAL NOTICES OF THE SCENERY, ANTIQUITIES, &C.

By Edwin Lees, F. L. S., F. E. S. L., &c.
(Continued from Vol. I., p. 269.)

Having now reached Swansea, and arrived in the centre of a good sporting
district, it may perhaps be as well to give a few hints as to the collecting and
preservation of plants for the herbarium. Such hints would have been extremely
useful to me some years ago, and would have saved me the destruction of many
a fine specimen ; — to the young and inexperienced collector, therefore, they may
be found of advantage. The value of an herbarium of course depends upon the
state of the specimens in it, for if the majority of these are broken, mildewed,
injured, or decayed, however rare some of them may be, they exhibit no character
to be depended on, and, like a defaced coin or a black silhouette, present a very
slight resemblance to the objects they were intended to represent. It is obvi-
ously, therefore, of the first importance to preserve plants in as perfect a state as
possible. A tin box has been very generally recommended as an indispenable
accompaniment to the botanist, and the dimensions of such an appendage are
carefully defined by Dr. Withering. For my own part, I have long discarded
the tin box, as disagreeable and vexatious. For, to say nothing of the undignified
aspect it gives the botanist of a dealer in lollipops, if any quantity of plants
should be met with, Thistles and Roses — Ferns and Nymphules (" Water Lilies"),
Carices and OrcMdece, have all to be compressed into the "same unmanageable
space ; and if, at the close of a weary day's ramble, the ai'rangement of the plants
collected is put off till the following day, ten to one but the greater part of the
specimens are spoiled, damaged, or entirely useless.

A folio cover, made after the manner of a scrap-book, with cartridge paper
leaves, and what binders term " guards," I find by far the most convenient re-
ceptacle for the intended gems of the herbarium, whether Ferns, Mosses, tender
or herbaceous plants be collected, and this, enclosed in a green leather case, offers
no inconvenience in carrying, and conceals all those unsightly culms, stalks, and
awns, which, sometimes jutting out from the pockets or buttoned -up coat of a
collector, might almost suggest to a non-botanical eye the idea of a walking
No. 9, Vol. II. r

116 A BOTANICAL TOUR.

Priapus.* One great advantage of this plan is, that the specimens may remain
between the cartridge paper uninjured for some days, which, in a wild tract where
there is no convenience for arranging them, is an object. But besides the case I
have mentioned, I would strenuously recommend a smaller one fitted to an inner
pocket, for peculiar rarities, and the more delicate flowers, since every practical
collecting botanist well knows, that specimens placed casually in an old memo-
randum-book in the pocket, where they have remained for some time unthought
of, have retained their characters and colours in far greater perfection than many
which had undergone sand-baking secundum artem, or been shifted day after day
from paper to paper, at a vain expense of time and patience. As the sooner a
plant can be divested of its juices after gathering the better, whenever time will
allow, an hot iron carefully applied upon several thicknesses of paper, will make
sure work, and indeed in the Sedums and OrchidecB is indispensable. I have spe-
cimens of both beautifully retaining their original colours done in this way, but
some practice is required in applying the requisite degree of heat, which must be
moderate upon the flowers. It is also a good plan, when changing the papers of
plants, to heat them as much as they will bear without scorching, before a good
fire, laying the plants down quickly upon the heated paper, the result of which
process, perseveringly continued, will have the best effect. After all, however,
disappointment will often ensue, especially with blue flowers, though I have Cam-
panulas, hastily gathered with rubbish and dry leaves, which, without attention,
have retained their beautiful blue tints for years. It must also be borne in mind,
that the herbarium itself must not be left to its fate in a damp room, or one in
which the genial blaze never appears, for if so, mildew will soon gather, defacing
and rendering almost nugatory the incessant labours of former years. But enough
of the closet — the practical botanist can only be fully at home " abroad in the
meadows," and while a ray of light lingers in the horizon, I must improve it.

Day set o'er Swansea's castled steep, as I entered the Mackworth Arms, but
I instantly hurried down to the sandy shores of the bay. The evening was low-
ering, gloomy clouds hung low upon the ocean, amidst which the Mumbles light

* Though the collecting botanist may not indeed become literally a scare-crow, yet he will
hardly fail to scare many an ass, wondering what he can want with thorns and thistles. I have
known some botanists stuff' their hats with plants; but then it becomes somewhat awkward to lift
up the hat without seeming to have assumed the delphic laurel without leave of Apollo, or at any
rate to be preparing to say with Horace —

** Nunc decet aut viridi nitidum caput impedire myrto,

Aut flore, terrae quem ferunt solutse."

Now verdant myrtle in our shining hair,

Or earth-born flowers appropriately we wear.

A BOTANICAL TOUR. 117

was faintly glimmering, and a long dark wall of tidal waves were tumbling in
upon the shore. I scrambled in, on, and about the sand-hills, to some distance
on the beach towards Oystermouth, giving up my researches only with actual
night, though the small continued falling rain, the dash of the spray, and the
spread of the sombre clouds, had long left me solitary on the sands. The follow-
ing plants were here gathered by me. I place the asterisk as before, to indicate
those not noticed in Glamorganshire, or in the county I happen to be itinerating,
in Mr. H. C. Watson's New Botanists Guide to the Localities of the rarer
Plants of Britain.

Delphinium Consolida. — Some very beautiful blue and light purple varieties

growing in the sand.
* Glaucium luteum. — Spreading its large yellow petals beautifully among the
stones on the barrier of the beach. It is frequent along this coast, from
Swansea to Aberystwith, though not noticed by Mr. Watson as in-
habiting South Wales, which shows how little this district has been ex-
amined botanically, while North Wales has been gleaned over and over again.
*Cochlearia Armor acia. — Among rubbish on the shore, north of the pier.
*Cakile maritima. — Pleasingly displaying its light purple blossoms amongst

grass, &c, on the borders of the sand-hills.
*Sinapis tenuifolia. — Dispersed along the shore, whence probably it has pro-
gressed, to adjacent walls and old structures, as seen in many parts of
South Wales.
*Arenaria peploides. — I brought some living specimens of this plant home,
and attempted its cultivation in a garden, where it lived for many months,
and even through a winter ; but it never extended itself, and finally dis-
appeared.
*Rosa spinosissima. — Along the sandy " burrows," as the neutral ground
between low and high-water, or rather between the latter and the culti-
vated ground, is here provincially termed, I found this beautiful Rose,
forming dwarf thickets in the utmost profusion. Its lovely white flowers,
moist with the dews of evening, and closing up their petals, were visible
for some distance, forming the most delightful relief conceivable to the
aridity of the shore, on whose naked bosom they sprang, while the pro-
fusion of flowers studding their fairy forms, and their delicate odour, ren-
dered them objects peculiarly pleasing to behold. This is, no doubt, the
original type of R. spinosissima, though inland specimens exceed it so
much in size as to seem almost of a different species, but the same profusely
spinose stem prevails in all. Though the late Sir J. E. Smith records,
that according to his observation the flower stalks are " quite smooth and
naked," yet in these marine specimens the utmost diversity prevailed.

118 A BOTANICAL TOUR.

In some, bristly and smooth flower-stalks occurred on the same plant, and
frequently a Rose with all its flower-stalks profusely bristly, occurred by
the side of one without a single bristly stalk. This Rose seems uni-
versally diffused along the sandy shores of England and Wales, as well
as in the interior of the country. Mr. Watson notices it in seventeen
counties, from Northumberland to Surrey, and I have traced it along the
Welsh coast, from Aberdovey, Merionethshire, to the coast of Glamor-
ganshire southward.

Sedum aore. — In profusion, gilding the sands in many places.

*Eryngium maritimum. — Plentiful and singularly beautiful among the stones
close to the walk along the burrows. The heads of delicate blue flowers,
with anthers of the same colour, armed with " a gorgeous ruff of leaves
with snowy points," themselves with bright amethystine veins, arrest the
attention, even while the tide is pouring in with accumulated rage. This
plant must be inserted in the Botanist's Guide, as a regular denizen of
the sea-side from Aberystwith to Swansea.

*Carduus tenuifiorus. — Sparingly along the shore.

Convolvulus Soldanella. — In various spots on the sand-banks this flower pre-
sented itself very conspicuously, unfolding its large purple bells in the
humid twilight.

* Euphorbia paralia. — On the sand-banks, near the spot where the Oyster-

mouth tram-road crosses a small rivulet running into the sea.

* Car ex arenaria. — Extremely plentiful on almost all the sand-banks along the

burrows.
*Ammophila arundinacea. — Frequent all along the sand-banks.
*Elymus arenarius. — On the banks with the preceding, but less common.
Both these grasses have received great praise for their utility in binding
the sand upon the sea-shore, and the lamented Sir. J. E. Smith says, that
this is " perhaps the very best of all plants to resist the force of the sea."
But it seems to be overlooked, that they also collect the sand in such con-
siderable banks about them, that when the wind blows from the shore,
a deluge of sand is borne inland, rendering the labours of the husband-
man abortive, covering roads and green fields, and even showing a high
stone-wall to be an ineffectual barrier.
On the. following morning I proceeded to Oystermouth, and climbed the car-
boniferous limestone rocks that here stretch across the peninsula of Gower. The
view of the little harbour below, filled with fishing vessels, the expanse of sea
beyond, with the distant coasts of Somerset and Devon, and the Mumbles islets
and lighthouse on the right, has a very pleasing effect. I found a variety of plants
upon these cliffs, and all within a very confined space, upon the sides and sum-

A BOTANICAL TOUR. 119

mits of the rocks, suggesting the idea that a great portion of the flora of the west
of England may have had its origin from hence. Pukton has remarked inci-
dentally, but without founding any conclusion upon it, that many plants of rare
occurrence in the midland counties, are common in South Wales, and I have
found this observation to be, in a great measure, correct. Now if, as is generally
understood, the red sand-stone, and the strata above it, in the order of depo-
sition, still lay beneath the waters at a period posterior to the elevation of these
carboniferous rocks, they must have derived their vegetation when uncovered,
from the immigrations of the plants congregated upon this pre-existing dry land.
Whether, in fact, the very plants upon the rocks here are really indigenous, or
derived from other countries, it may be now indeed difficult at once to say. The
origin of plants is a question still undecided, but whether one or many centuries
of creation are admitted as the most correct theory, it would be unphilosophical
to assume the gratuitous creation of new plants for any newly immerged land,
so long as other lands can be proved to have been in existence, from whence vege-
tation could proceed to clothe the bed of the retiring ocean. For as an old wall
left to the elements is attacked and enveloped by the progeny of the plants around
it brought by the winds and rains, so in like manner must former newly emerged
portions of the earth's surface have received their vegetable colonies from older
and pre-existing strata of land. All that is required to constitute fit habitats for
nine-tenths of the phenogamous species in the British Flora, is the sandy sea-
shore, salt-marshes, fresh-water pools and bogs, and limestone eminences, all
which occur here within a compass of three miles, taking Swansea as the centre.
I conclude, then, that the great majority of British plants existed on these lime-
stone hills, while a considerable proportion of England was covered by the sea.
They must, however, have sprung up even here subsequent to the destruction
of the plants of the coal formation, but whether derived from extraneous sources,
or created here ab origine, it is difficult, and perhaps impossible, at present to
decide. The following plants were all gathered by me upon the carboniferous
limestone, between the Mumbles, Caswell Bay, and Oystermouth : —

*Arabis hirsuta. — -Abundant on the wails of Oystermouth Castle, and at other
places in the vicinity. Also on the cliffs at Caswell Bay.

*Arabis turrita. — In the chamber over the Barbican, Oystermouth Castle.

*Cochlearia danica. — In several of the deserted uncovered apartments of Oys-
termouth Castle.

*Lepidium Smithii. — Plentiful about Swansea.

*Brassica campestris. — Among rubbish near the sea.

Helianthemum canum. — On the rocks opposite the Mumbles Lighthouse, on
the mainland.

Hypericum humifmum. — On the hills towards Caswell Bay.

1*20 A BOTANICAL TdfR,

*Silene maritima. — On the rocks north of the Mumbles.
Linum anguslifolium. — In a bushy place, by the spring at Caswell Bay.
Anthyllis vulneraria. — Plentiful on the rocks.

*Asperula cynanchica. — On the precipitous face of the cliff between Oyster-
mouth and the Mumbles. This plant does not appear to have been pre-
viously noticed in Wales, as I find no record of its occurrence in bo-
tanical works, and Sir James Smith says expressly, " abundantly in the
chalk countries, but not in Scotland or Wales." My specimens are perfectly
similar to those from other places.
Chlora perfoliata. — Rather plentiful on the summit and sides of the cliffs.
Erythrcea pulchella. — With the above.
*Statice Armeria, — In great abundance and beauty, adorning the sloping face

of the cliffs with its rosy clusters, down to the very edge of the sea.
*Plantago maritima. — In numerous hollows of the cliffs.
*Reseda lutea. — On the side of the road between Oystermouth and Swansea.
Euphorbia portlandica. — I found this beautiful Spurge growing very lux-
uriantly high up on the cliffs, its leaves and stem, dyed with crimson,
presenting a lovely aspect to the eye.
* Carex pauciflora. — Sparingly by the side of a spring oozing amidst moss and

grass from the face of the cliff.
*Briza minor? — I noticed a small species of Briza in one or two places about
the summit of the cliffs, but feel rather doubtful whether it be really the
minor, or a small variety of media,
Grammitis ceterach. — This Fern, rather uncommon in the midland counties,

here occurred in abundance and luxuriance.
While engaged in exploring the recesses of the cliffs, and anon gazing at the
boiling ocean now pouring in upon the rocks, isolating the islets, and thun-
dering upon the shore, a thick mist by slow degrees unconsciously surrounded
me, which soon began to dissolve in dripping rain, leaving the unpleasant alter-
native of sheltering as I best could among the leeward rocks, or threading my
way down to Oystermouth by unknown and slippery paths. Finding the rain
obdurate in its continuance, I took the latter course, and after gravitating once
or twice towards the earth's centre, I felt peculiarly happy in taking shelter in
the arms of " the Mermaid," in the village below, where, on a neat sanded floor,
in a room hung round with many a gilded frame, after making a cheerful blaze
to dry my apparel, and ordering a renovating refreshment, " I took mine ease at
my inn."

But rest, ease, and comfort have their termination, and, hunger being satisfied,
inaction on a ramble is of all things the most tedious and irksome. As Aquarius
therefore denied all truce, I resolved to brave the descending torrents, and, urn-

A BOTANICAL TOUR. 121

brella in hand, fought my way to the Barbican of Oystermouth Castle. I found
one advantage from this aqueous exploration, which is not common in visiting
Welch castles — no soul disturbed my reveries, or dissipated my visions of Norman
knights, by too plain intimations that the image of William the Fourth was
more desirable in the eyes of the present generation than that of William the
First. One of the apartments occupied by the soldiery, in the strongest part of
the castle, with its vaulted roof, strong pillars, and deep embayed windows, is
very entire, and here I paced to and fro for some time, conjuring up the forms of
mailed warriors looking out upon their savage and wildly clamourous besiegers.
I gazed long from the apartment over the gateway, but was unable to pierce the
fog that hung upon all the surrounding country, and even hid the wide-spreading
ocean in its embrace, while no sight of animal or human being, and no sound of
animation or melody, disturbed the solemnly falling rain. Gathering, therefore,
the CocMearice now festooning the walls of the baronial apartments, in place of its
once figured tapestry, and hastily dashing by the dripping Ivy that covers the
exterior walls, I again sought the comforts of the Mermaid, from whence finding
I could only return to Swansea in a miscellaneous Sociable, with a host of broad-
faced, laughing, Flemish-descended lasses, I fixed myself and my plants, with some
little pressure, as I best could, among the black beaver hats and scarlet shawls,
and was rumbled and shook along, for the intervening three miles, at a good
rattling pace, till the narrow clock -tower and arched parapet of Swansea Castle,
rising amidst the modern houses that now almost choak it up, again met my view.

The next morning proved so eminently beautiful, that I could not resist a
ramble to the romantic shores of Caswell Bay, climbing its cliffs and gazing upon
the long and magnificent swell of ocean, pouring its waves upon the dark under-
mined rocks. I found it no easy task, however, to mount the rocks northward of
the bay, some ill-natured farmer of the land, and perhaps hater of the picturesque-
hunting " Saesenach," having so blockaded the path with a formidable barrier of
stones to the very verge of the cliff, where besides a chevaux-de-frize of thorns
had been placed, that it required some patience and determination to surmount
the obstacle. A number of Privet-bushes (Ligustrum vulgare) crowned the
summit of the cliff, where also the white Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) was
very abundant. The sea-view from hence is very fine, particularly northward,
but the bushes and shrubs crouching almost to the very earth, testify the prevail-
ing power and terrific influence of the western gales. Between this spot and
Oystermouth, the Aspidium aculeatum occurred in great magnitude and luxuri-
ance in a ravine, and a variety of Sambucus nigra, with beautifully variegated
leaves.

On my return, the bay of Swansea sparkled with the effulgent radiance of de-
parting day, happy groups were loitering upon its shores, and far beyond the long-

122 A LIST OF BRITISH BIRDS.

extending sands, the romantic hills about Cromlyn, and the distant heights of
Somerset and Devon filled up the blue distance, while just over Swansea pier the
lower limb of a brilliant rainbow long kept its position with unfading vividity,
till all else vanished into twilight gloom.

A NEW SYSTEM OF NOMENCLATURE, ILLUSTRATED BY A LIST

OF BRITISH BIRDS.

By the Rev. Francis Orpen Morris, B.A.

In forwarding to you a list of British land birds, formed in accordance with
classical rules, I am far from wishing it to be supposed that I expect, or even
wish, that it will be universally adopted. It has seemed to me desirable, on
accounts before stated, that generic names should be of Greek, and specific names of
Latin origin, and also, generally, that classical propriety should be attended to,
in the formation of names classically derived. I hereto subjoin a catalogue in
which these views are acted upon. There are, however, many names remaining
yet to be improved, and these I have marked in italics. There may be others
which I have not observed, among the great number of names I have been obliged
to accumulate together, and these I should be glad if any of your correspondents
would point out. I give the catalogue merely as explanatory of my views, and
emendatory, at the same time, I hope, of very many faults in former nomencla-
tures, and likewise with the view of eliciting the opinions of more able naturalists
on the question, whether the grossness of the present errors does not demand cor-
rection, and whether, if that be allowed, the rules of classical propriety should not
be attended to, in the revision; If not, let the reason be adduced, — though I will
before hand state, that I should take no notice of the opinions or criticisms of any
whom I may have any reason for supposing to be ignorant of classical knowledge
— "nil moror " — but any suggestions which the novelty of this nomenclature may
perhaps at first call forth from others, being always open to conviction, I shall be
far from taking amiss.

Since writing the above, I have observed Mr. Doudleday's new nomenclature
of British Ornithology announced, and as it will in all probability supersede the
second edition of my Guide to an Arrangement of British Birds, which I intended
publishing, as before-mentioned, I shall, for the present at all events, [content
myself with setting forth this exemplification of the principles laid down above,
through the medium of your pages. The water birds shall probably form the
subject of a future communication. — The erroneous names, already alluded to,
will be found chiefly among the double English names. I prefer brief, single, un-

A LIST OF BRITISH BIRDS.

123

meaning and vernacular ones, if they are to be retained at all, which, for the
present, they perhaps must be. My generic names are either original Greek ones,
or of Greek derivation. In the former case, I have assigned them, as nearly as
possible, to the birds supposed to have been originally represented by them.—
I have only to add, that it would be very desirable if the same specific name were
never to occur twice in any nomenclature.

iEsalon fringillarius,

Sparrow Hawk.
Asterias palumbarius,

Goshawk.
J Cerchne pennipes,

Hough-legged Buzzard.
«/ Cerchne Buteo,

Buzzard.
Pernis mellivora,

Honey Pern.
Haliaetus arundinaceus,

Osprey.
Aetus pygargus,

Erne.
Aetus aquila,

Golden Eagle.
Hierax Islandicus,

Jer.
Hierax peregrinus,

Peregrine.
Hierax subbuteo,

Hobby.
Hierax rufipes,

Orange-legged Hobby.
Hierax csesius,

Merlin.
Hierax tinnunculus

Kestrel.
Ictinus milvus,

Kite.
Nauclerus furcatus,

High-Flier.
No. 9, Vol. II.

Percnopterus albicapillus,

White-headed Swiftwing.
Circus seruginosus,

Harpy.
Circus cyaneus,

Ringtail.
Circus cineraceus,

Harrier.
Ascalaphus auritus,

Long-eared Owl.
Ascalaphus subauritus,

Short-eared Owl.
Scops Aldrovandi,

Aldrovand's Owl.
Byas nobilis,

Eagle Owl.
Syrnium niveum,

Snowy Owl.
Strix funerea,

Funereal Owl.
Nyctimene flammea,

Gillihowlet.
Nyctimene stridula,

Brown Owl.
Glaux Tengmalmi,

Tengmalms Owl.
Glaux nudipes,

Little Owl.
Corone maxima,

Raven.
Corone cornix,

Crow.

124

A LIST OF BRITISH BIRDS.

Corone frugilega,

Rook.
Corone cinerea,

Hooded Crow.
Corone monedula,

Jackdaw.
Melanoleuca pica,

Magpie.
Balanephagus garrulus,

Jay.
Caryocatactes nucifraga,

Nutcracker.
Pyrrhocorax docilis,

Chough.
Ampelis garrula,
Roller,
v/ Chloreus oriolus,

Golden Oriole.
Psar variegatus,

Starling.
Probateus roseus,

Rose-coloured Pastor.
yj Byssura Bohemica,

Silktail.
*» Creurgus excubitor,

Shrike.
J Creurgus Lanius,
Flusher.
Creurgus rufus,
Woodchat.
Calamophilus barbatus,

Bearded Pinnoc.
^Egithalus caudatus,

Mumruffin.
iEgithalus palustris,

Marsh Tit.
iEgithalus ater,

Coal TiU
iEgithalus cristatus,
Crested Tit.

iEgithalus cseruleus,

Bluecap.
iEgithalus major,

Oxeye.
Orchilus cristatus,

Goldcrest.
Orchilus ignicapillus,

Firecrest.
Dryocolaptes martius,

Hewhole.
Dryocolaptes viridis,

Ecle.
Dryocolaptes minor,

Hickwall.
Dryocolaptes major,

Whitwall.
Sitta Europcsa,
Nuthatch.
Iunx frutilla,

Wryneck.
Dendrobates familiaris,

Creeper.
Epops upupa,
Hoopoo.
Merops apivora,
Bee-eater.
Halcyon alcedo,

King Fisher.
Cinclus aquaticus,

Dipper.
Loxorynchus curvirostra,

Crossbill.
Loxorynchus cruvirostra,

Parrot Crossbill.
Loxorynchus albipennis,

White-winged Crossbill.
Phrygilus vulgaris,

Bullfinch.
Phrygilus enucleator,
Pine Bullfinch.

A LIST OF BRITISH BIRDS.

125

Coccothraustes vulgaris,

Grosbec.
Coccothraustes yiridescens,

Green Grosbec.
Fringilla Lulensis,

Brambling.
Fringilla ccelebs,

Chaffinch.
Pyrgita domestica,

Sparrow.
Prygita montana,

Mountain Sparrow.
Acanthis elegans,

Siskin.
Acanthis carduelis,

Goldspink.
•~ Linophaga linaria,

Linnet.
s Linophaga rubra,

Redpoll.
Linophaga montium,

Twite.
Linophaga canescens,

Hoarypoll.
Plectrophanes nivalis,

Snowflake.
Plectrophanes montana,

Lapland Bunting.
Cynchramus hortorum,

Ortolan.
Cynchramus arundinaceus,

Reed Bunting.
Cynchramus cirlus,

Cirl.
Cynchramus citrinella.

Yellow Hammer.
Cynchramus miliaria,

Bunting,

i/ Corydalis arvensis,

Lavrock.
• Corydalis nemorum,

Woodlark.
^ Seiren rupestris,

Rock Pipit.
Seiren pratensis,

Tit.
Seiren arborea,

Tree Pipit.
J Seiren Ricardi,

Richard's Pipit.
S Lamprophonus musicus,

Throstle.
Lamprophonus variegatus,

Whites Thrush.
Lamprophonus viscivorus,

Shrite.
Lamprophonus pilaris,

Fieldfare.
Lamprophonus turdus,

Redwing.
Copsicus merula,

Blackbird.
Copsicus torquatus,

Ring-neck.
Myiotheras luctuosus,

Pied Flycatcher,
f Myiotheras griseus,

Spotted Flycatcher,
Seisura flava,

Yellow Wagtail.
Seisura neglecta, i

Gould's Wagtail.
Seisura cinerea.

Grey Wagtail.
Seisura maculata,

Pied Wagtail.

126

A LIST OF BRITISH BIRDS

Anorthura troglodytes*,

Wren.
(Enanthe saxicola,

Wheatear.
(Enanthe rubicola,

Stonechat.
(Enanthe dumeticola,

Whinchat,
Phcenicura Gibraltariensis,

Blackstart.
Phcenicura ruticilla,

Redstart.
Phcenicura Suecica,

Bluestart.
* Melissophilus Provencalis,

Dartford Warbler.
Erythaca rubecula,

Robin.

* Aedonis luscinia,

Nightingale.
/ Aedonis hortensis,

Pettychaps.
► Aedonis garrula,
Babillard.
Aedonis atricapilla,

Blackcap.
Philomela acredula,

Huckmuck.
Philomela ficedula,

Chiff-chaff.
Philomela sibilatrix,

Sylvan.
Hypolais arundinacea.

Reed Fauvet.
Hypolais Locustella.

Grasshopper Warbler.
Philomela modularis,

Dunnock.
Philomela Alpina,
Alpine Warbler.

* I have retained this name as a specific
Latinized as the name of a people.

Chelidon riparia,

Martlet.
Chelidon urbica,

Martin.
Chelidon rustica,

Swallow.
Cypselus Alpinus,

White-bellied Swift.
Cypselus murarius,

Swift.
Nyctichelidon Europcea.
Night Jar.
, Coccyx Americanus,

American Cuckoo.
Coccyx canorus,

Cuckoo.
Peristera migratoria,

Migratory Pigeon.
Peristera torquata,

Queest.
Peristera cenas,

Stock Pigeon;
Peristera livia,

Rockier.
Peristera aurita,

Turtle.
Phasianus Colchicus,

Pheasant.
Perdix cinerea,
Partridge.
Perdix rufa,

Guernsey Partridge.
Coturnix major,

Quail.
Lagopus Britannicus,

Grouse.
Lagopus mutus,
Ptarmigan.
Tetrix niger,

Black Game.
one, though of Greek derivation, it having become

Tetrix sylvicola,
Capercail.

Otis tarda,
Bustard.

ON THE GENUS PONT I A. 127

Otis parva,

Little Bustard.
CEdicnemus crepitans,

Thicknee.

NOTES ON THE SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF THE GENUS PONTIA.
By Peter Rylands, Esq.

There may be, perhaps, some who will think that the insects which I purpose
to consider in the present paper are so common as to excite no interest, and that
no new information can be given respecting them. From persons holding this
opinion, I beg entirely to differ. The man who can only see beauty or take in-
terest in a scarce insect, which is merely valuable in his eyes because " rare," has
no claim to be considered a true naturalist ; he confines himself to closet study,
and preserved specimens alone furnish subjects for his investigation and admira-
tion. From the time when, buoyant with youthful vigour and juvenile pleasures,
we pursue with cap in hand the sportive Butterfly, until when in riper years we
walk leisurely in the fields, contemplating and philosophizing on the works of
Nature, the common White Butterfly attracts a considerable share of our atten-
tion. We have all admired this insect, as, lazily moving its expansive wings,
slowly yet elegantly sailing on the air, it has passed by us. At other times we
have been amused by its rapid and dexterous motions, when, entering into a
mock fight with a companion, it has described its swift eccentric frolics above our
head ; — we forget our enmity to the " filthy grub," which destroys so many of the
useful products of our garden, when we see it metamorphosed into an emblem of
Innocence. This Butterfly, then, is an object of interest — of an interest, too, in
which all can participate, as its abundance renders it familiar to every one.

Neither is the subject under consideration exhausted. Naturalists are still un-
decided as to the number of British species which the group contains, and there
are insects of this genus which some are of opinion ought to rank as true species
while others consider them as mere varieties. I trust, therefore, that if the
following remarks cast any additional light on the question, they will not be con-
sidered useless, or uninteresting.

After the investigation of numbers of Pontics, I think I am justified in adopting
the following arrangement of the species and varieties contained in that genus.

Oenus Pontia.
Gen. char.-" Antennae long, and slender, consist of seven or eight joints, and

1*28 ON THE GENUS PONTIA.

terminate in a compressed obconic club ; palpi clothed with scales, and
fringed with hairs externally, the terminal joint the longest ; anterior
wings nearly three-cornered, the apical angle not very acute ; the posterior
wings rounded ; legs alike in both sexes, the claws slightly forked.

Sp. 1, Pontia brassicce.

Syn. — Pontia brassicce, Steph. Haust. — Jard. Nat. Lib. Ent. vol. 3, pi. 7,
fig. 2. — Papilio brassicce, Linn. — Don. xiii. 29. 446. — Lewin, pi. 25. —
Large garden white, Harris. — The Cabbage Butterfly, Renn. Consp. p. 3.

Sp. char. — Wings 2| in., white ; first pair above with the tip marked with
a black band irregularly jagged on the inner edge ; second pair with a
black spot near the middle of the anterior edge ; underneath with two
black spots. The female is distinguished from the male by having, in ad-
dition to the spots just mentioned, two others on the disk of the upper
wings. The fringe of the wings is yellowish, slightly waved with black.

Var. /3. is distinguished from the typical variety by the band on the tip of the
wings not being jagged. It is generally rather smaller, but in other
respects is not different.

Var. y. (P. chariclea, Stephens) differs from the preceding in the black band
at the tip of the wings being paler ; the outer margin of the wings is
adorned with a yellowish fringe. This variety is generally less than the
typical one, averaging 2$ in. I have, however, taken specimens 2| in. in
expanse of wings. Neither does it appear earlier (as some writers assert)
than P. brassicce ; last year I met with a specimen in August, and have
frequently taken it in June.

The caterpillar of P. brassicce is green, having a narrow line of yellow
along the back, and another on each side of the belly ; the body pretty
thickly covered with black tubercular points, each of which has a hair in
the centre ; feeds on Cabbages, Turnips, &c.

Sp. 2, Pontia rapce.

Syn. — Pontia rapce, Steph. Haust. — Jard. Nat. Lib. Ent. v. 3, pi. 7, fig. 3. —
Papilio rapce, Linn. — Lewin, pi. 26. — Renn. Consp. p. 3. — Pap. alba
. media, Ray. — Small garden white, Harris.

Sp. char. — Closely allied to P. brassicce, but evidently distinct. Wings from
1 1 to 2 1, white ; the primary wings marked very similarly to P. brassicce,
with a dusky spot at the tip ; the male having a single spot on the disk,
and the female two, with an oblong patch behind ; the hinder wings with
the usual black spot on the anterior border beneath ; the anterior wings

ON THE GENUS PONTIA. 129

have two black spots ; the under wings are bright yellowish, sprinkled
with very minute black points at the base.

Var. £. — Above, entirely of a light yellowish colour, in some specimens ap-
proaching to buff — the black markings as in the typical variety.

Var. y. — Distinguished from the true rapes, by the spots on the superior wings
being very indistinct, and the spots on the tips being paler, with their
inner edge less defined.

Var. t. — Denominated by Stephens, who considers it distinct from P. rapce,
P. metra ; differs from the last var. by the spots on the superior wings
being entirely obsolete, and the tips are merely shaded by a few dark
points. Mr. Stephens imagines that the caterpillar of this variety (I
cannot call it species) differs from that of the rapce — i" have reared both
varieties from the same cluster of eggs. This I conceive, together with the
fact that Var. y. so well connects the typical variety and metra, will
settle the matter at once, by proving that the latter cannot rank higher
than a variety of the former. Neither do we find that this variety has
a different season of appearing from that of P. rapce ; I have taken spe-
cimens in June, August, and September, so that it cannot correctly be said
to be an early species. In April last year I met with a specimen, but
then I took also one of P. rapce.

The caterpillar of this species is light green, with a pale blue along the
back, and a whitish streak, somewhat punctured with yellow on each side
of the belly ; feeds on Cabbages, Turnips, &c.

Sp. 3, Pontia napi.

Sgn. — Pont. napi. Steph. Haust. — Jard. Brit. Butterflies, pi. 9, fig. 1. —
Papilio napi, Linn. — Lewin,j»/. 27. — Donovan, viii. 23, pi. 280, fig. 1.—
Green vein'd white, Harris. The Navew, Renn., Consp. p. 3.

Sp. char. — Easily distinguished from the preceding species by the distinct
greenish veins, branching over the disk of the under surface of the wings.
Above, the tips of the primary wings dusky, and in the male there is a
round black spot in the middle, not very remote from the upper margin ;
the female has two such spots on the upper wings. Expanse from 17 to
22 lines.

This species is subject to very considerable variety in its marking : I
shall only particularize two varieties, which I think have erroneously been
considered as species. There exists a gradual variation of specimens
from one variety to the other, which completely connects them.

Var. /3.— Rather larger than the typical variety. Differs in the veins being dark

ISO ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES.

above, and underneath dusky and very broad. Called by Stephens P.
sabellicce, and by Wallnee P. bryonies.

Var. y. — Larger than either of the preceding, and having a black spot on the
upper wings, the tips and some triangular patches being of the same
colour ; the hinder wings rather pale, with the three first nervures, alone,
dilated and greenish. Considered by Espeu, Stephens, and others a dis-
tinct species, and called by them P. napaxz.

The caterpillar feeds principally on Cabbages, and is of a dull green
colour, lighter on the sides, with yellow stigmata, covered with white
warts, which are dusky at the tip, and give rise to short tufts of hair.

Bewsey House, Warrington, April 3, 1837.

ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES.
By Beverley R. Morris.

It is a circumstance worthy of notice, that there were no Terns (Sternce)
among the Gulls whose visit to the coast of Dorsetshire I recorded in the last
number. I did not see one the whole time the Gulls remained, but as soon as
these latter left us, the Terns made their appearance in considerable numbers.
Does this arise from any difference in their food ? or from the Gulls beating them
away ? I am inclined to believe that the latter may be the cause.

It is also a curious fact, that birds so readily remark any deviation from the
general appearance of their family. This I noticed in the case of a Gull with
what appeared to me to be a very long tail, which was attacked on all sides by
the other Gulls, whether of the same species as itself or not, I cannot say. On
its coming tolerably near to me, I discovered that it had a piece of ribbon or rag
attached to its tail. This at once accounted for its being hunted in the way it
was. It was not close enough to enable me to be sure of its species, but I think
it was the Common Gull (Larus canus). I suppose some one had caught it
previously, and wished to set his mark on it. About three years ago — I think
in 1834 — I also remarked a similar fact with respect to a Chimney Swallow
(Hirundo rustica), with a long piece of twine attached to its foot ; the poor bird
seemed to be the sport of all the Swallows in the neighbourhood, and as they
were then congregating preparatory to migration, it had plenty of enemies. I
observed it for two or three days, but what then became of it I had no oppor-
tunity of ascertaining.

I may also as well here mention one or two curious instances of nest building,

THE GOAT MOTH. 131

which present themselves to my recollection. One is that of a House Sparrow
{Passer domesticus) placing its feather-bed inside an old Magpie's nest in a lofty
Elm tree at some distance from any house. When I saw it, the young birds
were scarcely fledged. In 1834 I found the nest of a Common Wren (Anortkura
troglodytes) in a very extraordinary situation. It was hanging by some small
rootlets under a projecting ledge, about thirty feet from the bottom of a precipice,
so that the slightest breeze would put it in considerable motion, as the roots by which
it was suspended were about a foot long. It was not, however, entirely finished
inside, the old birds finding it, I suppose, too insecure a cradle for their young.
I regret that I did not preserve it. The same year I also found another Wren's
nest, which was not lined at all, and yet there were four or five eggs in it, which
were warm when I first felt them, shewing that the old birds had made a virtue
of necessity. This, I think, is a very unusual occurrence* ; at least I do not re-
member another instance of it. Whether the eggs were hatched or not, I do not
know, as I left the place immediately afterwards.
Trinity College^ Dublin, Ap-il 19, 1837.

ON THE CATERPILLAR OF THE GOAT MOTH.

The habits of many of the larger Lepidoptera, from the comparative ease with
which they may for the most part be observed, have pretty generally attracted
the attention of those lovers of Nature who, nevertheless, cannot aspire to the
title of entomologists ; but who, with the example of the justly celebrated
White, of Selborne, notice and treasure up the facts which come within their
own individual observation, and by adding links to the chain of evidence
establish the statements of former more experienced and able writers on the
subject. And thus facts which, taken alone, may not perhaps be important
when applied to their legitimate and true use, viz., that of corroborating former
testimony, become not only so, but also contribute greatly to the pleasure of
those who, in a field of observation so well explored as the present, cannot hope
to add many new ones to the general stock.

The following short account of a singular capability of the Goat Moth (Cossus
ligniperda) was written principally with the view of corroborating a fact with

* According to our experience the nest of the Wren is not invariably lined with feathers, and
this, we conclude, is the lining alluded to by our correspondent. The lining of the structure is, of
course, the finishing operation, and in some cases birds are compelled to deposit their eggs previous
to the completion of the nest. A remarkable instance of this kind, in which a Thrush laid an egg
upon a small quantity of moss on the branch of a Pear tree, has been recorded elsewhere.— Ed.
No. 9, Vol. II. x

132 LEICESTERSHIRE FLORA.

regard to the economy of the insect, related and accompanied by an admirable
engraving, in Curtis's British Entomology, a work which, for the accuracy of its
engravings and the exactness of their colouring, stands, I think, unrivalled.-—
During the autumn of 1834, whilst in Suffolk, and engaged in breeding a few
larvae of Sphingidce and other Lepidoptera, I procured two fine specimens of the
caterpillar of the Goat Moth, which, from their size and general appearance, I
judged to be near their time of change into the pupa state. I placed one of them in
a large white basin with a small quantity of rotten wood, &c, as it had previ-
ously escaped from a drawer in which I had put it pro tempore. On my return to
the room, after an absence of an hour or two, I found that my prisoner had
again made its escape, and was crawling at large on the floor of the apartment ;
and upon looking into the basin, I discovered on one side of it a zigzag web or
ladder, extending from the bottom to the edge, and which had evidently served as
the means of its escape from so slippery a prison. As I was not in the room at
the time, I had not an opportunity of witnessing its modus operandi, which
would no doubt have amply rewarded my attention, not only with respect to the
arrangement, but also the fixing of its flimsy threads to a wall, at once so ill
adapted for adhesion, and the support of its large and heavy body, and this too
after I had witnessed several of its ineffectual efforts to escape.

I did not then think of repeating the experiment, either with this or the other
caterpillar (which I had lodged more safely), but in a short time both disappeared
within the pieces of Willow prepared for them.

Doncaster, April 27, 1838. E.

LEICESTERSHIRE FLORA.

By the Rev. Andrew Bloxam.

(Continued from p. 83.)

Class XIII. — Papaver argemone. — P. dubium. — P. rkceas. — Ckelidonium mq~

jus. — Helianthemum vulgare. Near Croft and Enderby. — Tilia Europcea. In

a lane near Coton. — T. grandifolia. In plantations. — T. parvifolia. Near the

toll-gate between Measham and Ashby. — NymphcBa alba. Ponds at Sheepey ;

Braunston. — Nuphar lutea. Common. — Helleberis foetidus. Road-side near

Leir, on the way to Ashby parva. — Aquilegia vulgaris. Near Mount Bosworth,

on the road to Osbaston. — Thalictrum flavum. River Soar; near Glenfield;

Congerstone. — Anemone nemorosa. — Ranunculus aquatilis. — R. hederaceus.—

R. lingua. Grooby Pool ; Pond on Mr. Hassal's Farm, Glenfield. — R.Jlammula.

— R.fiearia. — R. auricomus.-~R. sceleratus.—R. acris. — R. repens. — R. bul-

LEICESTERSHIRE FLORA. 13&

bosus. — R. hirsutus. Leicester road, near Grooby ; Congerstone. — R.parviflorus.
About Kirby Muxloe; Newton, near Congerstone. — Caltha palustris.

Class XIV. — Mentha hirsuta. — M. arvensis. — M. pulegium. Margin of
Grooby Pool. — Thymus serpyllun. — Origanum vulgare. In Bradgate Ruins. —
Teucrium scorodonia. Grooby "Woods ; not rare. — Ajuga reptans. — Ballota ni-
gra.— Galeobdolon luteum. Grooby Woods ; near Mount Bosworth. — Galeopsis
ladanum. Swithland slate-pits. — G. tetrakit. — Larnium album. — L. purpur-
eum. — L. incisum. Garden at Braunston Hall. — L. amplexicaule. Gardens at
Kirkby; Aylestone road near Leicester. — Betonica officinalis. — Stachys sylva-
tica. — S. ambigua. Near Loughborough. — S. palustris. — S. arvensis. Near
Braunston. — Nepeta cataria. Near Enderby and Braunston. — Glechoma hede-
racea. — Clinopodium vulgare. — Prunella vulgaris. — Scutellaria galericulata. —
S. minor. Beacon Hill; Charnwood Forest. — Bartsia odontites. — Euphrasia
officinalis. — Rhinanthus cristagalli. — Melampyrum pratense. Grooby Woods. —
Pedicularis palustris. Grooby Pool. — P. sylvatica. Common in marshy mea-
dows.— Antirrhinum majus. Bradgate Ruins. — Linaria vulgaris. Near Grace-
dieu. — Scrophularia nodosa.-— S. aquatica. — Digitalis purpurea. Charnwood
Forest ; near Kirkby.

Class XV. — Coronopus Ruellii. — Capsella bursa-pastoris. — Teesdalia nudi-
caulis. Charnwood Forest. — Lepidium campestre. Congerstone ; rare. — Draba
verna. — Camelina sativa. Once found in a field at Thrinkstone. — Alyssum
calycirum. Field near Whitwick, June 1836. — Cardamine amara. Grooby
Pool ; Mount Bosworth ; River Sence ; Congerstone. — C. pratensis. — C. hirsuta.
— Barbarea vulgaris. — B.pracox. Old Reservoir, Charnwood Forest. — Nastur- .
Hum officinale. — N. terrestre. — N. amphibium. — Sisymbrium officinale.— -S. So-
phia. Near Thurnby. — S. thalianum. — Erysimum alliaria. — Cheirantkus CheirL
Bradgate Ruins. — Brassica napus.—B. rapa. — Sinapis arvensis. — S. alba. — ■
S. nigra.

Class XVI. — Erodium cicutarium. Grooby Pool ; Croft Hill. — Geranium
pratense. — G. lucidum. Ulvescroft Ruins. — G. Robertianum. — G. molie. — G.
pusillum. Congerstone Village. — G. dissectum. — Malva syhestris. — M. rotundi-
folia.—G. moschatum.

Class XVII. — Corydalis lutea. Old walls in several Villages. — C. claviculata.
Summit of Bardon and other Charnwood Forest hills. — Fumaria officinalis. —
Poly gala vulgaris. — Ulex Europceus. — U. nanus. Charnwood Forest. — Genista
tinctoria. — G. anglica. Charnwood Forest. — Lathyrus pratensis. — L. sylvestris.
Between Mount Bosworth and Sutton. — Vicia cracca. — V. sativa. — V. sepium.
— U. angustifolia. — Ervum hirsutum. — E. tetraspermum. — Astragalus glycy-
phyllus, Near Braunston. — Ornithopus perpusillus. — Melilotus officinalis.- -Tri-
folium repens. — T. pratense. — T. medium. Charnwood Forest. — T. arvense.

134 LEICESTERSHIRE FLORA.

Bank near Grooby Pool. — T. striatum: Ayleston road, near Leicester. — TV
fragiferum. Congerstone. — T. procumbens. — T. filiforme. — Lotus comiculatus
— L. tenuis. Shakerstone. — L. major. — Medicago sativa. Near Lutterworth.
— M. lupulina.

Class XVIII. — Hypericum quadrangulum. — H. perforatum. — H. humifu-
sum. — H. hirsutum. — H. pulchrum.

Class XIX. — Tragopogon pratensis. — Helminthia echioides. Near Barrow.
— Picris kieracioides. Near Glenfleld; between Bosworth and Sutton. — Son-
ckus arvensis — S. oleraceus. — Lactuca virosa. Gracedieu ; near Gopsal ; be-
tween Twycross and Sibson. — Prenantkes muralis. Swithland slate-pits. —
Leontodon taraxacum. — -Apargia hispida. — A. autumnalis. — Thrincia hirta.
Near Orton. — Hieracium pilosella. — H. sylvaticum. — H. sabaudum- Street
Hedges Wood. — H. umbettatum. Twycross ; Newbold Verdun. — Crepus tec-
torum. — Hypochceris radicata. — Lapsana communis. — Cichoriun intybus. Lei-
cester road, near Lutterworth. — Arctium lappa. — A. bardana. Congerstone. —
Serratula tinctoria. Street-hedges Wood, near Grooby ; Newbold Verdun ; Con-
gerstone.— Carduus nutans. Congerstone. — C.acanthoides. Congerstone. — Cnicus
lanceolatus. — C. palustris. — C. arvensis. — C. eriophorus. Hickley Road, near
Leicester. — C. pratensis. Near Glenfield ; Meadow below Ulvescroft cottage. —
Onopordum acanthium. Mount Sorrel. — Carlina vulgaris. Bardon Hill. —
Bidens tripartita. Pools about Mount Bosworth. — B. cernua. Pools about
Mount Bosworth. — Eupatorium cannabinum. Grooby Pool; about Mount
Bosworth. — Tanacetum vulgare. Banks of Glenfield Brook ; about Conger-
gerstone. — Artemisia absinthium. Road between Lutterworth and Cotesback.
— -A. vulgaris. Mount Bosworth ; Grooby. — Gnaphalium uliginosum. — G. mi-
nimum. Grooby Pool. — G.germanicum. Congerstone. — Erigeron acris. Grace-
dieu. Between Glenfield and Kirby. — Tussilago farfara. — Petasites vulgaris.
Gracedieu Wood; Congerstone. — Senecio vulgaris. — S. sylvaficus.—-S. tenui-
folius. — S. jacobcea. — S. aquaticus. — Pulicaria dysenterica. — Doronicum par-
dalianches. Plantation near Gopsal. — Bellis perennis. — Chrysanthemum leuc-
anthemum. — C. segetum. — Pyrethrum parthenium. — P. inodorum. — Matricaria
chamomilla. — Anthemis cotula. — Achillcea ptarmica. — A . millefolium. — Centaur ea
nigra. — C. cyanus. — C. scabiosa. Rawdikes, near Leicester.

Class XX. — Orchis morio. — O. mascula. — O. latifolia. Nailstone Moor;
near Kirby Castle. — 0. maculata. — Gymnadenia conopsea. — Nailstone Moor;
near Kirby Frith. — Habenaria bifolia. Kirkby Wood ; Ratby Woods. — Listera
ovata. — L. nidus-avis. Oakley Wood. — Epipactis latifolia. Wood near Twy-
cross.— E. palustris. Grooby Pool.

Class XXI. — Euphorbia helioscopia. — E. peplis. — E. amygdaloides. Cham-
wood Forest ; Gracedieu Wood. — Callitriche verna. — C: autumnalis. Cham-

LEICESTERSHIRE FLORA. 135

wood Forest. — Lannichellia palustris. Near Aylestone ; pool at Kirby Frith ;
pool at Mount Bos worth. — Typha latifolia. — T. angustifolia. — Pool near Con-
gerstone. — Sparganium ramosum. — S. simplex. — Carex pulicaris. Beacon Hill ;
plantation at the back of Kirby Frith; Sibson Gorse Cover. — C. intermedia.
Grooby Pool ; Braunston ; Congerstone ; Mount Bosworth. — C. muricata. — C.
divulsa.—C. vulpina. — C. paniculata. Spring Wood, near Staunton Harold. —
C. stellulata. Cham wood Forest. — C. ovalis. — C. remota. — C. pendula. South
Wood; beyond Ashby. — C. strigosa. Spring Wood, near Staunton Harold. —
C. sylvatica. — C. pseudocyperus. Grooby Pool ; Mount Bosworth ; in Enderby.
— C. pallescens. Spring Wood; below Sibson Gorse. — C flava. — Charnwood
Forest , near Mount Bosworth. — C. cederi. Sibson Gorse. — C. binervis. Charn-
wood Forest ; Mount Bosworth ; meadows between Congerstone and Shakerstone.
C. prcecox. — C. pilulifera. Charnwood Forest ; Sibson Gorse Cover. — C. panicea.
— C. recurva. — C. ccespitosa. — C. acuta. — C. paludosa. — C. riparia. — C vesi-
caria. Near Mount Bosworth; near Newtown Unthank. — C. hirta. — C.filifor-
mis. Beacon Hill ; Charnwood Forest. — Littorella lacustris. Grooby Pool. —
Alnus glutinosa. — Urtica urens. — U. dioica. — Bryonia dioica. — Ceratophyllum
demersum. Carlton Mill pond. — Myriophyllum spicatum. — Sagittaria sagitti-
folia. — Arum maculatum. — Poterium sanguisorba. Croft Hill. — Quercus robur.
— Fagus sylvatica. — Castanea vulgaris. — Betula alba. — Carpinus betulus. —
Corylus avellana. — Pinus sylvestris. — Salix frag His. — S. vitellina. — S. triandra.
— S. viminalis. — 8. caprea. — S. procumbens. Charnwood Forest. — Empetrum
nigrum. Charnwood Forest. — Viscum album. Orchard on a farm at Braun-
ston.— Humulus lupulus. — Tamus communis. — Populus alba. - P. canescens.
P. tremula. — P. nigra. — Mercurialis perennis. — Taxus baccata.

Class XXIII. — Atriplex patula. — A. angustifolia.

Class XXIV. — Polypodium vulgare. — Aspidium lobatum. — A. aculeatum.
Kirby Muxloe. — A. angulare. — Kirby Muxloe. — A. filix mas. — A. fit. foemina.
— Asplenium trichomanes. Swithland slate-pits. — A. ruta-muraria. Bradgate
stables ; Nailstone church. A. adiantum-nigrum. Rocks at Grooby Pool. —
Scolopendrium vulgare. — Pteris aquilina. — Blechnum boreale. Charnwood Fo-
rest.— Ophioglossum vulgatum. Braunston ; Mount Bosworth ; Gracedieu .
Kirby ; Congerstone. — Lycopodium clavatum. Charnwood Forest. — L. inunda-
tum. Charnwood Forest. — L. annotinum. Charnwood Forest. — Equisetum
fluviatile. Charnwood Forest.- — E. arvense. — E. sylvaticum. ' South Wood. —
E. limosum. — E.palustre. — E. kyemale. Gracedieu Wood. — Char a vulgaris. —
C. hispida. Near Mount Bosworth. — C. Hedurgii. Pond near Dadlington.

The above localities I know to be correct from my own observation ; a few others
from information, or specimens sent to me, I can depend upon. The following
are taken from published authorities, as Curtis's Topographical History of Lei-
cestershire (C), the Botanist's Guide, $c.

130 SELF-PRESERVATION.

Rosa micrantha. Near Leicester. (Midland Flora.) — Galium uliginosum.
Loughborough parks. — C. Witheringii. Ditto.(C) — Symphytum tuberosum. Lough-
borough (C). — Cuscuta Epithymum. Leicester (C). — Gentiana campestris. Glen-
field (C). QI never found it there/] — Galeopsis versicolor (C). — Mentha piperita.
Near Leicester (C). — M. gentilis. Outwoods (C). — Thymus calamintha. Near
Leicester (C). — Limosella aquatica. Near Ullesthorp (C). — Antirrhinum cymba-
laria. Near Sorrel Bridge (C). — Orobanche major. Widenings (C). — Carda-
mine impatiens. Beacon Hill (C). QI could not find it there.] — Fumaria capre-
olata. Loughborough parks (C). — Hedysarum onobrychis. Redhill (C). — Medi-
cago maculata. Outwoods (C). — Carduus tenuiflorus. Kegworth (C). — Solidago
virgaurea. Pocket-gate (C.) — Orchis ustulata. Near Zouch Mill (C). — 0. vi-
ridis. Near Oakley Wood (G).—Ophrys apifera. Red Hill (C). — Neottia spi-
ralis. Sheepshead Field (C). — Epipactis grandiflora. Near Long Whatten (C).
— E. ensifolia. Piper Wood? (C). — Botrychium lunaria. Near Oakley Wood
(C). — Astragalus hypoglottis. Outwoods near Loughborough (C). — Lathyrus pa-
lustris. Below Bardon Hill (Botanists Guide). — Marrubium vulgare. Ives-
head Hill (C). — Comarum palustre. Near Woodhouse. — Lathyrus nissolia. Be-
tween Murton and Bottesford (Botanist's Guide). — Myriophyllum verticillatum.
River Soar (B G). — Trifolium glomeratum. Near Loughborough (B G). — Leo-
nurus cardiaca. In Farm-yards (B G). — Sonchus palustris. River Soar (B G).
— Lactuca saligna. Budden Wood (B G). — Lapsana pusilla. Burstall Cornfields
(B G). Chlora perfoliata. About Sproxton (B G). — Cuscuta europcea. Near
Leicester (B G). — Delphinium consolida. Near Loughborough — Drosera longi-
folia. Charnwood Forest (B G) — D. rotundifolia. Charnwood Forest. — Salix
purpurea (B G). — S> pentandra (B G). — Iris fcetidissima. Frequent in the
north of the county (B G). — Rhynchospora alia. Charnwood Forest (B G.) —
Calamagrostis lanceolata. Buddon Wood (B G). — Brachypodium pinnatun.
East side of county (B G).

ON THE ORGAN OF SELF-PRESERVATION IN ANIMALS.

By J. Vimont, M. D.*

Self-preservation is an innate sentiment which belongs to all animals. All
the functions, in the sense in which the word is daily used, contribute, without
doubt, to the preservation of the species ; but the expression is here employed in
a much more limited sense, namely, to designate a mode of acting of the cerebro-

* Translated from his Traite. de Phrinologie Humaine et Comparee, Phrenological Journal,
•No. LI.

SELF-PRESERVATION. 137

nervous system, having all the characteristics of a fundamental faculty. It con-
sists in an impression purely instinctive, which prompts animals to fly or to keep
themselves on their guard, when any external circumstances appear to threaten
their existence: This faculty is one of those which manifest themselves at an
early period in animals. I am disposed to believe, that to it must be ascribed
the squalling of the infant when newly born, and the cries which young animals
emit when some unexpected object alarms them. It was the sudden disappear-
ance of certain species at the least noise, or at the aspect of an object which they
saw for the first time, which led me to entertain the idea that their manner of
acting in this case might depend on a fundamental faculty. I had seen Foxes,
Rats, Mice, Cats, disappear with the rapidity of lightning, at the unexpected
sight of a person^ or on hearing an unwonted sound. Whence, said I, can such a
mode of action arise ? What can cause these animals to apprehend that their life
is in danger, since many of them have never experienced anything which can lead
them to entertain any dread from these external occurrences ? Nevertheless,
their first action is to fly.

In the beginning of my enquiries, and for a considerable time, I entertained
the opinion that the conduct of these animals might depend on a considerable
development of Secretiveness or Cautiousness, but numerous observations des-
troyed this supposition. Experience demonstrated to me, that animals pos-
ssessing little Secretiveness and little Cautiousness, allowed nobody to ap-
proach them without great difficulty, and had a singular tendency to fly or to
preserve themselves. As observations made on individuals of the same species
were best adapted for reaching the truth, I devoted myself to the study of the
habits of several animals which I reared under my own eyes, and to keeping an
exact account of their most remarkable faculties. From 1824 to 1825, 1 observed
with care the conduct and actions of a dozen Rabbits, the offspring of the same
mother. I used to set them at liberty twice a week in a garden, and to dedicate
two hours to surveying them. One of them struck me more than all the others,
by the habit which it had of flying with astonishing rapidity every time I ap-
proached it ; it would scarcely be believed how frequently I saw it strike the
ground suddenly with its paws, probably to give notice to its companions, and
then instantly disappear. Nevertheless it was neither more cunning nor more
circumspect than the others; it was even one which was seized most easily
when I wished to put them into their boxes ; I had, on the contrary, great trou-
ble in catching several others, which succeeded in avoiding me by a thousand
detours. What, then, I asked myself, can give to this animal the idea of flying
with such rapidity ? Why, then, is there in this respect so great a difference
among twelve animals produced by the same mother, and all under the influence
of the same external circumstances ? Without doubt all these animals have a

138 SELF-PRESERVATION.

tendency to run away, but all do not fly with the same promptitude. Never-
theless, in reflecting on the conduct of all animals, I saw that this action was
general, that in some species it was more striking than in others, and that if it
was less apparent in tame animals, the difference was to be attributed to the
influence of external circumstances in diminishing the activity of this faculty so as
to render it difficult to recognise its manifestations. Let us attempt, for exam-
ple, to seize in its cage a bird which we have possessed only for a short time,
and we shall be astonished at the efforts which it will make to escape ; after an
interval of time, more or less extensive, this animal, which at first took to flight
at the slightest movement, will come and present itself to any person who wishes
to take hold of it.

Being nearly certain that there exists in animals an instinctive sentiment or
faculty which prompts them to self-preservation, or to shun every thing that
threatens their existence, it only remained to determine what might be the cere-
bral part which was the seat of this feeling.

The examination of the skulls of a great many animals was of no use, because,
as has been already remarked, it was necessary that observations should be made
first on individuals of the same species. I therefore devoted all my attention to
the examination of the skulls of the Rabbits which I had observed with so much
care. The skull of the Rabbit which took to flight with such rapidity, compared
with the skulls belonging to two others of the same litter which allowed me to
approach them readily, did not, at the first inspection, offer anything remarkable
to my observation. It was not so with their brains. Viewed on the upper sur-
face, these three brains differed very little, one excepted, in which the cerebellum
was more developed. The case was very different when the base of the brain
was examined. There was a striking difference in this region, between the brain
of the Rabbit which had been the subject of my observations and the other two.
In it, the proportion of the brain, A. A., plate lxxvii, fig. 1, (in the Traite,) was
twice as large as in the other brains.

As I had particular reasons for preserving untouched four of the nine other
Rabbits, I could examine only five more brains, and I did not find a single one
the size of which, in the part before indicated, equalled that of the Rabbit which
fled so fast on my approach.

Immediately after making this observation, I carefully examined the brains of
all the animals which I had preserved in spirits of wine, and also their skulls at
the situation where this cerebral organ is placed. It was easy to do this on the
base of skulls of the very numerous species which composed my collection. It
would be difficult to convey an idea of the pleasure I experienced in discovering
that all the animals which naturally have a tendency to fly with rapidity at the
approach of any one, or by the influence of external circumstances, were precisely

SELF-PRESERVATION. 139

those which presented the highest degree of development, such are the Ape, the
Fox, the Badger, the Cat, the Fitchet and Marten Weasels, the Marmot, the
Hare. It is enormous in the Stag and Roebuck.

The region of the cranium in which this organ in quadrupeds is lodged, is the
lateral sphenoidal fossa. In man its situation is the same. It occupies in the
latter all the portion of the sphenoidal bone marked 2 and 3, fig. 6, PI. xi, bis ;
the anterior half of the cerebral surface of the temporal bone indicated by No. 3,
id. pi., fig. 8. Its innermost surface will cover the two anterior thirds of the
upper face of the petrous portion of the same bone.

An old gunner, who died in the Val-de-Grace, was one of the greatest bullies
that ever existed, and so regardless of his life, that he exposed it daily in nu-
merous duels. In his skull, presented to me by Dr. Gaxibert, the region before
specified is not only very narrow, but has little depth. I have compared this
skull with others in my possession, and the difference in extent and depth in this
region is well marked. I have not met with the skull of any person who had a
propensity to self-destruction without disease of the brain, and therefore cannot
speak of the development of the organ in suicides.

I am strongly disposed to believe that the sentiment of fear, which Dr. Gall
attributes to want of courage, and which Dr. Spurzheim made to depend on cau-
tiousness, may be, on the contrary, an affection of the organ of self-preservation.
When a man considers his existence threatened by a body above him, he, by a
movement truly instinctive, stoops his head and forms a kind of arch with his
back. This movement coincides with the situation of the organ. Persons who
feel uneasy on the top of a tower or steeple, crouch down in the same manner.
I believe that the disagreeable impression which they then experience is referable
to an affection of the organ of self-preservation, and that it is this affection which
gives rise to the gesture above described.

I consider that the sphere of action of the faculty is more extensive. It gives
a character of egotism to the mind. I have constantly found more egotists among
bachelors than among married persons. In France there are more egotists among
priests than in any other class of society, which I attribute to the retired life they
lead. Contempt of life and generous actions should depend on a small development
of the organ, particularly if other faculties are in a sufficient state of development.

£This subject — namely, that of Phrenology — though hitherto little attended to
by naturalists, is one of the highest interest and importance ; and such is the
value and the novelty of Dr. Vimont's observations, that we feel assured they
cannot fail to strike our readers. We are inclined to believe, with Dr. V., that
self-preservation is a distinct faculty, but cannot agree with him in the opinion
that it embraces Cautiousness. — Dr. Combe described this organ (which he termed
Vitativeness) in his trother's System of Phrenology, about the same time that

No. 9, Vol.11. u

140 NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

« '

the French physician was prosecuting his researches on the faculty. As these
two gentlemen were wholly unaware of each other's proceedings, it is perhaps dif-
ficult to say who was the first discoverer of the organ. — Ed.]]

ADDENDA TO THE EXPLANATION OF THE LATIN NAMES OF

BRITISH BIRDS.

By the Rev. F. Orpen Morris, B. A .

Neophron. Neophron.

percnopterus. rit^xvof, same as <n:te*<>s black, black-spotted, and

wTsfon a wing. Egyptian Neophron.
Elanus- " Perhaps from tXacwu, to chace or drive." — Catalogue of the Ashmo-

lean Museum. Elanus.

furcatus. Forked (as to the tail) ; /urea, a fork. Fork-tailed Elanus.

Regulus. (Given in a former paper.) Kinglet.

ignicapillus. Ignis fire, and capillus a lock or tuft. Fire-crested

Kinglet.

Phoenicura. (Given before.) Redstart.

Suecica. Swedish. Blue-throated Redstart.

Alauda. (Given before.) Lark.

cornuta. Cornu, a hom. Horned Lark.

Charadrius. (Given before.) Plover.

minor. Less, or lesser. Little Plover.

Noctua. (Given before.) Nightling.

Tengmalmi. Named after Tengmalm.

Salicaria. (Given before.) Reedling.

turdoides. Turdus, a Thrush ; and */&>*, a likeness. Great Reed-
ling.

Diomedea. £A bird of this name is mentioned by Pliny. — Ed.]

chlororhynchus. XXueos green, and gvyxos a bill. Yellow-nosed

Albatross.

Tringa ? Tringa.

Two new species of Tringa are mentioned in a late number of the Magazine
of Natural History, as having occurred in Britain, but I am at present ignorant
of their names.

rufescens. Verging to red. Buff-breasted Tringa.

pectoralis. In some way, I suppose, from pectus, a breast. Pectoral

Tringa.

NAMES OF BMTISII BIRDS. 141

1 Anuria. (Given before.) Linnet.

canescens. Hoary. Mealy Linnet.

Loxia. (Given before.) Crossbill.

leucoptera. Abvkos white, and wrtfov a wing. White-winged Crossbill.

Coccyzus. Kokxv^u to cry like a Cucoo. Coccyzet.

Americanus. American. Virginian Coccyzet.

Lagopus. (Given before.) Ptarmigan.

rupestris. Of or belonging to rocks. Rock Ptarmigan.

Puffinus ? Shearwater.

fuliginosus. Fuligo, soot. Dusky Shearwater.

Lestris. (Given before.)' Skua.

Richardsonii. So named after Mr. Richardson. Richardson's Skua.

Larus. (Given before.) Gull.

leucopterus. Awkos white, trreeo* a wing. Iceland Gull.

Xema ? Xeme.

Sabini. Named after Mr. Sabine. Sabine's Xeme.

Anous. [A, without, voir mind. — Ed.] Noddy.

8tolida. Foolish. Black Noddy.

Polysticta. UoXvs much, and vrty^x a spot or brand.
Stelleri. From a proper name.

T urdus. Thrush.

Whitei. Named after Gilbert White, of Selborne, having been

killed in Hampshire. White's Thrush.

Plectrophanes. nxwrfov a spur, and tpxiw to show. Longspur.

Lapponica. fJOf or belonging to Lapland. — Ed.]] Lapland

Longspur.

In the derivation of the word schceniculus, perhaps the latter part of the name
may come, by a barbarous derivation, from colo to inhabit. The derivation of
troglodytes (the name of a people, applied to the Common Wren, from their
similar custom of living in holes of the earth) is from r^uyXv a den or cave, and
Jtw or Svv« to enter. This was accidentally omitted in the first part of the " Ex-
planation." The Catalogue of the Ashmolean Museum gives a different derivation
from mine for Somateria and Hcematopus ; the former from <tu(ax a body, and
T»f*a> to preserve, instead of from s£<o», wool or down ; " utrum horum mavis
accipe ;" the latter from xi^x blood, and vcovs, instead of from oms the face. I
think this latter is right, but both bill and legs are of the same colour. Bo-
taurus it derives from ft»j, noise or clamour, and rxveos a bull, which may, I think,
be correct.

The following derivations, also, not discovered by myself, are extracted from
the Ashmolean Catalogue already alluded to (Oxford, 1836), which has been
presented to me since the publication of my last paper : — Cygnus, from Kvx»«f ;

H"2 HABITS OF THE AVOCET.

this I had omitted. Pandion, "the name- of a Greek hero, changed into a bird
of prey." (nistis, in like manner — though not in my list — from a Cretan king
of that name, who was also said to have been transformed into a Hawk.)
Cypselus, KyvJ/tXos, the Aristotelian name. Numenius, vov^wix the new moon,
from the crescented form of the bill. Phalaropus, <px\a.%tx. fringes, and movs a foot ;
I had derived it from <px\x%is, the Greek name of a bird. Tadorna, the French
name Tadorne, latinized.

The following are the names of which I have been unable to discover the
meaning : — Alums \_A, without, lux, lucis, light. — Ed.], Pastor, collurio, Em-
beriza, Ccrthia, cirlus, pilaris, Tithys, tetrax, tetrix, Squatarola, hiaticula,
Tringa, calidris, Totanus, tinnunculus [[Supposed to be " a tinnitu vocis,"— Ed.]],
Buteo, Avocetta, garzetta, nyroca, cenas, porzana, Iroile, Alca, pomarinus, galbula
[[From the German gelb, yellow. — Ed.], Sterna, Puffinus, marila, perspicillata,
mareca, circia, crecca, dajila.

Those derivations supplied by the Editor in my former papers which I think it
possible may not be correct, are : — Bubo, Oriolus, Sturnus, Parus, Fringilla,
merula, boarula*, rubetra, spinus, biarmicus (no derivation given), luscinia,Alauda,
Cypselus, gallinula, gallinago, Platalea, Ardea, Fulica, boschas.

[[We believe it is tolerably certain, that the derivations we supplied for the
following names, are correct : — Bubo, from Bufo a Toad, on which the bird
feeds ; Oriolus, from or, gold ; Parus, corrupted from parvus, little ; Fringilla,
frango, to break or crush (seeds) ; merula, mera, solitary, from the lonely habits
of the bird ; boarula, boarius, appertaining to Oxen ; rubetra, Rubeta, a Toad,
or perhaps from rubeo to be red; spinus, a slow bush ; biarmicus, two-barbed,
from the whiskers on each side of the bill ; luscinia, lugens, mournful, cano to
sing ; Platalea, has allusion to the breadth of the bill Ardea, arduus, high, lofty
(i. e. the flight); Fulica, fuligo, blackness; boschas, bosco a wood. With regard
to the derivations we ventured to assign to Sturnus, Alauda, Cypselus, gallinula,
and gallinago, we cannot speak so positively. — Ed.]

HABITS OF THE COMMON AVOCET (Avocetta atricapilla).

By Robert Mudie.

The Avocet is one of the most singular, and perhaps, all things considered, one
of the most interesting of British birds. The Avocet is now becoming very local ;
and in the few situations where it is still found, it is much more rare than it was

* It ia the Yellow Wagtail, and not the Grey species, that keeps about cattle.

HABITS OF THE AVOCET.

143

in former periods. When far more of the low-lying parts of England were fen
and marsh than at the present time, and when the high grounds at the " water-
shed," in the midland counties — which, being rich in mineral treasures, are now
the seat of the most extensive metalliferous manufactures in the world, and the
abode of a population, numerous, industrious, and devoted to the cultivation of
every science and the improvement of every useful and ingenious art — lay in the
state of a comparative wilderness, covered with rough copses and studded with
mantling pools ; when such was the state of things, many marsh-birds, which are
now of but rare occurrence and very local, appeared in many places and in great
numbers. I do not mean to say with old Gerard, that Barnacles were actually
seen in the act of turning into Solan Geese, in the sedgy pools of Staffordshire ;
but there certainly were many marsh-birds generally distributed over the country
at that period which are now but seldom met with. The Avocet is one of the
number ; and, on this account, this bird has an interest in the eyes of an English-
man, in addition to that which it possesses in a merely ornithological point of
view. It is a memorial of the past — a sort of antiquarian bird — one of those
which

" Make former times shake hands with latter,"

and enable us, in some measure, to hold converse with our ancestors, as well as
with our cotemporaries.

^uA-J^

The Avocet.

144 HABITS OF THE AVOCET.

In the system of the feathered tribes, the Avocets stand alone, forming not
only a well marked genus, but a very distinct family, whether we make their
structure or their habits the basis of our judgment. The parts of their structure
harmonize with the use which is made of them, in that beautiful manner which
is observable throughout the whole animal kingdom, and, indeed, throughout the
whole wide and varied field of creation ; but still both the structure and the
application are peculiar, and such as we do not find in any other bird. Accord-
ingly, the habits of the Avocet are singular, and no other bird can be said to
dwell, or rather to feed, in localities of the same kind. It is, in the places where
it is found, the last of the land-birds ; and, one step beyond it, the feathered in-
habitant is fairly launched upon the waters, and

" Rows its state with oary feet."

Besides being a very peculiar bird, the Avocet is a very handsome one. It
measures in length about a foot and a half; but when the legs, which are very
strong, are stretched out, they increase the length at least six inches more. The
tail is short and rounded, and the closed wings extend a little beyond the tip of
it. The wings, when expanded, measure about two feet and a half. The bill is
curved upwards, and measures about three inches and a half along the curve.
When the bird walks, it carries the axis of the body more nearly in an erect than
in a horizontal position ; but still it is a steady, and even a swift walker, as com-
pared with the entirely web-footed birds which carry the axis of the body in this
position. Its feet are, indeed, more than half webbed ; for the entire web extends
to half the length of the toes, which it joins, and is continued, in straight lines, to
the roots of the claws. The foot is peculiar ; and almost exactly intermediate
between the wading foot properly so called, and the swimming foot ; but it is not,
as in the case of the lobed feet, or those with divided webs, adapted for acting
among the tangled vegetation ; it is a foot fitted only for free space, but it is fitted
equally for hard and soft surfaces, or occasionally for the waters. By having the
hind toe almost rudimental, it agrees both with the swift running birds and the
dexterous swimming ones ; and when we examine the enlarged pad on the heel,
and the symmetry of the toes, it is not easy to imagine a more complete piece of
mechanism, or one better adapted to the haunts of the bird, than the foot of the
Avocet.

Head.
Foot.

HABITS OF THE AVOCET. 145

The bird is also very elegant in its form, and of beautiful, but not gaudy colours.
All its outlines are curves of the most graceful flexure ; and though the legs are
stout for the size of the body, and the tibiee, or thigh bones, remarkably free, so
as to allow a large step, yet their insertions fall in well with the outline of the
under part of the bird. The plumage is remarkably compact, such as we meet
with in birds decidedly aquatic; and the colours are exceedingly pure. They are
black and white, variously marked, but never broken into each other ; so that
their contrast shews to the greatest possible advantage. White, of the most
snowy intensity, is the ground or prevailing colour of the whole plumage. The
upper part of the head and the nape are deep black, relieved by a row of well-
defined white spots backwards from the eye, and sometimes, but not always, with
a white spot on the forehead. The scapulars, the bastard wing, a portion of the
turn of the wing, and the quills, with their middle coverts, are, in general, also
deep black ; but the extent of the black is scarcely the same in any two specimens,
though it and the white are always of equal purity. The naked parts of the legs,
which extend very considerably higher than the tarsal joints, are blackish blue ;
the bill is black, and the irides of the eyes are hazel. The bill is rather firmer
than that of the Snipes and Woodcocks, which, amongst the land-birds, may be
considered as bearing the nearest similitude to the Avocet ; but there is no doubt
that it is an organ of touch. It is covered with a papillous membrane, and
copiously supplied both with nerves and with blood-vessels. Its curvature up-
ward, differing from that of any other birds with which we are familiar, has
sometimes given occasion to those who are incapable of looking at the use as well
as the form, to describe the Avocet as one of " Nature's unfortunates." But
Nature has no unfortunates, excepting those human beings who, by their miscon-
duct, make misfortune their own ; and when we come to examine the Avocet
upon its proper feeding grounds, and to discover that there is food for a bird there
which no bill, except one formed like that of the Avocet, could collect, we are as
powerfully constrained to admire the perfect adaptation of this bill as of any one
organ in the animal kingdom.

I have said that the Avocet is the last bird upon the land ; and in truth we
can hardly say that its pasture is there. Nee tellus est, nee mare, — not the land,
not the water, but the debris of the land passing onward, until the reflux of the
tidal wave shall fling it back again. When sea-tides or land-floods ebb away,
there is a deposit of fresh mud made during the pause of tranquillity, which in-
variably takes place between the rise and the fall. In this mud there is a count-
less multitude of small animals in the rudimental or in the mature state. When
this mud remains quiescent in the shallows, it becomes the proper pasture of the
dabbling Ducks ; but it does not always so remain ; for water working over a

146 HABITS OF THE AVOCET.

soft bottom always makes runs ; and as the flood ebbs off", those runs flow with a
considerable portion of the mud and its animal contents. Those contents, espe-
cially if land-produce, and near the sea, would be lost to Nature, were it not that
the Avocet is sent to gather them in. It takes its position at the bottom of the
run, and, lowering its bill, with the foot on one side advanced, it brings up the
other foot and at the same time scoops obliquely across the run with the bill.
When the foot which has made the advance is planted, the bill is elevated, so
that even the basal part of it inclines upwards, and the food obtained during the
stroke is conveyed to the stomach. This requires hardly a moment, and the bill
is again depressed ; the other foot, which is now in the rear, advances ; and the
run is scooped obliquely in the opposite direction. Thus it proceeds with stately
steps, and scooping right and left alternately, until it has satisfied its appetite. It
is no very easy matter to see the Avocet engaged in this way ; but those who are
in the habit of examining the fenny places which it frequents, can see the
marks of the scooping and the footsteps so plainly, as to leave no doubt of the
mode of action in the bird.

Avocets breed on the borders of the marshes, and are understood to have four
eggs in a hatch, which, as is common with those birds which they most nearly
resemble, are placed quatrefol, with the small ends to the centre. Generally
speaking, they are very shy birds, and their voices are harsh and screaming ; but
when they have nests, they become apparently familiar, and^their scream is a mix-
ture of the querulous and the plaintive. They, in short, play tricks very similar
to those of the Lapwing, in order to entice visitors from their nests, but they are
not quite such expert flyers.

In Norfolk, and the few other places in which the Avocets are found, they are
resident birds ; and not very many years ago, they were frequently exhibited for
sale, though not abundantly, in Leadenhall-market, which, in London, is the chief
place for marsh-birds ; but at present not above one or two are to be met with in
the course of a whole season.

There is an Avocet, in India, wholly white, except the wings ; and an Ameri-
can one has been described, with a purplish mantle on the lower part of the neck ;
but, in other respects, they do not appear to differ from the Avocet of which a
remnant still lingers in this country.

QThe Avocet belongs to the fourth order of birds, the Waders (Grallatores),
and to. the third family of that order, namely, the Snipe family, Scolopacidce. —
Ed.]

147

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir, — The following letter, received from Mr. Selby, in answer to a request
for further particulars on the interesting fact which is the subject of it, which I
first saw briefly mentioned in the Naturalist' sLibrary, will, I am sure, be inter-
esting and valuable to many entomologists. I hope I do not do wrong in sending
it with this view for insertion in your pages, which I am induced to venture on
from the consideration that the author of the letter would lose no opportunity of
furthering the interests of Natural Science, or of any of its votaries.

I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,
F. 0. M.

Letter from Pridea.ux John Selby, Esq., F.R.S.E., M.W.S., &c. &c.

Twizell House, April 17, 1837.

Sir, — The success I have met with in the capture of Moths by means of the
beehive anointed exteriorly with honey, enables me to recommend it as by far
the most effectual mode of taking the Noctuidce, and of the Geometridce, and
other smaller species ; in short, it is a certain trap for all the nocturnal Lepidop-
tera, except those whose cibariam or jaws are not fully developed. I recommend
the common hive, as being light, and easily moved from place to place, and also as
imbibing the honey with facility ; it moreover retains the odour for a long time,
and can be placed upon a forked stick at the most% convenient height for taking
the insects with the clippers. I set it immediately after sunset, and visit it
every half hour till ten or eleven o'clock, during autumn and summer. In win-
ter few of the insects fly after eight or nine o'clock. The Moths are generally
so engaged in sucking the honey, as to allow themselves to be easily taken if
quietly approached. A candle or lamp is used, but not left standing with the
hive.

Heretofore I have not watched it during morning twilight, but intend to do so
this season, as many species fly at that time which do not make their appearance
in the evening. Last year I took a great many during the few fine evenings we
had, and among them many rare species, which I had no expectation of meeting
with in this district. On a favourable night in July I have seen the whole
exterior of the hive covered with Moths, and have taken eighteen and twenty
different species upon it at a time. Anointing the trunks of trees would no doubt
have the same effect, but it would require a much greater consumption of honey,
as Wasps, Bees, and other insects, would devour every particle during the day.
No. 9, Vol. II. x

148 CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

Inferior honey answers as well as the best, and I find it more attractive than
sugar. As soon as the weather becomes mild, you may make the experiment, as
Orthozia pallida, 0. stabilis, and Semiophora gothica, appear about this time.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient servant,
Rev. F. 0. Morris. P. J. Selbv.

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

Malachius ruficollis, Panz., and M. bipunctatus, Bab.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir, — I have lately seen a paper by Mr. Babington again on these (or these
supposed ?) species ; and as I formerly had a little " sparring" with him respect-
ing them, perhaps it will not be thought improper if I offer a remark or two in
your Naturalist on what has been said. In the Entomological Magazine, Vol.
IV., p. 365, Mr. B. says, " Panzer's figure, part viii., No. 2, is M. ruficollis." In
the Magazine of Natural History, Vol. VII., p. 378 (not 278, as Mr. B. quotes),
he says Panzer's figure, part viii., No. 2, is Scolytus ceneus ! and that part ii.,
No. 10, is M. ruficollis (!); although I corrected him at p. 524 of the same
volume that M. ruficollis, Panz., was part ii., No. 8 (not \§) ! ! He now tells
us, in ihe Entomological Magazine, p. 365, that " Panzer's figure (Index EnUm.,
part viii., No. 2) is not his supposed species, but a rather poor representation of
the true ruficollis. It would appear also to be a male ! as it has not the pro-
minent abdomen of the females of this genus." I said at p. 178 of Loudon's
magazine (same vol.) that " it was a male" (if a $, the prominent part of the
abdomen is hidden by elytra), but Mr. Denson (the Editor) transposed my re-
ference to Panzer's " F. 2, pi. 8" — Fauna 2, plate 8 — to " pi. 8, fig. 2," thinking
F. meant figure instead of fauna, and that I had put the " cart before the horse,"
which occasioned Mr. B.'s criticism on my supposed ignorance of mistaking a
Scolytus for a Malachius, of which he gave a figure, as well as of the other
Malachii above alluded to.

Mr. B. now informs us that M. ruficollis and bipunctatus have been seen " in
such a situation as to prove that they are the sexes of one species."

I suspected, at p. 178 of Loudon's magazine, that this was the case (although
I have not, up to this time, even seen M. bipunctatus, which I think, from Mr.
B.'s acknowledgment of some insects I sent him — every one, with a single ex-
ception, new to him — I had reason to expect, and I have only therefore to thank

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 149

him for the figure in Loudon), but I do not think it is by any means proved,
since kindred species, such as Pontia rapce ? and P. napi $ have been found
in such situation at large, and not " under glasses" (as Mr. B. mentions), also
P. cardaminis $ with P. napi $. Mr. Haworth likewise mentions (p. 144),
" Spilosoma lubricipeda and menthrasti being united, and suspects urticce to be
the produce;" and Mr. Schuckard found an Osmia and Chelostoma, of two
different genera, in company, which shows that some caution is necessary in
determining species.

I am, sir, &c,

James C. Dale.
Glanvilles Wootton, April 25, 1837.

,The Sense of Smell in Carrion Birds.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Sir, — My brother's paper on the sense of smell in carrion birds (p. 34) is con-
clusive as far as regards that species or genus of which it treats ; but I think
there are probably great modifications of the sense in different birds, as we know
to be the case in Dogs. I mean that those birds which live on carrion probably
have it much keener than those which catch their prey alive, as all the Hawks,
Falcons, &c. I think that Hawks fJQuery, the Falconidce ? — Ed.] hold the same
place in the feathered race that the Greyhound does among Dogs ; and the Crows,
Vultures, &c, correspond to Fox-hounds and Harriers, which hunt by the scent.

I am, sir, yours, &c,

Beverley R. Morris.
Dublin, April 19, 1837-

One or two Criticisms.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Sir, — In the Magazine of Zoology and Botany, Mr. Duncan supplies a paper
which professes to give the characters and descriptions of the Dipterous insects
indigenous to Britain, intending, I suppose, to mention all the species. In the
genus Oxycera, however, he describes but six species, while in Mr. Curtis's
British Entomology for January and February 1833, no less than ten are included.
I am aware that one of these, Oxycera affinis, may possibly be only a variety of
0. muscaria ; but even supposing that to be the case, there remain three species
of which Mr. Duncan takes no notice. Now Mr. Duncan either had seen
Curtis's splendid work, or he had not. If he had, I am at a loss to find any
excuse for such an omission ; if he had not, he ought never to have attempted

150 CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

the history of any order or class of British insects so far as that invaluable
work has proceeded ; for it is absolutely necessary to be possessed by every
entomologist who wishes to study the subject scientifically or thoroughly. The
species described by Mr. Duncan are the following : — Oxycera pulchella, 0. tri-
lineata, 0. muscaria, O.formosa, O.terminata, and O. analis ; those which he
has omitted are O. pardalina (? )■, 0. leonina, 0. Morrisii, and the 0. affinis,
alluded to above. Are we " ex uno (genere) discere omnes" or not ?

In the number of the Magazine of Natural History for April 1837, my friend
Mr. H. E. Strickland propounds some rules for zoological nomenclature which
appear to have been rather hastily put together. Rule 1 says, " The Latin
nomenclature forms the only legitimate language of Zoology (Swainson). Latin
names are adopted by naturalists of all nations, and are therefore preferable to
any other. Where one language is sufficient for the purpose, all others are super-
fluous." Rule 10 states, that " names should be taken either from the Latin or
Greek languages ;" and rule 1 9, that " generic names should in general be com-
pounded of Greek words, and specific of Latin." This latter rule, though
heretofore, as Mr. Strickland also observes, partially and faintly acted upon,
was, I believe, first distinctly laid down by me in a late number of The
Naturalist ; yet no mention is made of this, although the names of the authors
of the other rules are attached to each. Perhaps, however, Mr. Strickland had
not seen the paper alluded to. — In rule 21 it is stated, that specific names may
be taken from the size of the species; yet in rule 14 we are told that "the
meaning of names should be founded on absolute characters, not on relative or
comparative ones." Now size is only affected by relation or comparison. —
Lastly, rules 6 and 11 appear to me to be coextensive in meaning, though
differently expressed. The one is in fact merely a repetition of the other, being
tantamount to it. From the former we leam that " a name may be expunged
whose meaning is false, as applied to the object or group which it represents."
The latter says, that " the meaning of a name must imply some proposition
which is true as applied to the object which it represents." The "Rules for
Zoological Nomenclature" appear, therefore, to require considerable revision.

I am, sir,

Your obedient servant,

Francis Orpen Morris.
Doneaster, April 4, 1837.

151
PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

April 19. — The Rev. W. Whewell, President, in the chair. — Mr. Owen read
a paper on the cranium of a newly discovered extinct animal, of gigantic pro-
portions, which he proved to be related by affinity to the Pachydermata and
herbivorous Cetacea ; he, however, further observes, that were its classification
determined by dentition, it would belong to the Rodentia. Mr. 0. names the
genus Toxodon. — " This cranium forms part of the series of fossils collected by
Mr. Darwin in South America. It was found in the Sarandis, a small tributary
of the Rio Negro, about 120 miles N.W. from Monte Video, and had been
imbedded in the whitish, argillaceous earth which forms the banks of that rivulet.
The subsoil of the whole of the surrounding country is granitic, and Mr. Darwin
considers the argillaceous covering to be an estuary deposit, accumulated by the
river now called the Plata, and at a period when the land was at a lower level
with reference to the ocean than it is at present.

" The dimensions of this interesting fossil, the extreme length of the skull
being two feet four inches, and the extreme breadth one foot four inches, amply
attest that the species to which it belonged attained a magnitude comparable
only with some of the gigantic Pachyderms, or the extinct Megatherium. — From
the structure of the molar teeth and their continuous mode of growth, Mr. Owen
shewed that the Toxodon is referable to the Rodentia ; but that it differs from
the existing animals of that order in the number and relative position of the
incisors, and in the number and directions of the curvature of the molars. The
Toxodon again deviates from the true Rodentia, and resembles the Wombat, in the
form of the articular cavity of the lower jaw. It differs from the Rodentia and
resembles the Pachydermata in the relative position of the glenoid cavities and
zygomatic arches, and in many minor details. In the aspect of the plane of the
occipital region of the skull, in the form and position of the occipital condyles,
in the transverse extent of the frontal region of the skull, in the aspect of the
plane of the bony aperture of the nostrils, and in the thickness and texture of the
osseous parietes of the skull, the Toxodon differs from both the Rodentia and
Pachydermata, and manifests an affinity to the Cetaceous order.

" From these instances of aberrant characters in the Toxodon, considered as a
gigantic Rodent, and which were described in detail, Mr. Owen pointed out, that
although the teeth, from their correspondence with many other important parts of
the animal structure, and from the facility of observing them, are highly important
and useful zoological characters, yet they are not, in all cases, sufficient alone to
determine the order to which a Mammifera belongs ; and that upon due consider-
ation it will appear, that dental characters must yield the precedence to those

152 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

afforded by the modification of the organs of progressive motion. It may,
therefore, be inferred, that those orders in the present received systems of Mam-
malogy which are founded on characters afforded by the teeth alone, are less
natural, and less important groups, than those which are based on modifications
of the locomotive extremities ; and a fortiori, on those which combine such
distinctive characters with equally characteristic peculiarities of dentition. At
present there is no evidence to determine what was the nature of the extremities
of the Toxodon. but Mr. Owen is of opinion, that although it cannot be positively
affirmed the genus may not be referable to the Muticata of Linnjeus, yet, from
the development of the nasal cavity, and the frontal sinus, that it is extremely
improbable the habits of the species were so strictly aquatic as the entire absence
of hinder extremities would occasion.

" In conclusion, he pointed out the interesting fact, that the recent animal
most analogous to the Toxodon, combining the characters of a Pachyderm and a
Rodent, and, from its aquatic habits, called the Water-hog, or Hydrochcerus,
exists only in South America — the same region in which this gigantic fossil,
possessing similar aberrant peculiarities, has been discovered." — Athencezim.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF ATHENS.

A Society of Natural History appears to have been recently established at
Athens. It was addressed, at its first meeting, by M. Nicolaides Levadiefs,
a medical officer under the Greek government. After pointing out the advantages
to be derived from Agriculture, of which the Greeks are now comparatively
ignorant, although Sicily was in ancient times the granary of Rome, and after
adverting to Holland and England, as proofs of what skill and industry might
achieve even with an ungrateful soil, and under comparatively rude climates, M.
Levadiefs proceeded as follows : — " The Greeks formerly worked silver mines in
Attica and in some of the islands in the Archipelago ; but gold came to them
through Macedonia and Thrace, from Pannonia and Illyria. Hence the gold coins
of ancient Greece are so few, while those of the Macedonian kings are still numer-
ous. The marble quarries of Pentelicus and Paros are too well known to need
being mentioned. Chromium has been found in Euboea ; Milos is rich in silver,
vitriol, and alum ; Siphnas possesses silver ores ; Naxos maintains a trade in
emery ; Santorin is rich in steatite, 'or soap-stone, which is much sought for,
chiefly to make the luting of water-pipes. I shall not say any thing of our
numerous mineral springs, the waters of which are so serviceable to suffering
humanity. Unfortunately, mines cannot be expected to repay the cost of work-
ing them, unless where coals are at hand and in abundance. It shall therefore be
the business of the Society of Natural History to prosecute the much-desired
examination, as to the nature and quality of the stone-coal discovered at Negro-

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 153

pont and at Argos, and to report on the uses to which it may be applied, whether
as fuel for domestic purposes, or for the making of gas ; whether it be adopted for
the use of furnaces, or smithies, or for steam navigation."

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

This Society appears to be in a very flourishing state, and its meetings are very
numerously and respectably attended. On the 4th of April were exhibited some
fine specimens of Oranges, Limes, Lemons, &c, from the Rev. J. Luscombe, of
Coombe Royal, near Kingsbridge, which had ripened with comparatively little
protection, and without the aid of artificial heat ; some white sugar from Beet,
with specimens ot the roots from which it was obtained, the Betterave blanc au
sucre, from Mr. Chablwood; roots of Stachys palustris, said to be a delicate
vegetable for the table, and being used by some instead of Asparagus ; Dowleb's
seedling Pears from Covent Garden Market, under the name of the " wild seed-
ling ;" Keen's seedling Strawberries, from R. W. Eyles, Esq. — Medals were
awarded to Mr. Lawbence, Mr. Thompson of Norwood, William Habbison,
Esq., R. W. Eyles, Esq., the Rev. J. Luscombe, Mr. J. Gbeen, gardener to Sir
E. Antbobus, Bart., Mr. G. Glenny, and J. G. Fulleb, Esq., for the plants,
fruits, roots, and other specimens exhibited by them. — The meteorological report
from March 21 to April 4, was as follows : —

Barom Highest, March 27 30.077

Lowest, April 3 29.576

Therm Highest, April 1 50° Fahr.

Lowest, March 23 21°Fahk.

Total amount of rain, 0.27 inches,

April 18. — A communication was read from Mr. W. Pebbin, gardener to
Richabd Habbison, Esq., on his mode of cultivating Catthya. There were ex-
hibited, specimens of Acacia vertieillata, from Mr. Glenny ; Rhododendron
arboreum, from Messrs. Whitley ; a new variety of Oncidium Carthaginense,
from Messrs. Rollinson; Azalea Indica pulchra, from Messrs. Chandleb;
Camellia Sieboldi, from Messrs. Low — all of which obtained medals for the
exhibitors ; Cucumbers from Mr. Flanagan, gardener to Sir Thomas Hare ;
golden Harvey Apples from Mr. Fobbes, gardener to Henby Pownall, Esq.,
likewise obtained medals. — The meteorological report from April 4 to April 18,
was as follows : —

Barom Highest, April 8 30.376

Lowest, April 16 29.448

Therm Highest, April 15 55° Fahr.

Lowest, April 10 23°Fahr.

Total amount of rain, 0.05 inches.

5\4

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

LINN.EAN SOCIETY.

April 18. — A. B. Lambert, Esq., V.P., in the chair. — The chairman exhibited
specimens of the Calumba root, from the Botanic Garden of the Mauritius, which
were sent over by Mr. Newman, in order to ascertain its commercial availabili-
ties as compared with that from Zankebar. A paper was read from R. H. Schom-
burgk, Esq., of Demerara, descriptive of Trigonocephalies Guyanensis, a
poisonous Snake, commonly called the " Bushmaster." Like other poisonous
Snakes, it retires into the back- woods as cultivation advances, from whence it
comes out to injure travellers, death almost invariably following its bite ; the
teeth are said, we know not how justly, to break off and remain in the wound ;
this probably, must depend upon circumstances ; at least that is the case with
many other species. The remedy supposed to be most successful is to apply a
common wine-glass, heated, as a cupping-glass, over the injury. When this
treatment was adopted sufficiently early after the infliction of the wound, it was,
according to the testimony of one medical man, invariably attended with the
most happy results, and we are even informed that, under those circumstances,
not a single death occurred. The continuation of a paper from the Rev. P. Keith,
" On the evolution of leaves in the bud," was read.

ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY.

J. R. Gowen, Esq., in the chair. — After an interesting paper — not, however
bearing upon Natural History — had been read, it was announced, that Dr.
Andrew Smith, the leader of the expedition for exploring in Southern Africa, had
just arrived in London from the Cape of Good Hope, bringing with him a large
collection in Natural History, including a new species of Rhinoceros, &c, a
splendid set of drawings, and various specimens of the arts and manufactures,
illustrating the state of civilization among the different tribes Dr. Smith had
visited in his late journey, of about 3,000 miles.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

April 6. — Captain Bowles, R. N., in the chair. — The report of the Council
stated the receipts of the last month to amount to £l,063 6s. 6d., and the dis-
bursements to £1,525 7s. Hd., being £l,021 16s. to the menagerie, £237 Is.
lid. to the museum, and £86 10s. to the general establishment. £6 13s. was
received from the visitors to the museum, 511 in number, last month. The
number of visitors to the gardens were 5,985, from whom £157 19s. was re-
ceived. The specimens in the menagerie are 308 mammalia, 698 birds, and 17
reptiles, making, altogether, 1023. — Various donations to the museum were
announced, among which were the body of a Tinnamor, from the Earl of

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 156

Derby, and a specimen of Onyckotenthus an Bergii, from Mr. Waterhouse.
Other presents were likewise noticed, from Her Majesty, the Marchioness of
Winchester, Sir Herbert Taylor, and others. — Mr. Cox moved, that the
Council be recommended to establish lectures on Zoology, and to provide places
for the dissection of animals dying at the gardens, in order to increase the utility
of the Society. We think the motion an excellent one, and are happy to be
enabled to add, that it was carried.

ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

The following noblemen and gentlemen have been elected to form a committee
of management of this Society : — President, the Earl of Liverpool ; Vice 'Presi-
dents, the Duke of Bedford, K. G., the Bishop of Norwich, Sir Robert Peel,
Bart., M. P., D. C. L., F. R. S., W. Swainson, Esq., A. C. G., F. R. S., &c.»
N. A. Vigors, Esq., M. P., D. C. L., F. R. S. ; Council— the Rev. R. W.-
Browne, B. A., W. G. Chapman, Esq., Harry Chester, Esq., M. P., N. W.
R. Colborne, Esq., M. P., J. C. Gowen, Esq., F. G. S., Robert Gordon, Esq.,
M. P., J. E. Gray, Esq., F. R. S., Mr. W. Holl, F. G. S. (formerly Editor of
this Magazine), Capt. Mangles, R. N., F. R. S., W. S. Macleay, Esq., M. A.,
F. L. S., the Earl of Orkney, the Rev. Cyril Page, Sir John D. Paul, Bart.,
J. F. Royle, M. D., F. R. S.

There will be a general meeting of the Society on Saturday, the 3rd of June,
and until that day candidates may be elected by the council on application to
the Secretary.

EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

ZOOLOGY.

1. Observations on the Kangaroos. — The Great Kangaroo (Macropus
major) does not make use of its tail in leaping ; it uses it in walking, but above
all when standing still. When excited, the male stands upon the tips of its
feet and tail ; and it then appears of a prodigious height. When it strikes, it
does not rest upon the tail and one foot, but, balancing a few moments upon the
tail only, it beats before with the two legs from behind. The Kanguroo enfume
of Cuvier never employs its legs for striking ; it usually contents itself with
menacing with the teeth and a low growling. Dr. Robert Heron has, how-
ever, seen it, when attacked by an Emu, fly at the head of the bird ; but neither
the one nor the other persevered in the combat. When the Great Kangaroo is in

No. 9, Vol. II. y

156 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

a state of repose, it throws its tail back, but the small species keeps it in front,
and between the legs.

2. Monograph of the Arvicules of Liege. — These little animals are in-
volved in considerable obscurity. M. Selys-Longchamps has endeavoured to
disembrangle the history of the Arvicules, and has found five species in Belgium,
of which three are already recorded as belonging to France or Germany, and two
of them are entirely new. He has not discovered the Sckermaus met with in the
neighbourhood of Strasbourg. The number of Arvicules found in central and
western Europe will then be six. The following are the five Belgian species :—

Arvicola fulvus, Desmarest. — Length of the body three inches and two lines ;
that of the tail, eleven lines ; ears almost invisible.

Arvicola amphibius, Desm. (Mus amphibius, Linn.) — Length of the body,
six inches and three lines ; of the tail, three inches and four lines.

Arvicola arvalis, D. S. L. (Mus arvalis, Linn.) — Length of the body, three
inches and nine lines ; of the tail, one inch and one line ; ears of moderate size.

Arvicola subterraneus, D. S. L. — Length of the body, two inches and nine
lines ; ears of moderate size ; tail black above, and whitish beneath ; eyes very
small.

Arvicola ru/escens, D. S. L. — Length of the body, two inches and nine lines ;
of the tail, one inch and four lines and a half; ears rather long; tail black above,
and whitish underneath ; eyes prominent.

The memoir of M. Selys-Longchamp3 is accompanied by four plates, repre-
senting Arvicola fulvus, A. arvalis, A. ru/escens, and A. amphibius of the natural
size, and coloured, and the skulls of A. fulvus and A. rufescens.

3. New Instance of a Shower of Toads. — M. Pontus, a professor of
Cahors, has communicated to the Academic des Sciences de Paris a recent fact,
confirming the truth of the showers of Toads which have already frequently en-
gaged the attention of the Academy.

" In August, 1834," writes M. Pontus, " I was in the diligence from Alby to
Toulouse, the weather being fine and clear. Towards four o'clock in the evening,
at three leagues from Toulouse, a dense fog suddenly covered the horizon, and
loud claps of thunder were heard. This mist burst in upon the road, about 120
yards (GO toises) from the place where we were. Two horsemen who were re-
turning from Toulouse, whither we were going, and who were exposed to the
storm, were obliged to put on their cloaks ; but what was their surprise and
alarm when they were assailed by a shower of Toads ! They quickened their
pace, and pressed on, when they met the vehicle, to relate to us what had hap-
pened. I saw small Toads still remaining on their cloaks. When the diligence
reached the spot where the mist broke in, we saw the whole road and the fields on
both sides covered with Toads, the smallest of which was at least an inch in length,

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 157

and the largest about two inches, which led me to suppose that they were one or two
months old. There were three or four layers superimposed one upon the other ;
the horses' feet and the carriage- wheels crushed many thousands. We travelled
upon the road, thus covered, at least a quarter of an hour, at the usual pace." —
Q What would Mr. M'Adaxi have said to such a road ! We hope there were no
ladies in the diligence ! — Ed.]

4. Remarkable Instance of Intelligence in a Dog.— Mons. Alphonse De
Candolle has communicated the following observations on the instinct of ani-
mals : — Being last October in the neighbourhood of Aiguesmortes, I had occasion
to observe a remarkable instance of intelligence in a Dog. The day was hot, and
the season unfavourable, by reason of the trade winds so troublesome on the
shores of the Mediterranean. After walking several hours in the desert which
separates the town of Aiguesmortes from Carmagne, we arrived at a plain where
we found, in the midst of a whirlwind, some remains of a shipwreck. Out of
three Dogs which had followed our guide, only two had accompanied us to this
spot. Their black hair attracted the rays of the sun, and the poor creatures, like
ourselves, seemed to find the sand somewhat too warm to be pleasant. I sat
down on a mat half buried in the sand. One of the Dogs quickly conceived the
idea of establishing itself near me. It nestled close to a horizontal plank, by
way of procuring a little shade, but finding this insufficient, it hollowed the sand
until it came to the part moistened by the sea. It then stretched itself with
delight in this fresh and shady bed. There, said I, is an undoubted instance of
reason. Had it been instinct, every animal of the same species, placed in similar
circumstances, would have acted alike. But the other Dog, though of the same
race, and also weary, knew not what to do ; it writhed in the hot sand. One of
these Dogs evidently remembered that by hollowing the sand-hillocks, a cool and
moist part is arrived at,, and it applied the reminiscence to this particular case.
It may perhaps be said, that the Dog which made no burrow had never been on
the plain, and had therefore had no opportunity of ascertaining the coolness of
the sand underneath. But this i3 not probable, since both Dogs had been accus-
tomed to the sea-shore. This, again, is another difference between instinct and
reason ; instinct acts without previous experience; The Dog of Peccai, the less
sagacious of the two, might perhaps one day have learnt to burrow to the cool
part of the sand hills. — Bibliotheque Universelle de Geneve.

5. On the Structure op Teeth. — M. Retzius, in a letter dated September
5, 1836, informs us, that he and M. Purkinje had been occupied nearly at the
same time, but unknown to each other, with microscopic investigations on the
structure of teeth. The observations of the latter anatomist have been promul-
gated in the inaugural theses of two of his pupils, MM. Franckel and Ras-
chow; M. Retzius has published his own in the last volume of the Transac-

158 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

tions of the Academy of Stockholm. — M. Purkinje, says the author of
the letter, has pushed his researches on enamel further than myself; but
I think I have gone further than M. P. with regard to the osseous portion.
The two preparations sent with this letter will enable you to verify the
accuracy of my results. M. Purkinje and myself have acknowledged that
the osseous substance is chiefly composed of undulating fibres, and of hol-
low cylindrical canals, which radiate from the centre of the pulp towards
the surface ; I have ascertained that they almost uniformly ramify without
communicating with each other. Under the microscope they resemble vessels
filled with a white substance. The same structure is observed in the teeth of all
vertebrated animals. Since these observations have been published, I have dis-
covered, that others similar to them have been made by Leuwenhoeck, but no
one appears to have noticed them. The preparations which I send are of human
teeth, the one a vertical, the other a horizontal slice, and in the middle of the
crown. M. Purkinje and I have found the cortical substance of Tenon,
surrounding the roots of human teeth. This substance closely resembles bone
in structure ; it has the same porosities, with undulating canals, but it wants the
small blood vessels, the cylindrical tubes, and the radiating canals.

6. The Nature op Dartoid Tissue. — In a paper read before the Academie
des Sciences, on the 19th of September, 1836, by M. Thomson, the author
attempts to prove that the dartoid tissue is not a distinct tissue. In certain
animals, he observes, as the Stag, the Sheep, the Goat, &c, the dartos so evi-
dently presents the aspect of muscular tissue as to leave no doubt as to its being
euch. In man, indeed, the resemblance is not so striking, but an attentive exami-
nation proves that it exists in all the essential points. In fact, the fibre of the
dartos exhibits a slightly rosy tint ; it is homogeneous and transparent ; cut
across, it presents a square section ; in short, its characters are those of muscular
fibre.

7. On the Influence op Atmospheric Pressure. — M. Dombres Firmas, in a
memoir read on the same day as the preceding, asserts that man, in a healthy state,
can support, without difficulty, the great variations of atmospheric pressure. We
are not favored with the facts and reasoning adduced in support of M. Firmas'
theory.

8. Observations on the specific characters of~ the large Cetacea, or
Whales. — It is often very difficult, says M. Vanbeneden^o distinguish between
the different species of Whales, without examining fresh specimens, or at least,
without a comparison of the crania. Still we find a character equally important
in the situation of the ears, although it has not hitherto been noticed, and the
application of which would be much more frequent. A voyager would have
much less difficulty in referring to the bones of the ear than to the entire cra-
nium, and would obtain, by this means, 'the specific characters with equal pre-

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 159

cision. Soon we shall find, in collections of comparative anatomy, a series of
specimens illustrative of the genera and species of this order, similar to the series
illustrating the system of dentition in other orders. The genus Rorqual, which
is well characterized by external signs, is equally so by those involving the inves-
tigation of the ear, and the different species of this genus are so likewise. From
it may be obtained precious helps towards the geographical distribution of these
animals. Thus, it was not known how far the Mediterranean Rorqual extended
to the north ; but a bone of the ear, obtained last year by MM. Quoy and Gai- ,
mard, from their voyage to Iceland, proves that this species penetrates much
further than was supposed. This character is still more valuable in the determi-
nation of fossil species; thus, an ear found by M. Vanbeneden, in the province
of An vers, has been ascertained to belong to a Rorqual, but to an unknown spe-
cies of that genus. — Annales des Sciences Naturelles.

BOTANY.

9. Mantissa Muscorum ad Floram Pedemontanum. — A work of the above
title, originally published in the thirty-ninth volume of the Transactions of the
Royal Academy of Sciences of Turin, appears to have been reprinted in a sepa-
rate form, the author being J. De Notaris, M. D. The Bryologia Mediolanen-
sis, published in 1834, and of which an account appeared in the Annales des
Sciences Naturelles (N. S., Vol. II., p: 120), has already given to the world a
favorable opinion of the author of this new production, who is destined to com-
plete the bryological portion of the Piedmontese floras hitherto published. This
supplement contains 90 Mosses, the majority of which are newly described. Of
this number ten are entirely new. M. le Docteur De Notaris has not in-
troduced any diagnostic phrases ; we shall merely enumerate the names of the
species: — Poklia Icetevirens, P. cirrhifera, Hypnum concinnum, H.demissum,Fa-
bronia major, Dicranum mixtum, Eucalypta lacera, Grimmia capillata, Anic-
tangium flaccidum. Sphagnum variegatum.

Among the species already known, which M. De Notaris mentions having
found in Piedmont, we recognise Bryum platyloma, Schw^gr., which is closely
allied to B. capillare, Linn., and which appears to be principally distinguished
by the thickness of the margins of the leaves. It is a new Moss to add to
the Bryology of the continent, for, originally a native of Madeira, it had not
since been discovered except in Sardinia.

We hope that the author, taking advantage of his position, will one day publish
his observations on all the Mosses of Italy, which his acquaintance with the
botanists of that beautiful country would give him ample opportunity for doing.
The accurate and practised judgment which he has already evinced in his pub-
lished works, would guarantee his not falling short in this difficult task.

160 REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

10. — Rhizobotbya, a New Genus of Plants in the Gebman Floba. — Among
a great number of Draba stellata gathered by Siebold in the Austrian Alps (na
more precise indication is given), M. Tausch found a plant which he took to be
a new species of Cochlearia. On examining the plant more attentively, he was
agreeably surprised by discovering a new genus, allied to Kernera, Med. The
lateral radicule prevents it from ranging in the genus Eudena, Humb. and Bonpl.,
where the radicule is dorsal. He promises to publish a figure of this plant, and
gives the name Rkizobotrya to the new genus.

M. Tausch adds a complete description of this new plant, and re-arranges the
genus Kernera, the better to characterize his Rkizobotrya.— Annates des Sciences
Naturelles.

GEOLOGY.

11. — On the Basilosaubus, a New Genus of Saubian Fossil, biscovebeD'
in Amebica. — The discovery of this species is due to Judge Bbee, of Arkansas,
who found, in 1 834<, the first vertebra on the marshy borders of the river Washita.
Towards the close of the same year, other vertebrae, fragments of the lower jaw,
&c, were discovered at Alabama, thirty miles from Chairbome. Several enorm-
ous vertebrae, teeth, ribs, fragments of the shoulder, humerus, tibia, &c, have
since been collected, and recently (May, 1835) another skeleton, promising rich
fossil remains, has been found. There were near it one of the caudal vertebras
of the Mosaurus, or Crocodile of Maastricht.

All the bones that have been secured, though differing from each other in
relative proportions, belong to the same species ; the structure of the lower jaw,
which is hollow, indicates that it belongs to an extinct genus- of Saurians. The
comparatively small size of the bones of the extremities prove that the tail was
the principal organ of motion ; the anterior members ought to have been fins.
The series of vertebrae, extending in one specimen to the length of more than 100
English feet, and estimated at upwards of 150 in that of Arkansas, shows that
this gigantic animal must have equalled or even surpassed these dimensions, and
renders it worthy of the name it has received, Basilosaurus, or King of the
Saurians. — Bibliotheque Universellede Geneve.

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

A Nomenclature of British Birds ; being a systematic catalogue of all the
species hitherto discovered in Britain and Ireland, intended for labelling collections

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 161

of British birds and their eggs. By Henry Doubleday. London : Westley and
Davis. 1830.

It appears to be becoming the fashion now-a-days to publish lists of British
birds, and it certainly cannot be doubted that the object in so doing is a laudable
one. But while we admit the use — nay, the importance — of such catalogues, at
a time when almost every individual, however slight his claims to the title of a
naturalist, deems it requisite to possess a collection, more or less extensive, of
native birds, it is at the same time desirable that they should be carefully executed.
Now, we rejoice to observe the spread of our favourite science, in whatever way
manifested, and are therefore disposed to encorage the young naturalist in
collecting specimens for the cabinet, provided always that he has in view the
true end of the study of Natural History. We should wish him to classify his
specimens, as soon as a sufficient number is obtained, according to the most ap-
proved system. But who, the young student may inquire, is to inform us,
amidst the conflicting theories of the day, which is really the best classifica-
tion ? While some arrange the whole animal kingdom in one straight line — others
dispose their groups in circles — a third party declares both those methods to be
forced and unnatural, and pronounces the radiating system to be the true system
of Nature — and, amidst the array of facts and reasoning on each side, what am I,
a mere tyro in the subject, to do ? or how am I to classify my little museum ?

We should answer these questions by observing that the cheapest and readiest
mode of removing the difficulty, would be to publish a good systematic list of
British birds, with a view of labels for cabinets. Three of these have already
appeared before the public. The first has, we are well aware, proved highly
useful to many collectors ; but as it is out of print, or nearly so, and as the
author has no intention of republishing it, we need not here further advert to
it. The merits and defects of the second, by Mr. C. T. Wood, we pointed out ct
p. 50 of our present volume ; and the third is now under notice. Mr. Double-
day, well known for the zeal with which he cultivates Ornithology, has followed
the classification and nomenclature of Jenyns. The pamphlet appears to have
been carefully compiled, and will, therefore, doubtless, form a useful guide to many;
but we decidedly object to the loose method adopted in the English department.
Many of our readers will be aware that we advocate the plan of giving an English
generic and specific name to each bird, thus rendering the English nomenclature as
perfect as the Latin, and consequently rendering the science more easily attained,
and less dependent on hard and often foolish terms ; and in this view we are sup-
ported by many able naturalists. The practicability of carrying the plan into
execution has been proved by the publication of the Ornithological Guide, and
its expediency will, we trust, be one day generally acknowledged.

16*2 CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

With regard to Mr. Doublebay's list we have little to say, but it has given us
an opportunity of stating our views relative to a subject hitherto undeservedly
neglected in this country. We conclude our readers are acquainted with Mr.
Jenyns's work, and if so, they are in possession of the nomenclature of Double-
day. It is far otherwise with the catalogue of Mr. C. T. Wood. Though it
contains many blemishes, yet the names — supplied in English, French, German,
and Latin — have been collected with much care, and, generally, with success.
None of the catalogues hitherto published are intended to impart any idea of
classification, further than as regards the arrangement of genera and species, and
in that they are all equally defective. Defective in our opinion they undoubtedly
are, but we have no hesitation in recommending Mr. C. T. Wood's Ornithological
Guide — notwithstanding the absurd orthography — as by far the best.

We should be very glad if Mr. C. T. Wood, or any one competent to the task,
would undertake to publish a similar catalogue of the birds of Europe; and
nothing would be more acceptable to the student than a good and carefully com-
piled list of all the known species. — We have, however, occupied more space than
we can well spare, on this subject, and must now conclude.

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

ZOOLOGY.

Antipathy of Cats to Water. — It is astonishing what an antipathy Cats
have to water. Rather an extraordinary instance of this aversion has recently
been related to me by a person now living in this town. When a boy he was
ordered by his master to carry a Cat that had committed some theft, to the Place
Farm (which was anciently the Nunnery), and there to leave her. For this
purpose he put poor puss into a bag, and forth-with proceeded to carry the
sentence into execution : instead of this, however, as he passed over the bridge
on his way, he was induced by the unfortunate Cat — who, not relishing her con-
finement, had kept up an incessant squalling — to torn her out of the bag over the
side of the bridge into the river, where he left her to her fate. A person on pas-
sing under the bridge some considerable time afterwards (not less than three
weeks ; my informant says a month), found the Cat alive, sitting isolated upon a
post under the bridge, but almost reduced to a skeleton. He relieved her from
her perilous situation, and she ultimately recovered her health. This circum-
stance is the more remarkable, as there was nothing except the water that
prevented her from leaving her forlorn situation ; yet so great was the dread of

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES. . 163

water — which was in all probability increased by her recent immersion — that she
would sooner have perished than have trusted herself to that element. — J. D.
Salmon, Tketford, Norfolk, April 22, 1837.

Capture of the Jer Falcon (Falco Islandicus) in Yorkshire. — In a
former communication (p. 53) I stated that a Jer Falcon had been shot at Storth-
waite, near this city. I thought it had been so, as it was shot by one
Storthwaite man, and brought to me by another. I now find that it was shot
in the adjoining parish of Sutton-upon-Derwent ; it is still alive, and seems
likely to do well. — Thomas Allis, York, 4 mo. 26, 1837.

Cunning of the Sparrow Hawk ( Accipiter nisus). — A few months ago we
observed a female Sparrow Hawk hovering a few yards above the ground, in a
stubble-field near Selby bar, and at last alight on the earth, but in such a manner
as to lead us to suppose that it was returning to finish its feast upon some un-
fortunate animal it had previously left there. "We immediately made up to the
spot, upon which we kept our eyes all the time ; but, strange to say, when we
arrived there, no bird was to be seen ! The probability is, that the Hawk must
have made off with its quarry unperceived, by passing along a kind of trench —
of which there were several, intersecting the field in various directions — leading
into the adjoining enclosure. — The habits of this bird are for the most part bold
and open, and the secretive manoeuvre noticed above is certainly a remarkable
deviation from its usual disposition. — Ed.

Shower of Worms. — An extraordinary phenomenon occurred a short time
since in the parish of Bamford-Speke, in Devonshire. During a snow-storm, a
large number of black worms, each about three-fourths of an inch in length, fell
in the village and the neighbouring fields. They are different from the Turnip-
worm, and are altogether unknown to the agriculturists of the neighbourhood.

Mortality among Birds. — The following curious statements rest upon the
authority of a Lausanne journal. During the last fortnight great numbers of
sick and dead birds, particularly Thrushes, have been found in the fields of
Soleure. An inflammation of the spleen is the cause, and the disease is attri-
buted to some acid exhalations from the earth which are said to produce the
grippe. All the Sparrows and Finches, it is added, have deserted the infected
districts ; and in several parts of Switzerland domestic animals have been attacked.
in a similar way. — Literary Gazette.

Notes of the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus, Linn.). — Have you ever
noticed that sometimes the Cuckoo has a trisyllabic note, as if echo answered
thus — cue coo coo ? I have several times remarked it, especially this year, and .
believe it is a third note that is uttered. The Cuckoo has been singularly sonor-
ous this year. One awoke me the other day between one and two in the morning
in the field close to my house, continuing a long time. Another repeated the
No. 9, Vol. II. z

164 CHAPTER 0? MISCELLANIES.

following note, which I took down at the time ; it was repeated distinctly several
times : — cuc-cuckle-cuc. These birds are singing here even now. — Edwin Lees,
Dryadville Cottage, near Worcester, June 21, 1836.

Nest of the Sibilous Locustell (Locustella sibilatrix, C. T. Wood). — Last
Tuesday morning I spent four or five hours in endeavouring — though unsucess-
fully — to discover the nest of a Locustell, a pair of which birds I observed to
frequent an exceedingly thick hedge of Slow and Hawthorn, with a dry ditch
before it, tangled every where with thick brambles and dense herbage of various
kinds. Yet even there I thought I should have better success than upon a com-
mon ; I know of another locality where there is a nest, which appears to be
comparatively open, considering the general haunts of the species. — Edward
Blyth, June 30, 1836.

The Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus) in Yorkshire. — This bird has hitherto
been supposed by British ornithologists to be confined to the warmest parts of
this country, and it appears only to have been met with in Devonshire and the
adjacent counties. We have, therefore, great pleasure in extending its range so
much further north as Campsall, seven miles to the north of Doncaster, a fine
female, in excellent condition, having been shot near that place on the 25th
of April, 1837. We cannot help thinking that the general similarity in plum-,
age between the Cirl Bunting and our common Yellow Bunting, may have
caused the former species to have been occasionally overlooked when individuals
have occurred in various parts of this country. Indeed, had the specimen above
alluded to happened to have fallen into other hands, it would in all probability
have been considered identical with the Yellow species. Still, no one at all
practically acquainted with our native Ornithology can for a moment doubt that
the Cirl Bunting is with us a very rare and local species. — Ed.

The Fuscous Gull (Larus fuscus) near Doncaster. — Yesterday I saw an
individual of the Fuscous (or lesser black-backed) Gull cross the Thome road
about a mile from Doncaster, wending its way in a northerly or north-easterly
direction. It had probably come from the Humber up the river to Thorne, and
thence hither. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, April 3, 1837-

Pieces of Paper found in the Stomach of a Trout. — On Friday, April 14,
there were taken from the stomach of a Trout, caught in the river Tay, five pieces
of the Fifeshire Journal. They appeared to have been but recently swallowed,
as they were quite legible when dried.

On pinioning the Anatidce in Confinement. — It is not necessary to pinion the
wild fowl after each moult. My remarks (p. 55) had reference to the first moult
after having been pinioned ; for as I was anxious not to disfigure the birds more
than was necessary, I cut the smallest piece that I thought sufficient to prevent
them from flying. But I found from experience that I was obliged again to

. CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES. 165

Shorten the pinion after the first moult, as many of the birds experienced no
difficulty in flying just before the primary quill feathers were fully grown up in
the wing not pinioned. — J. D. Salmon, Thetford, Norfolk, April 22, 1837.

Vanessa urticce seen in stormy weather. — We have had very curious weather
here lately, with snow and frost constantly. I saw a large river frozen over two
or three days ago. Yet, notwithstanding all this, I saw a Vanessa urticee flying.
— Beverley R. Morris, Trinity College, Dublin, April 19, 1837.

The Sibilous Brakehopper (Locustella sibilatrix) in the North of Eng-
land.— It is universally admitted that in England this is a very local bird, and
nowhere common. It is known in many parts of the south ; in Northumber-
land, also, it has been noticed by Selby, and in Scotland by Professor Rennie ;
and we feel much satisfaction in recording its appearance in the neighbourhood of
Doncaster, an individual having been seen near Campsall on the 4th of May.
We shall probably record some further observations on this interesting little bird
— the " Grasshopper Lark" of the older authors — in a future number. — Ed.

Migratory Birds. — To-day I have heard the Cuckoo's note for the first time
this year. In the May No. of TheNaturalist (p.101.) the Editor remarks: — "Up to
this day (April 20) not a single spring visitant has made its appearancein the north
of England." This, however, is not the case, although no migratory birds may have
appeared in the neighbourhood of Mr. Neville Wood's residence. On the 18th I
was in Craven, on the beautiful banks of the river Wharfe, and there, seventy miles
north of Doncaster, Wheatears were in great numbers, flitting from stone- wall to
s,tone-waJl, and from heap to heap on the Downs. On the 5th of April I observed
some Swallows, and I think one Martin, near the river at the back of Thryberg
Park. I have seen Swallows on the wing as late as the 4th of December. With
regard to the period of the year at which singing birds find their voice of song, as
many correspondents have communicated their observations to this magazine, I may
add the following to their notes. Last year (1836) I heard the Blackbird sing
while the snow was lying on the ground, on the 8th of February. Also on the
same day the charming warble of the Robin. The Thrush I heard on or about
the 10th, and also on the 14th. On the 15th there was a universal concert of
the feathered tribes around vis at that season, the prelude to the approaching
spring. — F. 0. Morris, May 4, 1837. — [[Since the publication of our last number,
we have heard that some of our migratory birds appeared even rather early this
spring ; but the arrivals of the majority were certainly very unusually retarded
by the state of the weather. — We suspect the bird our correspondent mentions
having heard on the 8th of February was the Missel Thrush, whose notes closely
resemble those of Merula vulgaris,; we never remember to have heard the latter
so early as February, but the Missel Thrush is then always in full song, and is
very generally mistaken for the Garden Ouzel. — The. Redbreast sings throughout

)6G CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

the year, though we are of opinion that the notes heard in winter are those of
young birds. — Ed.]

Expedition to Algeria. — The Academy of Sciences in Paris has united with
that of Belles Lettres, in a request to the government to send to Algeria, with
the exploring expedition, such persons as shall be capable of, and especially
charged with, making geographical and physical observations, and researches in
Natural and Historical Science.

Arrivals of Birds. — In looking over my last year's pocket-book, I find that
our migratory Warblers arrived here about the 6th of April, but I have this year
seen no signs of them. It is rather odd that the young Rooks at this place were
hatched on the same day this year as last, namely, on the 8th. The Grey Crows
departed last year on the 9th ; this year, as far as I can make out, on the 7th.
Last year I saw a House Swallow on the 4th, but have not observed any this
year. — R. P. Alington ,' Swinhope House, Lincolnshire, April 12, 1837, in a let-
ter to the Rev. F. 0. Morris.

Scarcity of the House Sparrow (Pyrgita domesticaj near Doncaster. —
This species, proverbially common, is, strange to say, really rare in this immediate
neighbourhood. I am not aware whether this fact has been stated, but I have
heard it confirmed by several individuals, and it certainly is so. Small flocks
may be seen in farm-yards here and there, but, compared with the numbers in other
parts, they may be said to be almost unknown here. Even in the town it is a
rare occurrence to see one. How to account for this circumstance I know not.
The birds cannot have been all destroyed ? — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, May 5,
1837. — £ We can confirm the above fact from our own observation. — Ed.].

Feathered Miners. — A Garden Ouzel which had built its nest beneath the
leaves of a large Brocoli, in the garden of Vernon Wentworth, Esq., of Went-
worth Castle, near Barnsley, Yorkshire, and which contained some young ones,
was completely buried by the snow which fell so plentifully during last week.
The parent bird, however, formed a tunnel beneath the snow, more than two
feet in length, through which they gained access to their brood. — April 5.

The Common Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris, Linn.). — In no part of England that
I have visited do Squirrels appear to be so abundant as in Yorkshire — of course
in the wooded districts. They are here exceedingly common, and may be seen
in every wood, where the timber is of any growth. In this neighbourhood I
have also repeatedly observed them throughout the winter, which militates rather
against the received opinion, which is, I believe, that they hybernate. — F. 0.
Morris, Doncaster, May 4, 1837. — [Mr. Bell informs us that the Squirrel re-
mains in a state of almost complete torpidity in winter, but that it may be seen
•out on fine days. — Ed.]

The Camberwell Beauty (Vanessa antiopa). — A locality for this rare and

CHAFTER OF MISCELLANIES. 167

beautiful insect, hitherto I think unnoticed, has lately come to my knowledge.
Specimens have been taken at Rawmarsh, near Rotherham, in this county. It
is said to be met with in Pea-fields, the blossoms of which they frequent. There
is a river in the valley, where willows abound, which have probably furnished
the stragglers. I think it likely that more might be obtained. It is also a good
neighbourhood for many other rare insects, as Zeuzera cesculi, the two species of
Trockilium, the Swallow Prominent, &c. &c. — F. 0. Morris, May 5, 1837.

Method op arranging an Oological Cabinet. — I have lately been engaged
in arranging my collection in Oology, but have not yet completed it. I have
two cabinets, one for land birds (Raptores, Insessores, Rasores), the other for
water birds (Grallatores, Natatores). There are thirty-two drawers, some-
what similar to those commonly devoted to Entomology, except that they are
of different depths, and are divided into small partitions, so that the eggs of
each species are kept distinct. The specimens are placed upon moss, as I have
found that in gumming them down there is considerable danger of their being
destroyed. It is necessary to glaze the cases in order to keep the original mark-
ings of the eggs, and to prevent their fading. They must be excluded as much
as possible from the open air, otherwise they become very tender by the action of
the atmosphere upon the shells. The eggs of the Dartford Warbler and Grass-
hopper Warbler are still desiderata with me. — J. D. Salmon, Tket/ord, Norfolk,
April 22, 1837, in a letter to the Editor.

Little Plover (Charadrius minor J. — An adult and a young bird of the first
autumn of the Little Plover are remarkably well figured in the 11th part of
Gould's magnificent work the Birds of Europe. Science is indebted to Mr.
Henry Doubleday, of Epping, for the addition of this little species to the Bri-
tish Fauna, a specimen having been taken at Shoreham, in Essex. " From the
extreme youth of the individual transmitted to us," says Mr. Gould, " it is clear
that it must have been bred on the spot ; and it is worthy of remark, that the
person who kills it affirms that he had long suspected the present bird to be a
resident on that part of the coast," having noticed a peculiarity in the note of the
species. It is abundant in the south of Germany, as far as Italy, frequenting
large lakes and rivers. Mr. Gould positively states, that the American speci-
mens he has examined are specifically different. It resembles the Ring Plover
in habits, and constructs its nest, like that bird, among shingles on the water's
edge, laying four or five yellowish eggs, blotched with black and brown. The
sexes do not differ, but young birds want the black collar. This species is easily
distinguished from the Ring Plover by its small size. — Ed.

The Spring of 1837. — The cold weather we have experienced has evidently
retarded the arrivals of our summer land birds of passage, with the exception of
the Sand Swallow (Hirundo riparia), of which I saw three on the 11th, and

168 CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

even they have not added to their numbers. I have neither seen nor heard a
single individual, but as the present week has been more favourable, I do not
expect we shall be many days without some arrivals. — J. D. Salmon, Tket/ord,
Norfolk, April 22, 1837-

A Dog suckling Lambs. — Startling as the following facts may appear, the
reader may rely on their perfect authenticity : — The farm of Airdrie, parish of
Kirkbean, which contains almost every variety of soil, has been for some time in
the possession of Mr. R. A. Oswald, of Auchincruive. The present, as the
reader knows, has been a most disastrous lambing season, and although Kirkbean
is a mild coast parish, even there the loss of stock has been very great. For a
number of weeks the careful shepherds have been as much exposed as his Ma-
jesty's mail-guards, when the country is blockaded, feeding weak ewes and pick-
ing up deserted lambs, which they carry to their masters, or their own houses,
where they are nursed as carefully as orphan children who are reared from neces-
sity on the pan and spoon. A hound noticed what was going forward, and though
14 months have elapsed since she suckled pups, strange to say, milk returned to
her in such quantities that she has already been the means of succouring and
saving more than sixty woolly nurslings that might otherwise have perished.
Night and day she may be seen lying on sheepskins before the kitchen fire, with
half-a-dozen lambs around her, distinguishing the weakest from such as are^ome-
what stronger, and devoting to them the most assiduous attention. Repeatedly,
when some of the invalids have got a little round, they have been re-conveyed to
the hill side with the view of mothering them, and nearly as often the bitch, when
left free, has not only sought out and distinguished her former nurslings, but
carried them home again with the greatest care, although the distance is more
than a mile. After the servants have retired to rest, Mr. M'Cracken, while
reading in the parlour, sometimes lifts his candle and visits the kitchen, to see
how his woolly family, with their hairy nurse, are getting on. The Lambs, when
they see the light, are painfully affected, bleat piteously, and run about the floor ;
but their guardian soon puts every thing to rights by poking them gently with
her nose back to their former position. Although a more remarkable circumstance
has rarely, if ever, fallen under our notice, and, though some may affect incredulity,
there are witnesses whose testimony proves it to be true to the letter. — Dumfries
Courier.

Distinctions between the Sandpipers and the Tringas. — The distinctions
between the Sandpipers and the Tringas appear at first sight to be so slight, that
it may perhaps be well to notice them here. They are these : — The nasal groove
(or furrow extending from the nostril, towards the tip of the bill) is not near so
long in proportion in the Sandpipers as it is in the Tringas ; indeed generally it
is actually longer in the latter than in the former. There is also another con-

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES. 169

sideration which must not be overlooked, and which I believe to be a very excel-
lent distinctive character. It is, that the feet of the Sandpipers are webbed to a
certain extent, while those of the Tringas are not so at all ; this, probably, is on
account of their wading more than the latter, which only approach the margin
of the water, while the the Sandpipers run fairly into it in search of food. This
is another instance of the perfect adaptation of animals to their mode of living;
as we may suppose that the muddy places generally frequented by these birds are
softer before the water has run off than afterwards, and therefore the partial
waders require a more expanded foot than those whose habits do not lead them
further than the margin of the water. — Beverley R. Morris, Trinity College*,
Dublin, May 10, 1837.

The Note of the Corn Crake (Crex pratensis). — I have this day heard the
note of the Corn Crake. I thought I heard him two days ago, namely, on the
11th, and I have now no doubt that I did. Mr. Bree says (p. 102) that he
likes the harsh scream of the Swift almost as well as the melody of the Nightingale.
I entertain a similar sentiment with respect to the Corn Crake, whose creaking
voice I love to hear even better than the Thrush's — to my mind the finest song-
ster of the grove. The Corn Crake is associated with my earliest recollections.
Where I once lived it was abundant — I can now hear its note. I used always to
consider it a bird of mystery, and I never hear it without the most delightful
pleasure. — F. Orpen Morris, Doncaster, May 13, 1837.

BOTANY.

The British Species of Nuts. — Only one species of Nut is described by
botanists as indigenous to Britain. Is not the Filbert a distinct species, and
equally indigenous ? I should be glad if any of your correspondents could inform
me on this point. — F. Orpen Morris, Doncaster, May 5, 1837.

Veronica, its Derivation, and how pronounced ? — I should be glad if any of
your correspondents can inform me the proper method of pronouncing the name
Veronica, which I have seen accentuated in two different ways. If its deriva-
tion were known, perhaps that might throw some light on the matter. — T. B.
Hall, Woodside, Liverpool, May 15, 1837.

GEOLOGY.

Singular Fact regarding the Road from Shoreditch to Newington.—
It is a singular fact that the first mile of the road from Shoreditch to Newington
has been for some time past repaired with the black porphyry stone brought from
China as ballast in the tea-ships, and that the next half mile has been repaired
with granite from Bombay.

Geological Construction of Asia Minor. — M. Texier, in his summary

170 OBITUARY,

of the geological construction of Asia Minor, describes the Black Sea, of which it
has hitherto been supposed that, in consequence of some violent shock, its waters
opened a passage for themselves, and in so doing caused the deluge of Samothra-
cia ; but on examining the two sides of the Bosphorus, M. Tkxieb says they are
of such different strata that they never can have been united. The European
side is composed entirely of trachyte and analogous rocks, and the Asiatic of
transition limestone. The trachytes have a blue ground with white crystals,
and extend in a width of several leagues as far as Belgrade and Kila. If the
Bosphorus diminishes, as reported, it is probably owing to the effusion of the
trachytic rocks on the European side.

Silex. — M. Turpin has submitted the silex sent from Berlin by M. Ehren-
berg, to microscopic observation. The magnifying power amounted to 260, and
this gentleman found, that the semi-opal of Berlin is a conglomerate of a number
of silicious particles and fragments of organic remains, the colour of which varies
from transparent white, and passes through yellow to the deepest and most
opaque brown. M. Turpin recognised four different bodies ; the first of which
he referred to the genus Gaillonella of M. Bory St. Vincent, or Conferva moni-
liformis ; the second he considered as a different species of the same genus ; the
third was a mixture of tubular filaments, divided into cells at rare intervals, and
remains of infusoria ; the fourth was not organic, but .served as a basis for
rendering the whole solid. The Silex pyromaque of Delitzsch is much richer in
organic productions, offering some very remarkable forms, probably belonging to
the eggs of Polypi. — Athenceum ; communicated by Charles Liverpool, M. D.,
Plymouth May 9, 1837.

OBITUARY.

Professor Adam Azelius, the Nestor of scientific men in Sweden, died at
Upsal, Jan. 30, 1837, aged 86. He is the last pupil of Linnaeus, and celebrated
for his travels in Asia and Africa. His African Herbarium is now in the Bank-
sian collection in the British Museum. His younger brothers, John and Peter,
the former devoted to Chemistry, the latter to Medicine, are both distinguished
for their talents, and have, for nearly half a century, occupied chairs in the Uni-
versity, of Upsal.

The learned botanist of the Cape of Good Hope, Mons. Persoon, is no more ;
he died at Paris, at a very advanced age, having lived there since he enjoyed a
pension from his government, which was granted to him on giving up his herba-
rium to the Museum at Leyden. His works on Cryptogamia are excellent ; and
his Enchiridion Bolanicum is one of the most useful works of the kind ever
published.

THE NATURALIST.

CATALOGUE OF THE MAMMALIA, BIRDS, REPTILES, AND
AMPHIBIANS FOUND IN DORSETSHIRE.*

By James C. Dale, Esq., A. M., F. L. S.

Class I. MAMMALIA.
Order I. FERJE.

ii. Meles. Badger.

2. taxus. Common Badger. Glanvilles Wootton, &c.
iii. Mustela. Weasel.

3. foina. Marten Weasel. Near Stock House ; caught alive by
Mr. Yeatman's hounds, but biting the huntsman's hands severely ; it was
kept alive some time.

5. putorius. Fitchet Weasel. Glan. Woott., &c.

7. vulgaris. Common Weasel. Glan. Woott., &c.

8. erminea. Stoat Weasel. G. W., &c. Sometimes white in
winter.

iv. Lutra. Otter.

9. vulgaris. Common Otter. River Stour ; two ( $ and ? ) were
shot there by Mr. St. Lo.

v. Canis. Dog.

12. vulpes. Fox. G. W., &c. Eats Beetles, &c. ; for further par-
ticulars refer to the gentlemen of the " white cape."

vi. Felis. Cat.

13. catus? Wild Cat? G. W. Some very large Cats are occa-
sionally taken in the woods, but it is doubtful whether they are the real Wild
Cat ; they are very destructive to game.

vii. Phoca. Seal.

15. vitulina. Common Seal. Caught off Portland, in a net, by some
fishermen, Dec. 29, 1834.. Museum of Mr. Bridge, Weymouth.
ix. Talpa. Mole.

18. Europcea. Common Mole. G. W.
x. Sorex. Shrew.

19. araneus. Common Shrew. G. W.

* Arranged according to Jknvn'u Manual, ,. (0

No. 10, Vol. II. 2 a

172 DORSETSHIRE FAUNA.

xi. Erinaceus. Urchin.

22. Europceus. Hedge Urchin, G. W.
Order II. PRIMATES.

xii. Rhinolophus. Horse-shoe.

23. ferrum-equinum. Greater Horse-shoe. Hanging by one hinder
foot from the ceiling of an old house !

xiii. Vbspertilio. Bat.

25. murium* Common Bat. G. W.

29. noctula. Great Bat. G. W., &c. We once killed a dozen or
more over the porch of the door.

36. auritus. Longeared Bat. I think I have seen this species in
Dorsetshire, and probably many others, in old churches, such as that at
Wimborne.
Order III. GLIRES.

xiv. Sciurus. Squirrel.

39. vulgaris. Common Squirrel. G. W., &c. ; also a variety with a
white tail ; sometimes found entirely black,
xv. Myoxus. Dormouse.

• 40. avellanarius. Wood Dormouse. G. W., &c.
Xti. Mus. Mouse.

42. messorius. Harvest Mouse. G. W., &c. Sometimes reddish.

43. musculus. Common Mouse. G. W., &c.

44. rattus. *Black Rat. I have heard that this animal was common
here formerly ; it is now nearly extinct, except in Lundy Isle, Devonshire,
where it is plentiful.

45. decumanus. *Norway Rat. G. W., &c. Too well known,
xvii. Arvicola. Arvicule.

46. amphibia. Water Arvicule. G. W.

47. agrestis. Short-tailed Arvicule. Lulworth, Charmouth.
xix. Lepus. Hare.

50. timidus. Common Hare. G. W.

51. cuniculus. Rabbit. Too common.

Class II. BlRDS.t
Order I. RAPTORES. Preyers.

* These two species ought to have been separated, either genetically or snbgenerically, frorrt
the Mice. — Ed.

+ The figures in parentheses refer to the Rev. F. 0. Morris's list ; the rest, as before, to Mr,
Jenyns's work.

DORSETSHIRE FAUNA. 173

FALCONID^E, Falcon family,
ii. Aquila. Eagle.

(8) 2. ckrysaetos. Golden Eagle. One was shot a few years ago in
Sherborne Park, near a dead Deer ; now preserved at Sherborne Castle, the
seat of Earl Digby.

var. fi.fulvus. Black Eagle. Dr. Pulteney ; Fill Grove, near
Blandford.

var. y. ossifragus. Sea Eagle. Longbredy and Morden decoy,
Dr. Pulteney.

(7) 3. albicilla. Osprey Eagle. Morden Park and ponds, Dr.
Pulteney.

iii. Falco. Falcon.

(10) 6. peregrinus. Peregrine Falcon. Breeds in cliffs, Purbeck, at
Worbarrow, Gadd-cliff, and Duddle-cliff (qu. Durdle door ?), Purbeck ; sup-
posed to have sprung from a pair turned out by the late H. Strutt, Esq.

/3. gentilis. Gentil Falcon. Whitenose-cliff, Lulworth, Dr.
Pulteney.

(12) 7. subbuteo. Hobby Falcon. Breeds in Dorsetshire ; leaves in
October, Dr. Pulteney.

(14) 8. cesalon. Merlin Falcon. G. W., in October, near Blandford,
Dr. Pulteney.

(16) 10. UnnunculuS. Kestril Falcon. Lulworth, &c. One that
was seen at dusk, with a stick in its mouth, and among some Partridges, was
taken for a Wood Snipe.

iv. Accipiter. Hawk.

(1) 11. palumbarius. Gos Hawk. Furzebrakes, &c.

(2) 12. fringillarius. Sparrow Hawk. Common,
v. Milvus. Kite.

(17) 13. ictlnus. G. W.
vi. Buteo. Buzzard.

(4) 14. vulgaris. Common Buzzard. Common in Dorsetshire ; Dr.
P. — Eaten in France.

(5) 16. apivorus. Honey Buzzard. Rare in Dorsetshire; Dr. P. —
Eaten in France.

(18) ft. ceruginosus. Moor Buzzard. Morden bogs, &c. ; Dr. P.

(19) 18. cyaneus. Hen Harrier. Breeds on Grenville Down.
/3. pygargus. Ringtailed Buzzard. Near Furze ; Dr. P.

(20) 19. cinerascens. Ash-coloured Harrier. Shot near Charmouth,
by C. Baetlett, Esq.

STRIGID^E, Owl family.

2a2

174 DORSETSHIRE FAUNA.

viii. Otus. Madge.

(22) 22. vulgaris. Longeared Madge. Woods at Stock Gayland,
1824; near Dorchester, Blandford, and Cranborne Chace.

(21) 23. brachyotus. Shorteared Madge. Commoner than the last.
ix. Strix. Owl.

(26) 24. flammea. White Owl. G. W., &c.
x. Syrnium. Hooter.

25. aluco. Cranborne Chace, &c.
(27). stridula. Tawny Hooter.
Order III. INSESSORES, Perchers.

Tribe I. DENTIROSTRES, Notch-billed Birds.
LANIADiE, Shrike family,
xii. Lanius. Shrike.

(44) 29. excubitor. Grey Skrike. Stafford, J. C. Dale; Aimer
Wood, and near Weymouth, Dr. P.

(46) 30. rufus. Wood Shrike. Dr. P. says he never saw this bird,
but that he is assured it has now and then been shot in the county ; probably
only a variety of the next.

(45) 31. collurio. Red-backed Shrike. Not uncommon.
MUSCICAPID^E, Flycatcher family.

xiii. Muscicapa. Flycatcher.

(105) 32. grisola. Spotted Flycatcher. Not. uncommon in the
county, Dr. P.

(104) 33. luctuosa. Pied Flycatcher. Dorset, in the collection of
S. Digby, Esq. ; and Mr. Heysham says, in a letter, that Selby had one from
this county.

TURDID^, Thrush family,
xiv. Cinclus. Dipper.

(67) 34. aquaticus. Common Dipper. River Char, near Charmouth,
Mr. B. R. Morris.

xv. Turdus. . Thrush,

(99) 35. viscivorus. Missel Thrush. G. W., &c.

(101) 36. pilaris. Fieldfare. G. W., &c.
(98) 37. musicus. Song Thrush. G. W., &c.

(100) 38. Iliacus. Redwing Thrush. G. W.5 &c.

(102) 39. merula. Black Thrush. G. W., &c:

(103) 40. torquatus. Ring Thrush. Portland, April and September,
Dr. P.

SYLVIADjE, Warbler family,
xvii. Accentor. Dunnock.

DORSETSHIRE FAUNA. 175

(129) 43. modularis. Hedge Dunnock.
xviii. Sylvia. Warbler.

(116) 44. rubecula. Redbreast Warbler.
(114) 46. phcenicurus. Redstart Warbler.

49. phragmitis. Sedge Warbler.

50. trivialis. Grasshopper Warbler, Dr. P.

(117) 51. luscinia; Nightingale Warbler.-

(122) 52 atricapilla. Blackcap Warbler.

(118) 54. cinerea*. Whitethroat Warbler.

57. trochilus. Willow Warbler.

(123) 58. hippolais. Pettychap Warbler.
xx. Regulus. Kinglet.

(54) 60. auricapillus. Goldencrowned Kinglet, G. W., &c.
xxi. Motacilla. Wagtail.

(108) 62. alba. Pied Wagtail. G. W., &c.

(107) 63. boarula. Grey Wagtail. Rare in Dorset, Dr. P. It is the

reverse at G. W.

(106) 64. flava. Yellow Wagtail. Common, Dr. P. The reverse at G. W.
xxii. Anthus. Pipit.

(94) 67. pratensis. Meadow Pipit.

(92 or 96 ?) rupestris. Rock Pipit. Common at Charmouth, B. R.
Moreis.
xxiii. Saxicola. Chat.
• 70. cenanthe. Fallow Chat. G. W. & Portland.

71. rubetra. Whin Chat.

72. rubicola. Stone Chat,
xxiv. Parus. Tit.

(53) 73. major. Great Tit.
(52) 74. cceruleus. Blue Tit.

(49) 76. palustris. Marsh Tit.

(50) 77. ater. Coal Tit.

(48) 78. caudatus. Longtailed Tit.
Tribe II. CONIROSTRES, Cone-billed Birds.
FRINGILLID.E, Finch family.]
xxvii. Alauda. Lark.

(90) 82. arvensis. Sky Lark.
(92) 83. arborea. Wood Lark.

* We should be glad if Mr. Dale would look out for the Whitebreastcd Fauvet (No. 65 of
J«nvns) in Dorsetshire.— Ed.

176 DORSETSHIRE FAUNA.

xxviii. Emberiza. Bunting.

(83) 85. nivalis. Snow Bunting. Shot at Turn wood in 1835. In
the collection of the Rev. E. Stuart, of Houghton, late of Blandford.
(89) 86. miliaria. Corn Bunting.

(85) 87. schceniculus. Reed Bunting.
(88)~88.' citrinella. Yellow Bunting.

(86) 89. cirlus. Cirl Bunting. Shot at Charmouth, by Mr. B. R.
Morris.

xxix. Fringilla. Finch.

(75) 91. ccelebs. Chaff Finch.

(74) 92. montifringilla. Bramble Finch. Blandford, Rev. E. Stuart.

(76) 93. domestica. House Sparrow.

(72) 95. coccothraustes. Haw Finch. Bishop's Caundle, C. W.
Digby, Esq., Dec. 24, 1836.

(73) 96. ckloris. Green Finch.'

(79) 97. carduelis. Gold Finch.
(78) 90. spinus. Siskin Finch.

(81) 99. linaria. Redpoll Finch.

(80) 100. cannabina. Linnet Finch.

(82) 101. montium. Twite Finch,
xxx. Pyrrhula. Bullfinch.

(70) 102. vulgaris. Common Bullfinch,
xxxi. Loxia. Crossbill.

(68) 10 4. curvirostra. Common Crossbill. Shot at Haselbury Briant.
STURNIDiE, Starling family,
xxxii. Sturnus. Starling.

(40) 107. vulgaris. Spotted Starling,
xxxiii. Pastor, Amzel.

(42) 108. roseus. Rose Amzel. Shot in Portland by the Rev. G-
Port, and now in the museum of Hoddinott of Stalbridge. Long Critchel,
Dr. P.

CORVIDiE, Crow family,
xxxiv. Fregilus. Chough.

(37) 109. graculus. Redlegged Chough.
xxxv. Corvus. Crow.

(29) 110. corax. Raven Crow.

(30) 111. corone. Carrion Crow.

(32) 112. comix. Royston Crow. Seen near Weymouth, J.C.Dale.
, Abbotsbury and Pook, Dr. P.

(31) 113. frugilegus. Rook Crow.

DORSETSHIRE FAUNA. 177

(33) 114. monedula. Daw Crow.

(34) 115. pica. Magpie.
xxxvi. Garrulus. Jay.

(35) 116. glandarius. Common Jay.
Tribe III. SCANSORES, Climbers.

PICID^E, Woodpecker family.
(56) 118. viridis. Green Woodpecker.
(59) 119. major. Great Spotted Woodpecker.
(59) 120. minor. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

(55) 120. martius. Black Woodpecker. Shot in the nursery garden
at Blandford ; also at Whitchurch, and other places in Dorsetshire, Dr. P.
Lately shot in Norfolk and Lincolnshire.
xxxix. Yunx. Wryneck.

(62) 121. torquilla. Common Wryneck.
CERTHIADjE, Creeper family.

xl. Certhia. Creeper.

(63) 122. familiaris. Common Creeper. G. W.
xli. Troglodytes. Wren.

(109) 123. Europceus. Common Wren,
xlii. Upupa. Hoopoe.

(64) 124. epops. Common Hoopoe. Charmouth, Spring, 1835, F. 0.
Morris ; Cranborne Chace, Aimer, Shroton, Handford, near Dorchester,
Wareham, Dr. P.

xliii. Sitta. Nuthatch.

(61) 125. Europcea. European Nuthatch. G. W.
CUCULID^E, Cuckoo Family,
xliv. Cucultjs. Cuckoo.

(137) 126. canorus. Common Cuckoo. G. W., &c.
Tribe IV. FISSIROSTRES. Wide-beaked Birds.
MEROPID^E, Bee-eater family,
xlvii. Merops. Bee-eater.

(65) 129 apiaster. Common Bee-eater. Shot at Chideock, and now
in Bridport museum (late Dr. Roberts's).

HALCYONHLE, Halcyon family,
xlviii. Alcedo. Kingfisher.

(66) 130. ipsida. Common Kingfisher.
HIRUNDINIDiE. Swallow.

(133) 131. rustica. Chimney Swallow. I once saw about a dozen on
wing, making south, in one undeviating course, late in the season, as if mi-
grating,

178 DORSETSHIRE FAUNA.

(132) 132. nrbica. Martin Swallow, I have seen nests of this bird on
the chalk-cliffs by the sea, near Lulworth Castle.

(131) 133. riparia. Sand Swallow. I once noticed these birds in profusion
on the sea-shore, near Portland Ferry, as if preparing to migrate, late in the
autumn.

1. Cypselus. Swift.

(135 J 134. murarius. Wall Swift. In great numbers on Wimborne
Towers.

CAPRIMULGID.E, Nightjar family,
li. Capbimulgus. Nightjar.

(136) 136. EuropcBus. European Nightjar.
ORDER III. RASORES, Scratchers.

COLUMBINE, Pigeon family.
Hi. Columba. Pigeon.

(139) 137. palumbus. Ring Pigeon. G. W., &c.

(140) 138. cenas. Stock Pigeon. Isle of Purbeck, Dr. P. In large
flocks in Turnip fields in the winter, at Parley (and Thome.)

(142) 140. turtur. Turtle Dove. Cranborne Chace.
PHASIANID^E, Pheasant family.

lvi, Phasianus. Pheasant.

(143) 145. Colchicus. Common Pheasant, G. W., &c. ; also the Pied
Pheasant ; both naturalized.

146. torquatus. Ring Pheasant.
TETRAONID^, Grous family.
Iviii. Tetrao. Grous.

(149) 149. tetrix. Black Grous. Parley and Pool Heaths ; Morden
and Moreton Heaths, and formerly shot on Knighton Heath, near Dorchester,
by the late John Floyer, Esq.
lix. Perdix. Partridge.

(144) 153. cinerea. Grey Partridge, G. W., &c.

(145) 154. rufa. Redlegged Partridge. Shot at Up way, near Wey-
mouth, Dr. P.

(146) 156. coturnix. Quail. I have seen two or three at West Staf-
ford. There are generally a few on Fordington Fields.

STRUTHIONID.E, Ostrich family.
lx. Otis. Bustard;

(152) 157. tarda. Great Bustard. A few seen in Dr. P.'s time,
about Woodyates and Ashmore Downs, Langton and Strickland. Now quite
extinct in Dorset. I once saw one that had just been shot near Amesbury,
Wiltshire.

DORSETSHIRE FAUNA.

179

OrderlV. GRALLATORES, Waders.

CHARADRIAD^E, Plover family,
lxii. CEdicnemus. Thick-knee.

(153) 160. crepitans. Stone Thick-knee. Knighton Heath ; near
Lulworth and Blandford.

lxiii. Chabadrius. Plover.

(156) 161. pluvialis. Golden Plover. Near Dorchester.

(157) 162. morinellus. Dotterel Plover. Pimperne, and near Pent-
ridge, Dr. P.

(158) 163. hiaticula. Ring Plover. Sea-coast,
lxiv. Vanellus. Lapwing.

(155) 166. griseus. Grey Lapwing.

(154) 167. cristatus. Peewit Lapwing.
lxv. Strepsilas. Turnstone.

168. interpres. Common Turnstone. Near Weymouth, spring, 1795.
Dr. P.
lxvii. Caltdris. Sanderling.

(161) 169. arenaria. Common Sanderling. Sea-coast,
lxvii. HjEmatopus. Oyster-catcher.

(164) 170. ostralegus. Common Oyster-catcher.
ARDEID^E, Heron family,
lxix. Ardea. Heron.

(204) 172. cinerea. Common Heron.
(198) 177. minuta* Little Bittern.

(197) 178. stellaris. Common Bittern. Bishop's Caundle, C. W.
Digby, Esq.

179. lentiginosa. Freckled Bittern. Puddle-town, Rev. Tho-
mas Racket.

lxxi. Platalea. Spoonbill.

(192) 183. leucorodia. White Spoonbill. Near Poole, Dr. P., 1793.
SCOLOPACID^l, Snipe family,
lxxiii. Numenius. Curlew.

(190) 185. arquata. Common Curlew.
(189) 186. phceopus. Whimbrel Curlew,
lxxiv. Totanus. Sandpiper.

(177) 189. ochropus. Green Sandpiper.
(174) 191. hypoleucos. Common Sandpiper.

* We are surprised to find Mr. Jenyns retaining this species in his subgenus Ardea ; especially
as the two following species are placed in his Botaurus. — Ed.
No. 10, Vol.11. 2 b

1&0 DORSETSHIRE FAUNA.

lxxv. Recurvirostra. Avocet.

(182) 194. avocetta. Scooping Avocet. Sea-shore, Dr. P.
lxxvi. HiMANTorus. Stilt.

(165) 195. melanopterus. Black-winged Stilt, Poole, Dr. P.
'Ixxviii. Scolopax. Snipe.

(188) 198. rusticola. Wood Snipe, G. W., &c. Sir R. Hoare has
several varieties, one white, another with white wings, a third dusky color,
and some young birds stuffed in glass cases.

(187) 200. major. Great Snipe. I have seen some in Elsington
Wood.

(186) 186) 201. gallinago. Common Snipe.
(185) 202. gallinula. Jack Snipe,
lxxix. Tringa. Tringa.

(166) 204. pugnax. Ruff Holly well, W. Warry, Esq.
(168) 208. maritima. Purple Tringa.

lxxxi. Phalaropus. Phalarope.

(213) 214. lobatus. Grey Phalarope.
RALLID^E, Rail family,
lxxxiii. Rallus. Rail.

(206) 216. aquaticus. Common Rail. G. W. &c.
lxxxiv. Crex. Crake.

(207) 217. pratensis. Meadow Crake. G. W.

(208) 218. porzana. Spotted Crake. Shot near Sturminster. New-
ton, on the Stour, in 1820, J. Conway.

lxxxv. Gallinula. Gallinule.

(211) 221. chloropus. Common Gallinule.
lxxxvi. Fulica. Coot.

(212) 222. atra. Bald Coot.
Order V. NATATORES, Swimmers.

ANATID^E, Duck family,
lxxxvii. Anser. Goose.

(266) 223. ferus. Wild Goose.
224. segetum. Bean Goose.

(267) 225. albifrons. White-fronted Goose.
(269) 226. leucopsis. Bernacle Goose

(268) 227. torquatus. Brent Goose.
lxxxviii. Cygnus. Swan.

(262) 233. ferus. Whistling Swan.

(263) 235. olor. Mute Swan.

DORSETSHIRE FAUNA. 181

Ixxxix. Tadorna. Shieldrake.

£235. rutila. Ruddy Shieldrake. Bryanston, Dorsetshire, Je-
nyns. — Ed.]]

(274) 236. Bellonii. Common Shieldrake.
xci. Anas. Duck.

(276) 239. clypeata. Shoveller Duck.
(272) 240. strepera. Gadwall Duck.

(287) 241. acuta. Pintail Duck.

(275) 243. boschas. Wild Duck. Rare at G. W.

(285) 244. querquedula. Gargany Duck. Stafford-on-Frome.

(286) 245. crccca. Teal. G. W., but very rare,
xcii. Mareca. Wigeon.

(283) 246. penelope. Common Wigeon. I shot one at Hammoon
once.

xcv. Oidemia. Scoter.

(281) 250. fusca. Velvet Scoter,
xcvi. Fuligula. Pochard.

(280) 252. rufina*. Red-crested Pochard.

(279) 253. ferina. Common Pochard.

(278) 256. marila. Scaup Pochard,
xcvii. Clangula. Garrot.

(289) 258. chrysophthalmos. Goldeneyed Garrot.
xvciii. Harelda. Hareld.

(288) 260. glacialis. Longtailed Hareld.
xcix. Mergus. Merganser.

(261) 261. merganser. Common Merganser.
(260) 262. serrator. Redbreasted Merganser.

(258) 263. cucullatus. Hooded Merganser.

(259) 264. albellus. Smew Merganser. Stafford-on-Frome, and near
Weymouth.

COLYMBID.E, Diver family.
c. Podiceps. Grebe.

(218) 268. auriius. Eared Grebe (or minor?).
ci. Colymbus. Diver.

(224) 270. glacialis. Northern Diver;

(223) 272. Septentrional.

* Our correspondent had affixed the English name of an entirely different species (viz. the
Tufted Pochard,/1', crislata) to this bird. — Ed.

2b2

182 DORSETSHIRE FAUNA.

ALCALDE, Auk family.
cii. Ueia. Guillemot.

(220) 273. troile. Foolish Guillemot.

(221) 274. grylle. Black Guillemot.
civ. Fratercula. Puffin.

(227) 276. arctica. Common Puffin,
cv. Alca. Auk.

(225) 277. torda. Razorbill Auk.

(226) 278. impennis. Great Auk.
PELECANID.E, Pelican family.

cvi. Phalacrocorax. Cormorant.

(229) 279. carlo. Common Cormorant.

(230) 280. cristatus. Shag Cormorant.
cvii. Sula. Gannet.

(228) 281. Bassana. Solan Gannet. Once caught alive at Char-
mouth, with its head stuck in the sand, B. R. Morris.

LARIDiE, Gull family,
cviii. Sterna. Tern.

(248) 282. Cantiaca. Sandwich Tern.

(274) 285. hirundo. Common Tern. (In plenty at Whittlesea Mere.)

(251) 287. minuta. Lesser Tern. G. W., end of October, 1831.
cix. Larus. Gull.

(242) 294. ridibundus. Blackheaded Gull. Charmouth, B. R.
Morris.

(241) 296. tridactylus. Kittiwake Gull.

(240) 297. canus. Common Gull.

(237) 300. fuscus. Fuscous Gull.

(236) 301. marinus. Blackbacked Gull.*
cxi. Procellaria. Petrel.

(255) 309. puffinus. Shearwater Petrel.

(253) 312. pelagica. Stormy Petrel.

(254) 313. Leachii. Forktailed Petrel. Charmouth and Weymouth.

Class III. REPTILIA.
Order II. SAURIA, Saurians.

LACERTIDiE, Lizard family,
iii. Lacerta. Lizard.

* Mr. Dale had put, after this species, " A Lesser Blackbacked Gull, B. Morris.1' We pre-
sume this ought to refer to L. fuscus.— Ed.

ON THE DECREASE OF THE OAK IN BRITAIN. 183

4. agilis. Common Lizard. I have also found a very blue and green
species, at Parley.*

Order III. OPHIDIA, Ophidians,
iv. Anguis. Blindworm.

5. fragilis. Slender Blindworm. G. W., &c
v. Natrix. Natrix.

6. torquata. Ringed Natrix. G. W., &c.
vi. Vipera. Viper.

7. communis. Common Viper. I have seen a variety all over red
in Portland, and several similar specimens on Cranborne Chace.

Class IV. AMPHIBIA, Amphibians.
Order I. CADUCIBRANCHIA,+ Caducibranchians.
RANIDiE, Frog family,
i. Rana. Frog.

1. temporaria. Common Frog.
ii. Bufo. Toad.

2. vulgaris. Common Toad.
SALAMANDRID^E, Salamander family.

iii. Triton. Eft.

6. aquaticus £Qu. the Striped Eft, T. vittatus. — Ed.]. Near Maiden
Newton, Mr. Abraham and Mr. Lester.

I propose continuing the Dorsetshire Fauna in a future number of The
Naturalist, if the above is suitable to your pages.

ON THE DECREASE OF THE OAK IN GREAT BRITAIN.
By J. E. Davis, Esq.

" Tout est utile dans ce bel arbre, Te'ncore, l'aubier, le bois, les feuilles, les fruits, le gui, plante
parasite ; Tespece de champignon qui est nomine" agaric de chine, la mousse meme, en un mot, les
diverses productions du chene tant naturelles qu' accidentelles, sout d'usage dans les arts ou en
medecine. Ainsi le chene majestueux, ornement de nos forets, jouit d'une juste preeminence sur
tous les arbres de l'Europe, puisqu'il la droit surtout a son utilite'." — Genus.

England was once celebrated for the numerous and extensive forests of Oak
which it contained, as well as for the size and grandeur of the trees themselves ;

* We are curious to see it ; could our correspondent conveniently favour us with a specimen ?
—Ed.

f laterally, animals with deciduouB gills. — Ed.

184 ON THE DECREASE OF THE OAK IN BRITAIN.

but this national characteristic we have now totally lost. A few giants of old*r
indeed, still remain, hut they only serve to point out in a yet stronger light the
degeneration of our present condition.* The country that can now perhaps, with
the greatest truth, claim the superiority in this respect, is Canada, and the United
States ; and why ? Not because the inhabitants of the new world have seen our
negligence and improvidence, and have therefore determined to take a warning
from experience, but because the work of destruction, although rapidly progres-
sing, has not yet had sufficient time to extirpate the noble and majestic forests
which extend, almost without interruption, from the shores of the Pacific on the
West, to the Atlantic on the East. And that we were in by-gone ages in the
same state, is perhaps one reason why we have now to lament the decrease,
amounting almost to extermination, of this noble tree. Former superabundance
of timber led to wanton destruction, and our ancestors — never dreaming, amidst
such plenty, of the possibility of the present generation suffering from their pro-
fusion— employed in the construction of their Halls and Castles that tenfold
strength and thickness which is visible in all the architecture down to the reign
of Elizabeth ; and piled their hearths with many a log which we would now
gladly see in the furniture of our modern drawing-rooms. The lord commanded
the work of destruction, and the vassal obeyed, with that readiness which all
uneducated minds feel when engaged in destroying the work or growth of years,
in the construction or progress of which they take no delight or gratification, but
pass it by with apathy and indifference.

To a certain extent this has had a desirable effect, by extending the proportion
of productive ground, which an increasing population required, and in exter-
minating or diminishing those animals which the increased civilisation of mankind
had rendered obnoxious and injurious to their comfort and security. For " when
great changes are made on the surface of a country, as when forests are changed into
open land, and marshes into corn fields, or any other change that is considerable,
the changes of the climate must correspond ; and as the wild productions are very
much affected by that, they must also undergo changes ; and these changes may
in time amount to the entire extinction of some of the old tribes, both of plants
and of animals, the modification of others to the full extent that the hereditary
specific characters admit, and the introduction of not varieties only, but of species
altogether new." — Mudie's Guide to the Observation of Nature.

But we of the present day have no such excuse; we go on consuming and
destroying, at the same time aware of the injury, if not moral crime, we are

* Of eighty-seven British forests enumerated by Spelman, not above nine remain. — Note to
Tighe's Plants, 2nd edit., 1812.

OX THE DECREASE OF THE OAK IN BRITAIN. 185

committing. We boast of our wooden walls and English Oak, without making
any attempt at securing a right to continue those expressions.

But it is to The Naturalist I am writing, and not for the purpose of shewing
what the probable consequence of this decrease may be in an economical or
political point of view.

To the naturalist, then, there will be much cause for regret ; he has to lament,
not only the decrease of one of the finest productions of Nature, but the propor-
tional increase of the Larch and Fir — trees suited to but a very small part of the
scenery of this island. Instead of the beautiful and varied greens of the Oak,
mingled with the lighter Ash, we now look upon square masses of Larch, here
and there interspersed with the cold blue of the Scotch Fir.

" O Harmony, once more from heaven descend !

Mould the stiff lines and the harsh colours blend :

Banish the formal Fir's unsocial shade,

And crop the aspiring Larch's saucy head :

Then Britain's genius to thy aid invoke,

And spread around the rich high clustering Oak ;

King of the woods ! whose towering branches trace

Each form of majesty, and line of grace :

Whose giant arms, and high-embower'd head, }

Deep masses round of clustering foliage spread,

In various shapes projecting to the view

And clothed in tints of Nature's richest hue ; —

Tints, that still vary with the varying year,

And with new beauties every month appear :

From the bright green of the first vernal bloom,

To the deep brown of autumn's solemn gloom.

Each single tree too, differing from the rest,

And in peculiar shades of verdure dressed,

Spreads a soft tinge of variegated green,

Diffused, not scatter'd, o'er the waving scene." Knight's Landscape.

What can be more beautiful than an Oak forest ? Viewed at any time of the
year it presents to the lover of Nature charms which can seldom be equalled,
never surpassed. Go visit it in summer, and while reclining beneath the shade,
the eye will be feasted with a thousand bright and lovely objects. The Ferns
and Mosses, and a variety of plants and shrubs — each an object of endless attrac-
tion to an observing and contemplative mind — find shade and protection beneath
the huge and twisted branches of Oak. In winter, when other trees stand bare
and naked to the blast, many species of Oak still retain their leaves, which are
only lost when the germinating bud of the succeeding leaf gradually displaces
them. In winter, too, the Mosses appear in their greatest beauty ; and the
oblique rays of the sun falling on the rain-drops which hang in countless thou-

18G ON THE DECREASE OF THE OAK IN BRITAIN.

sands from the underwood (and which supply the Mosses beneath with the

constant moisture so necessary to their existence —

" Within whose tufts
Around the root the bedded acorns sleep
Till Zephyr fans the glowing blush of spring,")*

furnish scenes which leave no room to regret the change which intervenes between
one summer and another.

It is in the delight and satisfaction with which scenes like these are contem-
plated, that Man can best appreciate those noble faculties with which he is
endowed. It was in scenes like these

— " The Theban Eagle plumed
His daring pinions on Cithaeron's brow :
In scenes like these Salvator grouped his iron
And gaunt banditti near the foaming crash
Of cataracts, that o'er the sombre rock
Had cast the headless and uprooted trunk."*

And it is, moreover, in scenes like these that we

" Revere the fostering Lord of Nature, who

In love created all the harmonic maze

Of worlds, reflection of the eternal mind."*

But in the destruction of the Oak and increase of the Larch is involved the
destruction of these scenes, and, consequently, of the hallowed reflections which
their existence produced in the mind. For the Larch and the Fir tribe generally
forbid the existence of vegetable life — even their own offspring are forbid to put
forth their tender shoots beneath the baneful influence of the parent stem.t

The inhabitants of Worcestershire and Herefordshire especially, can appreciate
the value of the Oak ; they possess the finest specimens now existing of that tree,
and they have to lament the loss of thousands which in the spring of every year
are cut down and the bark carried to the tan-pit. And here, again, is a fertile
source of dissertation on the consequences, a failure in the supply of bark — a
failure which must be the natural result of such an extensive annual destruction.
But the consequences of the decrease of the Oak in a commercial point of view
have been often alluded to, though, seemingly, with but little effect.

Seeing, then, the value of the Oak to the naturalist — seeing the decrease which

* Tighe's Plants.
f " Those who 'are familiar with Pine forests, or Pine plantations, must be aware, that the
seeds of the cones never germinate under the thick shade of the trees, and grow up so as to form
an underwood in the forest. Cones in abundance are produced every season, but they contribute
chiefly to the food of the animal inhabitants, and it is only where a blank occurs, from the decay
or the casual destruction of a tree, that young plants rise to fill it up."— Mudie.

ON THE DECREASE OF THE OAK IN BRITAIN. 187

has taken place, and which must be apparent to every one — and seeing the pre-
judicial effects of this decrease in every point of view, the cause remains to be
considered which has apparently induced us to forget all claims of posterity— the
cause of that want of foresight in which, in other respects, we are by no means
deficient.

The principal cause is probably this: The object of the land-owner and planter
has been to cultivate trees that will produce timber or wood, in his lifetime ; now,
unfortunately, the Oak will not do this :

" Jam quae seminibus jactis se sustulit arbos,
Tarda venit, seris factura nepotibus unibram."

The Larch has therefore been brought in, and the growth of this tree, naturally
quick, has been increased by cultivation. In a few years the planter sees with
gratification the rapid progress it has made. But the timber, if such it can be
called which is produced by this rapid growth, is of a very inferior nature ; for it
is a well-known maxim, that the excellence of timber is in the inverse ratio to
the rapidity of the growth ; yet the wood, bad as it is, answers the purpose of
the grower ; he can plant, cut down, and plant again, during his life.

But it is not entirely to him who plants for gain, that our loss is to be attri-
buted; it is not altogether the decrease in quantity of which we have to complain,
but also the inferiority in quality. Those who do plant Oak, do so merely for
ornament.

" Most species of forest trees are so long in coming to maturity, that the grand
incentive to planting them is ornament, and not use. Even the man who
accumulates for posterity, in reality seldom does so in his own feeling of the
matter : for he who leaves the most to others when he quits the world, did not
collect it for them, but for himself — for the gratification of his desire of posses-
sion. The man who plants wishes to have something to look at, and to have it
as speedily as possible, and that, with the other circumstances that have been
noticed, conspires to cover the rich districts of the country with growing rubbish,
which, when it comes to be cut down, is fit only for fire-wood, and very
inferior for that." — Mudie.

And in consequence of the inferiority of the timber thus planted, it has been
argued, that the Oak cannot be cultivated — that it must be sown and grow by
the hand of Nature, that the acorn must drop from the parent tree, and spring
spontaneously into life ; in short, that any interference on the part of man is
injurious : this excuse, for the conduct of those who destroy, but never plant,
is vain and futile, for —

" If people have been able to cultivate animals into greater size and strength
and beauty, and also to make them have better flesh and finer wool ; if they have
been able to improve by culture the beauty of flowers, and the nourishing quali-

No. 10, Vol. II. c

188 ON THE DECREASE OF THE OAK IN BRITAIN.

ties of all manner of esculent roots, stems, leaves, and fruits, it would be passing
strange if their culture could do nothing for an Oak tree but make it mere worth-
less timber. If all the earth were given to man for improvement, and he had
improved much of it — as he actually has done — it would be a perfect anomaly if
timber, which is so very useful, should be the single article on which he could
not lay his hand of culture without doing it an injury. It is impossible to be-
lieve that such an anomaly can exist in nature ; and, therefore, the only way is
to catechise the man who makes the attempt ; and, if he does not understand
what he is doing, send him back to Nature to inform himself as to what he should
do." — Mudie.

The real state of the case, then, is this. Those who do plant Oak, generally
do so not for the purpose of forming timber, but for ornament, and those few (if
any) who plant for posterity, have not hit on the right method of doing so.

" We have difficulty in keeping the cultivated plants ' rooted in,' and we
have as much in getting the wild ones rooted out. A very little observation of
Nature, and a few very simple reflections on that observation, might have shown
us that that must have been the case ; and had we taken that trouble, and very
small trouble it is, we should never have gone about to cultivate timber in one
plant by the very process whereby we destroy timber in all other plants. Yet
we have done, and we continue to do that, for, grafting excepted, we breed Oaks
and Peaches in the same ground, and much after the same manner." — Mudie.

In the first place, the acorns are not sown in the spot where the trees are to
remain. They are obtained by nurserymen, who buy them wholesale without any
regard to their quality, and it is probable, as in almost all plants, that " the
worst kinds of oak are the most prolific of acorns." The nurserymen, without
attending to Nature, sow them deep in the ground, and within a few inches of
each other, and the consequence is, that these acorns, originally bad, produce
still worse plants, which, from their crowded state, are stinted in their necessary
nourishment.* After remaining in this state for some years, they are trans-
planted to their final destination, a process which, it is needless to add, is ex-
tremely injurious, however carefully performed ; and, in most cases, the space
allowed there for their growth is scarcely better than that in the nursery-bed. In
short, " the object of the grower has been to get goodly trees — trees that please
the eye, without any regard to the quality of the timber ; and the object of the
nurseryman has beefc to rear up his seedlings, and get them to market as soon,
and in as showy a condition as possible."

* Man comes in with his nursery-bed ; and though he cannot be said to overstock the country, for
there can hardly be too many trees (and there are numerous and wide wastes in England, where it
is disgraceful there arc not millions) ; yet the nursery-bed is overstocked, and the consequence is the
dry-rot in Oak, and general rottenness and want of strength in all timber." — Mi'DiE.

ON THE LEMURIDjE. T&>

If this be the case, and if it is in our power, by adopting the proper means, to
present the King of the Forest in all his pristine grandeur and majesty, why
should there be that apathy which exists on a subject, the importance of which is
by no one disputed. Let, then, those in whose power the remedy exists, exert
themselves in securing, for the ages yet to come, those blessings which our cli-
mate is calculated to produce, and does produce, and which we are now possess-
ing and enjoying ; by so doing they will receive their rich reward, in that satis-
faction which must invariably follow from the consciousness of being employed
in the benefit of our fellow-creatures — -a benefit of the highest kind —
* For he who guards the state, and he who plants
The woodland screen, anticipates alike
The grateful meed, a future age's love." — Tig he.
Presteign, Jan. 1, 1887.

ON THE LEMURIDiE, OR FAMILY OF LEMURS.
(Continued from p. 13.)
The genus Microcebus, Geoff., contains, as far as we know at present,
two distinct species, which, as we shall explain, have not only been con-
founded with each other, but have also been referred, even by modern
naturalists, to genera from which they differ in many essential particulars.
Geoffroy St. Hilaire (vide Annates du Musee, torn. 19, 1796) the two
species being undistinguished, places the Rat de Madagascar of Buffon,
which he regarded as identical with the Little Macauco of Brown and Pennant,
in the genus Galago. Subsequently, however, in his Cours de VHistoire Na-
turelle, 1834, Geoffroy established the genus Microcebus, of which the Rat de
Madagascar served him for the type. In the last edition of Cu vier's Regne Ani-
mal, we also find (see foot-note, page 109) the Little Macauco of Brown regarded
as a Galago, as well as the animal described by G. Fischer (in Act. de la Soc.
de Mosc. I. p. 24, f. I.), under the name of Galago Demidoffii. We have pre-
viously hinted our suspicions that the Ckeirogaleus Milii will be found to belong
to the genus Microcebus, but as we have never seen the specimens from which
Geoffroy St. Hilaire took his description, we cannot positively determine.
With regard to the characters upon which the genus Microcebus is founded, it
may be observed, that they approximate more closely to those of the true Lemurs,
than do those of the genus Galago. In the latter genus, for instance, the ears
are extremely large, membranous, and capable of being folded down ; and the
posterior extremities are remarkably developed. The Galagos, moreover, appear
to be exclusively confined to Continental Africa, while the Microcebi are restricted!
(with the true Lemurs) to Madagascar.

2c2

11)0 ON THE LEMURID^E.

Genus Microcebus, Geoffrey St. Hilaire. — Gen. Char. — Head round;
muzzle short and pointed ; ears moderate, erect, rounded at the tips, and
nearly naked; eyes moderate, prominent, and bright. Fore limbs small;
hand delicate ; thumb short ; fore-finger as short, or rather shorter, than the
index finger; nails minute. Posterior limbs more developed than the ante-
rior; tarsal bones distinct; thumb long; first toe furnished with a claw ; tail
long, and slightly pencil-tufted at the tip. Incisors ■!-, Canines -1 ~- \, molars
on each side ~ . The incisors above are small, the two central being the
largest; these are separated from each other by an intervening space, as in
Lemur ; the incisors below resemble those of Lemur j the canines above are
small and pointed ; behind each is a space, much more contracted in proportion
than in Lemur, for the reception of the lower canines ; these latter scarcely ex-
ceed in size the first false molar, and present a similar shape and appearance ; they
incline considerably forwards, and when the jaws are close, fit in behind, and to the
inside of the posterior edge of the upper canines. Of the molars above (on each
side) the three first are false ; they are simple and conical, with a minute notch
anteriorly and posteriorly. The first two true molars have four acute points ;
those on the external edge of the crown being the largest ; the last molar is the
smallest, and has two outer points and one inner ; of the molars below, the two
first are false, simple, conical, and acute.

The skulls of the Microcebi differ from those of the Lemurs, in being of a
rounder form, and in having the muzzle much more abbreviated. In the skull
of a Lemur before us, the total length of which is 4£ inches, the distance from
the anterior margin of the orbit to the apex of the inter-maxillary bones is 1 J
inch, while in the skull of Microcebus murinus, the total length of which is 1^
inch, the distance from the anterior edge of the orbit to the same point is two
eighths and a half. Small as are the Microcebi, these animals are remarkable for
their extreme activity, and the ease and rapidity of their leaping movements ;
it is, however, only at night that they indulge in sportiveness, being decidedly
nocturnal: During the day they sleep rolled up like a ball, but rouse up from
their torpor with the approach of grateful twilight. The brilliancy of their eyes, the
tapetum lucidum gleaming through the round dilated pupil, indicates at once that
night is their season of activity. Of their habits in a state of nature we know
nothing, except that they are arboreal. In captivity they eat fruit and bread, but
the character of their dentition indicates that insects, eggs, &c, form at least a
great part of their diet. In their figure, (and especially in that of the Microcebus
murinus) we are immediately reminded of the Lerot, or Garden Dormouse
(Myoxus nitela), and this mutual resemblance is strengthened by a great simi-
larity of manners. Like the Lerot, the Microcebi nestle in the holes of trees,
which serve them as a dormitory, and a retreat in which to rear their young.

ON THE LExMURID,E. 191

• Speoies 1. — Murine Macauco, Pennant.
Microcebus murinus.
Lemur murinus, Pennant.
Lemur murinus, Gmel.
Rat de Madagascar, Buff., Supp. III. c. fig.
General colour clear grey ; a dark mark at the inner margin of each eye ; a line
between the eyes running down the top of the nose, white ; throat j and
under surface, together with the inside of the limbs, white ; tail rufous
grey. Length of head and body 5§ inches ; of the tail 6.
, Habitat, Madagascar.

In Mus. Zool. Soc.
. For an account of the anatomy of this species, see Zool. Proceedings for 1835,
p. 125.
Species 2. — Little Macauco, Brown.

• Microcebus pusillus, Geoff.

Galago Madagascarienis, Geoff.

Ololicnus Madagascariensis, Schinz.

Little Macauco, Pennant.

Fur soft, general colour rufous brown above, rusty grey beneath ; tail long, and

somewhat tufted at the top. Size rather larger than that of preceding

species. Habitat, Madagascar. — In Mus. Zool. Soc.

The manner in which these two species have been confounded is not a little

remarkable, seeing that they are very distinct. It is evident, however, that this

confusion has arisen from a want of the opportunity of comparing them with

each other, an opportunity which we have fortunately enjoyed. Though

Geoffroy, as he tells us in his Cdurs de I' Histoire Naturelle, suspected that

there were at least two species in the genus Microcebus, yet he only characterizes

one as the Microcebe roux, which he regards as synonymous with Buffon's Rat

de Madagascar. In his sketch of the Lemuridae, in the Annates, torn. 19, we

find the Rat de Madagascar of Buffon, the Little Macauco of Brown, and

the Lemur murinus of Pennant, synonymous with his GalagoMadagascanensis,

which he describes as having "pelage roux." On referring to Pennant, we find

him describing the Lemur murinus and the Little Macauco of Brown as distinct

species. The Lemur murinus he characterizes as being of " an elegant light

grey." The description of the Little Macauco is vague, its colour being called

"cinereous." The former species he states to be about twice the size of a Mouse,

the latter " rather less than the Black Rat." The term " cinereous," used by

Pennant, in contradistinction to " elegant light grey" and the larger size attributed

to the latter, render it at least probable that the species indicated in these

descriptions were truly distinct. Gmelin describes the Lemur murinus as

192 ON THE LEMURIDiE.

i( cinereus caudd ferrugined" which indeed is the exact colour of the former
species, but not of the " Microcebe roux." With respect to the ** Rat de Mada-
gascar" of Buffon, we feel but little doubt as to which of the two species
described above it ought to be referred. The figure given by Buffon is precisely
that of the Murine Lemur ; and the white line between the eyes is very
apparent ; the drawing was made from a living specimen in the possession of the
Comptesse de Mabsan, but no notice is taken of its colouring. The white stripe,
however, between the eyes clearly proves that it is not the Microcebe roux, and,
consequently, that Geoffroy was mistaken in his views. Hence must we dis-
tinguish between the Galago Madagascariensis of Geoff, in Ann., and Buffon's
Rat de Madagascar.

There are two other Lemurine animals, respecting which we feel in considera-
ble perplexity. We allude to the Lemur cinereus of Geoff., in Magaz, Encycl,
and of Desmerest in Mammal., and to the Galago Demidoffii of G. Fischer,
and of Geoffr., in Annates, 19.

The Galago Demidoffii — respecting which Cuvieb seems in doubt as regards
its distinctness from the Little Macauco of Brown — is described as rufous
brown, with a dusky muzzle, with ears shorter than the head, and a tail longer
than the body, with a pencil-tuft at the tip. Size less than that of the Black
Rat. With the habitat we are unacquainted. In this description we recognize
the Microcebus pusillus.

The Lemur cinereus is described as grey, with a slight tinge of fulvous, the
under parts being white. Total length 10 inches. Habitat Madagascar. This
is the Petit Maki of Buffon {Hist. Nat, Supp. vii.), who describes it as
greyish, " jaspee de jaune pale" — a somewhat indefinite account of colouring. — In
the sketch of the Lemurs (see Annates du Mus., torn. 19, p. 162). Geoffroy
observes, that this animal of Buffon appears to be the young of one of the true
Lemurs, a point which we deem at least very doubtful. Buffon describes it as
having a broad forehead, a short and pointed muzzle, and round prominent eyes.
Its total length, following the curve of the back, is 14 inches, of which the tail
is five. Judging from Buffon's figure and description (the ground of all subse-
quent notices), we feel inclined to refer the animal to the genus Microcebus ; but
are unwillingly compelled to leave it at present as a doubtful species.

The next genus to which we turn is Loris (Stenops, Illig.). The genus
Loris was first instituted by Geoffroy, who afterwards divided it into two
genera, viz. Loris and Nycticebus, upon very untenable grounds. The genus
Nycticebus is distinguished, according to this naturalist, by the presence of only
two incisors in the upper jaw, while the genus Loris, of which the Slender
Loris is the type, is characterized by the presence of four incisors in the upper
jaw (Vide Cows de V Hist. Nat., p. 40^, and by the greater length of the

ON THE LEMURID.E. 193

limbs, and elevation of the nose. The latter characters, as generic, are of no
value ; the former is erroneous. We have examined the skulls of examples of
both these genera, and a fine skull of the Slender Loris is'now before us. Its
dentition, agreeing with that of the Slow Loris, is as follows : — Incisors -8 ;
canines ■1??-^ ; molars on each side - — The incisors in the upper jaw are
very small, and in 'pairs'; the incisors of the lower jaw are as in the true
Lemurs. The canines do not differ from those in the genus Microcebus.

Of the molars above, on each side, the three first are false, the first being
single, the two next bicuspid. The three true molars are 4-cuspid, the points
being acute.

Of the molars below, on each side, the two first are false, the first being
simple and conical, the second bicuspid, with a small posterior notch. Of the
true molars, the two first are 4-cuspid, but the third or last has a posterior
additional tubercle. >

The skull is broad and round, the arch of the forehead more distinct than in
the genus Lemur, and the profile of the muzzle more concave. The orbits are
round and large, and their frontal margin is much elevated above the skull : the
interorbital space is reduced to a thin elevated ridge. The temporal fossa?,
which are not at all deep, have their outline on the parietal and temporal bones
defined by a distinctly raised line. The auditory bullae of the temporal bones
are more compressed than in Lemur or Microcebus.

Cuvieb, in his Regne Animal (last edit.), though well aware of the generic
distinctions laid down by Geoffroy, and adverting to them in a foot-note, does
not adopt them ; neither did that eminent naturalist, the late Mr. Bennett, re-
gard them as tenable. For ourselves we have no hesitation in the matter,
having examined both the Slender and the Slow Lemur anatomically.
• Genus Loris, Geoff., Stenops, III. — Gen. Char. — Head round ; muzzle short
and acutely pointed; eyes large, full, bright, and approximating to each other;,
ears round, short, open, and almost buried in the fur; tail completely rudi-
mentary. Body slender; head and feet as in Microcebus. Habitat, India and.
its islands. The species of this genus have long been celebrated for the slowness
and caution of their movements, to which may be added a remarkable tenacity
of grasp, in conjunction with the endowment, in the limbs, of a long continuance
of muscular contraction. In the arteries, both of the anterior and posterior ex-
tremities, is observed a peculiarity, first detected by Sir A. Carlisle, which is
also met with in the Sloth, and in the Cetacea. The main artery of the limbs,
instead of being a single tube, giving off branches in its course, consists of an
intertwined vermiform plexus of vessels, anastomosing freely with each other,
and carrying onwards a large volume of blood, to which this congeries of tubes

!04 ON THE LEMURIDjE.

may be a sort of reservoir. The relation of the plexus of vessels to the bulk of
the limb which that plexus supplies with blood, is greater in point of volume
than is that of the simple artery in ordinary animals. For an account of the
general anatomy of the Slender Loris, see Zool. Proceed, for 1833, p. 22.

The animals of the present genus are eminently nocturnal and arboreal ; they
sleep during the day, clinging to a branch, with the body drawn together, and
the head doubled down upon the chest ; at night they prowl among the forest
boughs in search of food. Nothing escapes the scrutiny of their large glaring
orbs ; they mark their victim, insect or bird, and cautiously and silently make
their advances towards it, until it is within the range of their grasp ; they then
seize it with an unexpected and rapid movement, and devour it on the spot,
previously divesting it, if a bird, of its feathers.

Of all the Lemuridce which we have seen alive, none appear to be so sus-
ceptible of cold, or so incommoded by daylight, nor are any so apparently dull
and inanimate. They appear as if in a continued state of torpor ; but if exposed
to the influence of warmth, they rouse up not only on the approach of evening,
but, if secluded from light, even during the hours of day. When fairly awake,
and comfortable, they delight to clean and lick their full soft fur, and will allow
themselves to be caressed by those accustomed to feed them. An interesting
account of the habits of one of these animals in captivity is given by M.
D'Obsonville, and, recently, by Mr. Baird, in Loudon's Magazine of Natural
History, to which we refer our readers.

Two species are known, namely, 1st, the Slender Loris ( Loris gracilis, Geoff.
in Ann.) Loris grele, Cuv. General colour rufous grey, with a white mark be-
tween the eyes; length of head and body about ten inches. Limbs long, and
very slender. Habitat, Ceylon.

2nd, Slow-paced Loris ( Loris tardigradus, Audeb.). Fur soft and full;
colour brownish grey, a deep chesnut stripe passing down the middle of the back ;
this stripe, continued on to the head, gives off a branch which encloses each ear,
and another which encircles each eye, and extends to the angles of the mouth ; a
white spot on the forehead interrupts this chesnut mark. Size of a small Cat,
the length being about 12 or 13 inches. Habitat, Ceylon, Java, Bengal.

Geoffroy St. Hilaire (see Annales, xix.) regards the Bengal and the Javanese
animals as distinct from the Ceylon species, and from each other. Our ex-
amination of specimens from the above localities does not lead us to the same
conclusion. Geoffroy founds his main distinctions on the intensity of the
dorsal stripe.

LinnjEus originally confounded both the Slender and the Slow Loris under
the name of Lemur tardigradus, and Schreber continued the term tardigradus

ON THE LEMURID&. 195

to the former. Both species are figured in Buffon, the first under the title
Loris (Hist. Nat. xii.), the second under that of Loris de Bengale (Hist. NaV
Supp. vii.).

It will be seen that with the genus Microcebus we leave Madagascar, and,
with a modification of the Lemurine form, enter upon other portions of the
globe ; namely, Africa and India, with the Indian Islands. The genus Loris is
exclusively Indian ; there has, however, been associated with it, or rather with
Nycticebus, by Geoffroy, an animal from Sierra Leone, termed Potto by Bosman
(Lemur Potto, Linn., Galago Gruneensis, Desm.), of which, until very recently,
the characters were but imperfectly understood. The acquisition of a specimen
in spirits, by the Zoological Society, enabled the late Mr. Bennett to characterize
it afresh as the type of a distinct genus, to which he gave the name of Pero-
dicticus; and from his paper in the Proceed, of the Zool. Soc. for 1831 (p. 109)
we shall make a few extracts, premising that our own examination of the spe-
cimen in question leads us to coincide with the views of that naturalist.

" Perodicticus. — Gen. Char.— Fades subfraducta. Artus subcequales.
Cauda mediocris. Index brevissimus, phalange ungueali solum exserto- Dentes
primores superne 4, subcequales ; inferne 6, graciles, declives. Canini * ~ . >
canici compressi, marginibus antico, posticoque acutis ; molarium in maxilla
superiore, primus minimus; secundus major; ambo conici ; tertius acute
tuberculatus, tuberculis duobus externis, alteroque interno ; quartus prsecedenti
similis, tuberculo interno majore ; sequentes (in specimine juniore desunt) : in
maxilla inferior e duo conici cequales ; tertius acute, externe 2 — , interne l=tu~
berculatus. Sequentes (desunt)."

Geoffroy's Perodicticus (Perodicticus Geoffroyi, Benn.). — General colour
chesnut brown, slightly tinged with grey, becoming paler beneath ; the fur soft
and woolly, interspersed with a few cinereous hairs. Length of head and body
eight inches and two-tenths ; of the tail, including the hair, two inches and three-
tenths, without the hair one inch and six-tenths. " The head is. rounded, with
a projecting muzzle ; the nostrils are lateral, small, sinuous, with an intermediate
groove extending to the upper lip ; the tongue is rough, with minute papillae,
rather large, thin, rounded at the tip, and furnished with a tongue-like upper
layer, which is shorter than the tongue itself, and terminates in about six rather
long, lanceolate processes, forming a pectinated tip. The eyes are small, round,
somewhat lateral, and oblique ; the ears moderate, open, slightly hairy, both
within and without. The body is rather slender. The limbs are nearly equal,
long, and slender ; the fingers moderately long. On the fore-hands the index is
excessively short, the first phalanx being concealed, and the ungueal phalanx
(the only phalanx free) being barely large enough to support a rounded nail."

No. 10, Vol.11. 2d

106 ON THE LEMURlOfc.

The first finger of the hinder hands is furnished, as in the Lemurs generally,
with a long, subulate, curved .claw.

Forehand of Perodidicus Geoffroyi, Benn.

The essential characters of the present genus consist in the moderate elongation
of the face ; the moderate size of the ears ; the equality of the limbs, and
especially in the extreme shortness of the index of the anterior hands, to which
may be added, the comparative length of the tail ; this is shorter than in the
restricted genus Lemur, or than in Microcebus, Galago, or Tarsius, but longer than
in Loris, in which latter genus this organ is merely a rudiment. In the abbre-
viation of the index finger, the genus Loris approximates nearest to it ; still,
however, this abbreviation, though considerable in Loris, is far less so than
in Perodidicus, where we find it carried to its maximum. The habits of the
species are described as being slothful and retiring. " It seldom makes its
appearance but in the night-time, when it feeds upon vegetables, and chiefly the
Cassada. It is known to the colonists as the ' Bush-dog.' "

Weeded of the Microcebus pusillus and its allied species on the one hand,
and of the Potto (Perodidicus J on the other, the genus Galago, to which we
next turn our attention, will be found to include but a limited number of cor-
rectly known species ; and of these the habitat of one, though suspected to be
Africa, is not ascertained. One species (Galago Senegalensis, Geoffr.) is a
native of Senegal, where it is known under the name of the "animal of the gum."

Agreeing with the true Lemurs in the general characters of dentition, there
being four incisors in the upper jaw, placed in pairs, with an intermediate space,
and six in the lower, narrow, compressed and projecting, the genus Galago
presents a series of well-marked and important points upon which to base its
genuineness.

ON THE LEMURIDjE. 197

Head of Galago, to shew the ears.

These consist, in the large size of the ears, which are membranous, naked,
and, as in the Long-eared Bats, capable of being folded down over the external
orifice ; and in the extreme development of the hinder limbs, and especially of
their tarsal portion, which remind us of those of the Gerboa ; as well as in the
magnitude of the eyes, which are full, directed forwards, and approximating
closely together.

The head is round ; the muzzle pointed ; the tail long ; the fingers, both of
the fore and hind hands, long and slender, with the usual claw on the first finger
of the posterior pair. The fur is full, soft, and woolly. Were we to regard the
length of the tarsi in this genus, without reference to the feet, or rather hinder
hands, which — from the length and freedom of the thumb and fingers, are
admirably adapted as organs of prehension — we might be inclined to fancy that
the Galagos were terrestial animals, proceeding by a leaping movement, as do
the Gerboas and Gerbills, whereas they are eminently arboreal, and display the
most surprising agility, sporting among the branches with the lightness and
address of birds. They are, we need scarcely say, decidedly nocturnal, sleeping
on their perch during the day, their ears being folded so as to exclude or rather
deaden the noises of the forest ; for their sense of hearing being exquisitely
susceptible, sounds which would not interrupt the repose of most animals, would
keep them in a state of perpetual watchfulness. On the approach of night they
are all animation; with ears expanded, and glistening eyes, they begin their
prowl for food. They watch the insects flitting among the leaves, they listen to
the buzzing of the Moth as it darts through the air, they lie in wait for the
incautious flutterer, and dart upon it with the velocity of an arrow, seldom
missing their prize. In addition to insects they feed also on gum, and are

2d 2

108 ON THE LEMURIWE.

abundant in certain gum-forests in the great desert of Sahara, where they are
captured for the sake of their flesh.

In the development of the organs of hearing, and in the acuteness of this sense,
we trace an analogy between the Galagos and the Bats. A vast expanse of naked
sensitive membrane, with reduplicatures, adding to the extent of surface sur
rounding the auditory aperture, is in many of the Bats a most conspicuous
feature, and one which, in conjunction with their delicate wings, abundantly
supplied with nerves, appears to give them an additional sense, a power of feeling,
by the motion or quiescence of the molecules of the atmospheric air, the pre-
sence of contiguous objects, so that they are capable of directing their course,
without striking against them, even when deprived of sight. In the Galagos
the external auditory membranes are in a like state of development and nervous
sensibility, a condition rendering them susceptible of the slightest vibrations of
the air, and in all probability alive to sounds inaudible to animals in general.
Hence, perhaps, one reason why they must be folded during repose.

According to Adanson, the Galagos build a nest in trees, of fibres and twigs,
in which to bring forth their young. In captivity they are said to be timid and
gentle, and to feed indifferently upon meat, preparations of milk, and eggs.

Two well-ascertained species are all with which we are acquainted. 1st, the
Senegal Galago (Galago Senegalensis, Geoff.). — Colour ashy brown; the ears
as long as the head, and naked ; the tail longer than the body, and pencil-tufted
at the extremity. Fur soft, full and woolly. Size of a Squirrel. Habitat,
Senegal. In Mus. Zool. Soc.

2nd. The Great Galago (Galago crassicaudatus, Geoff.). — Fur rufous grey ;
ears somewhat shorter than the head ; tail tufted. Size of a Rabbit. We have
never seen a specimen. The genus Galago of Geoffeoy is synonymous with
Otolicnus of Illigek.

Genus Tarsius. — Generic characters. — Incisors above 4, of which the two
middle are closely approximated, and longer than the lateral ones, appearing like
canines. Incisors below 2, and canine-like, being conical and pointed. Canines
above smaller than the two central incisors ; those below of moderate size and
pointed. Molars-6-^-6 ? according to Geoffroy. Arms long and slender ; the
fingers also much attenuated. Posterior extremities of great length; as are the
fingers, of which the thumb is well developed, with a small triangular nail ; the
index and succeeding finger are both armed with small subulate claws. Head
round ; muzzle very short, and pointed ; eyes very large, but not so close together
as in Loris ; ears large, naked, and capable of being folded. Tail long, covered
with short hair, except at the tip, which is tufted. Fur full and soft.

In the structure of the Tarsiers we see the peculiarities, as regards the limbs,
carried to a still higher point of development than in the Galagos, to which

ON THE LEMUR1D.E. 199

genus they are closely allied ; the head, however, is rounder, and the external
ears less developed, which the character and number of the incisor teeth and
the presence of a claw, not only on the index finger, but also on the second of
the hinder hands, are circumstances distinguishing them from every Lemurine
genus. The first description of the Tarsier is due to Daubenton, who gave
it this title in allusion to the extraordinary length of the tarsi. Gmelin,
however, unacquainted with its true relationship, and misled by its apparently
anomalous structure, placed it in his genus Didelphls (the receptacle alike of
Opossums and Kangaroos), under the name of Didelpkis macrotarsus. Pen-
nant, misled by the length of its tarsi, termed it the Woolly Gerboa ; and it
was reserved for Geoffroy St. Hilaire to rescue it from these misalliances,
and restore it to its true situation.

In their manners the Tarsiers resemble the Galagos, being arboreal, nocturnal,
and insectivorous. Till lately only one species was known ; a second is, how-
ever, added on the authority of Dr. Horsfield, who has figured it under the
name of Tarsius Bancanus in his Zoological Researches. It is described as
being destitute of the two long middle incisors of the upper jaw.

Species 1. The Tarsier (Tarsius spectrum, Geoff.; Lemur tarsius, Shaw).
— Fur, of a greyish brown ; ears half the length of the head ; tail tufted at the
tip ; size of a squirrel.

Hind foot of Tarsius spectrum.
The Tarsius fuscomanus of Fischer is regarded as identical with the T.
spectrum. Habitat, Moluccas. In Mus. Zool. Soc.

Species 2. Tarsius Bancanus, Horsfield. — Colour, fulvous brown ; ears
rounded, and shorter than the head; Habitat, Banca. We have never seen
a specimen.

Geoffroy observes, that though the Tarsier has the external ears much less
developed than have the Galagos, this inferiority is counterbalanced by the
far greater volume of the auditory bulla; of the temporal bones, in the Tarsius

200 ON THE LEMXJRIDJF..

than in the Galagos ; these bullae are so developed as to touch each other ;
and thus the sense of hearing is, by another mode, rendered as acute in the
former as in the latter.

We now arrive at the ultimate link in the chain of the Lemuriace, and are
presented with a genus so peculiar in all respects, that Cuvier, in his Regne
Animal, separates it from the Lemurs, and places it at the end of the Vesperti-
lionidce, to which family he evidently regards it as more immediately related
than to the Lemurs. The genus in question is Galeopitkecus, Pall., of which
the Flying Lemur is the example. The " Galeopitheques" says this great and
philosophic naturalist, " differ generally from the Bats, inasmuch as the fingers
of the forehands, all furnished with trenchant claws, are not more elongated than
those of the feet, so that the membrane which occupies their interspaces, and
extends even along the sides of the tail, can scarcely fill any other office than that
of a parachute." This want of the extreme development of the phalanges of the
fore-hands, so remarkable in the Bats, whether insectivorous or fruit-eaters,
would lead us to hesitate in placing this curious animal with the Vespertilion-
idce, independently of some other points of structure in which characteristic
differences are manifest. LinnjEUs — who in his discrimination of the great out-
line of groups has never been surpassed, may we not say equalled, — placed this
animal with the Lemurs, under the title of Lemur volans, and, notwithstanding
the extensive development of lateral and caudal membranes, there is that in the
general aspect of the animal to incline us to his views. The possession of exten-
sive membranes, serving not as wings, but as a parachute, ought not to startle
us. We meet with them in the Squirrels, — they occur in the Phalangers of New
Holland ; and in deciding on the relationship of species thus distinguished, we
must set these extraneous parts aside, and look at more important points of struc-
ture.

The head in its general aspect is that of a Lemur ; the muzzle is long ; the
nostrils are naked, lateral and sinuous ; the eyes are moderate ; the ears short,
and pointed. The anterior limbs are long; the hands are divided into five
fingers ; the first or thumb, separated from the rest, with which it cannot be
said to antagonize, is short, — the remaining four are nearly equal, the index
being rather shorter than the others. They are all armed, not with flat nails,
but with large, deep, hooked, sharp-edged and retractile claws, and are connected
by membranes, advancing even beyond the base of the claws. The hinder limbs
slightly exceed the fore-limbs in length, and the feet are similar in character to
the hands. If in the possession of large hooked claws on the fore-hands, we find
a departure from the Lemurine type, we find, also, that in the abbreviation of the
fingers, and the presence of large claws, not only on the thumb, but on all,
there is an equal departure from the cheiropterous type of structure.

ON THE I.EMURIDjE. 201

The thumb of the hind hands in all the Lemurs (the Galeopithecus excepted)
is largely expanded at the tip, and furnished with a flat nail, while the index
has a pointed claw. In the Tarsier, however, as we have seen, not only the
index of the hinder hands, but the next finger also, is thus furnished ; and here
we trace a slight tendency to the exchange of nails altogether for claws, we see
that a step has been gained in the passage. We do not, indeed, by any means
intend to compare the hands of the Galeopithecus to those of the Tarsier, for in
the hinder hands of the former we cannot but recognize a decided resemblance to
the clinging feet of the Bat ; in this point, rather than in the possession of a
parachute, do we trace the marked affinity between Galeopithecus and Vespertilio.
The thin and slender tail of Galeopithecus, enclosed in a wide membrane to its
very tip (a membrane stretched between the posterior extremities), presents us with
another point of affinity. We find, then, that the head of Galeopithecus inclines to
the Lemurine ; the forehands neither those of a Bat or Lemur ; the hind-hands
and tail those of a Bat ; the membranous expansion (which extends from the
sides of the neck along the anterior extremities to the finger-ends, encloses the
fingers, stretches between the anterior and posterior limbs, and between the two
posterior limbs, enclosing the tail) differing from the wing of a Bat, inasmuch as
it is not constructed for flight, not developed anteriorly on slender fingers elon-
gated to sustain it, yet is it more developed, posteriorly, than the parachute of
the Flying Squirrels and Phalangers, in which the tail is free.

So far, then, it would appear that the Galeopithecus takes an intermediate sta-
tion between the Lemuridce and Vespertilionidce, and it remains to be seen to
which of these two families it rather belongs. Let us examine the skull.

In its general aspect it resembles that of a Lemur, but differs in many details ;
it is proportionably broader, shorter, and flatter ; the orbits are decidedly lateral,
with an elevated upper margin, the outer-ring being incomplete posteriorly ; in
the Lemur the ring of the orbits is complete, the intermaxillary bones scarcely
reach each other at their apex, and the incisor teeth, in pairs, are placed laterally,
with a wide intervening space. The zygomatic arch is very short and stout, the
extent of the temporal muscle is indicated by a decided ridge ; and the transverse
ridge of the occiput is remarkably prominent. The interorbital space, across the
upper part of the nasal bones, is far greater than in the skull of a Lemur of su-
perior size ; the auditory bullae are very small ; the outline of the palate repre-
sents about three parts of an oval, owing to the posterior molars on each side
being somewhat nearer to each other, than are those in the middle. The lower
jaw consists of two rami, the expanded base at the angle of each turning out-
wards. The coronoid processes are small conical elevations.

Dentition. — Incisors above four, in pairs, placed laterally, with a wide inter-
vening space ; the first is small, compressed and pectinated ; the second is simi-

202 ON THE LEMURIDJF..

lar, but somewhat larger. The canines above, if canines they may be called, are
compressed, with a sharp conical tubercle, and an anterior and posterior set of
pectinations. The molars on each side are five, crowned with sharp, insectivo-
rous tubercles ; the first has two and a small inner notch ; the rest have three, of
which one is on the inside, and two are on the margin of the crown. The crowns
incline inwardly. The incisors below are six, the four central close together, and
deeply and finely pectinated ; the two posterior incisors, removed at a small dis-
tance from the rest, more coarsely pectinated ; the four central incisors project
horizontally, and meet the gum, covering the intervening part of the intermaxil-
lary bones, between the upper incisors, with the flat inner surface.

The canines resemble those of the upper jaw. The molars on each side are
five ; the first is elongated, with a central conical projection, an anterior pecti-
nated ridge, and three small but acute posterior eminences ; the other molars
have four and even five acute tubercles ; they incline outwardly.

Such is the dentition of this extraordinary animal, to which Bontius applied
the name of Vespertilio admirabilis ; an animal which, in the consideration of
its characters, has perplexed every naturalist. Petiver termed it Chatsingi
(Cat-ape), Seba Felis volans ternatanus, Linnaeus Lemur volans. Pallas re-
garded it, and with justice, as a form in a certain sense isolated, or rather as
blending in itself a mixture of the characters of others, and established for it,
the name of Galeopitkecus, a term having the same signification with that used
by Petiver.

" Must the Galeopitkeque," says Geoffroy St. Hilaire, " be regarded as a
Bat, according to the views of Bontius ? In truth, the name of ' wonderful '
{admirabilis) would then be justly its due as its distinguishing title, since it
wants the main character of that family," — viz. the long slender fingers, serving
as supports to a membranous wing. Yet, on the other hand, he observes, it is
still less a Lemur. It is not, we own, a Lemur, yet does it appear to us that
its affinities, intermediate as they render it, tend on the whole to place it on the
border line of the Lemur family. We do not agree with Geoffroy that " its
head is altogether that of a true carnassier." The Lemurine type of structure,
though modified, is not lost in it, nor is there any other type to which, with all
its variations from the normal form, it can be referred. With a tendency in its
organization to the Bats, the Galeopitkecus seems attracted as it were to the organ-
ization of the Lemurs, and affords a subject for the philosophic naturalist to
study, when, taking a wide survey of the relationships of organic forms, he ba-
lances their affinities, and attempts to discover the true natural classification of
animals.

Where Geoffroy St. Hilaire has left a subject in abeyance, and where great
naturalists have differed, we ought to speak with diffidence. It may ultimately

ON THE LEMURIDjE. 203

be proved that the Galeopithecus is the type of a family sui generis ; our present
arrangement must be regarded as provisional. It is, then, on the side of the
Lemuridce that we venture to rank the Galeopithecus ; but we see in it, as in
many other forms in the animal kingdom, one of those links, which, embodying
in itself the characters of other groups, or rather a portion of the characters of
two, intervenes to constitute a bond between them. Aberrant forms as they are
in one sense, they are essential to the unity of Nature, in whose works there
are in truth no abrupt intervals, no unfilled chasms, a completeness of design
being carried through the whole. We admit that vacancies do indeed occasionally
interrupt us, but they are vacancies which the discoveries of the fossil-zoologist
are perpetually enabling us to supply, and which will all ultimately receive
their legitimate occupants.

The genus Galeopithecus contains but one species, subject to considerable varia-
tions of colour; in maturity it is of a grizzled brown above, and pale rufous
brown beneath. Length of the head and body, 1 foot 6 inches; of the tail 10|
inches ; spread of the arms, 3 feet. Fur soft and full above, scanty beneath, and
especially on the under side of the membranes.

Species Galeopithecus variegatus, Geopfr. (Lemur volans, Linn.)

The Galeopithecus is a native of the Moluccas and the Islands of the Indian
Archipelago ; it is arboreal and nocturnal, but of its habits we have little de-
tailed information. It is probably omnivorous. Like the Bats, it is said to sleep
during the day suspended by its hind claws, with the head downwards. In pass-
ing from tree to tree it takes long sweeping leaps, which it executes with admir-
able ease and address. It is said to produce two young at a birth, which adhere
to the teats of their parent, but Camelli, in a MS. on the subject in the British
Museum, asserts it to have a double abdominal pouch, in which the young are
carried, which is certainly an error. One of its native names is Colugo; and
under the title of " Flying Colugo" it is described in Shaw's Zoology, Vol. I.,
p. 11G, 1800. It is the " Flying Macauco" of Pennant. In Mus. Zool. Soc.

Corrigendum. — Lemur Anguarensis. — We have had a recent opportunity of
examining this species, which is undoubtedly distinct. Body, above glossy grey-
ish rufous ; paler beneath. Head and throat grizzled, dusky black, darker on the
forehead. Tail inclining to dull black at the extremity.

No. 10, Vol. II. 2e

204

A BOTANICAL TOUR IN HEREFORDSHIRE, MONMOUTHSHIRE,
AND SOUTH WALES;

WITH INCIDENTAL NOTICES OF THE SCENERY, ANTIQUITIES-, &C.

By Edwin Lees, F. L. S., &c
(Continued from p. 122*)

t left Swansea early in the morning, to visit Cromlyn Bog, a locality
celebrated in insect-hunting history, and situated three miles to the eastward
of the town. As I crossed the ferry over the Tawe, formidable masses of
vapour appeared brooding over the nearest mountains, shrouding the distant
view, and offering a demonstration of no very inviting nature. I moved for-
ward rather hesitatingly, pondering upon the probabilities of becoming a walking
bog-plant, and the differences that might be perceptible in my habit from such
an occurrence, when contrasted with a drier and more congenial seat beside a
comfortable breakfast-table at the Mackworth Arms. But my attention soon
became engrossed with the " stars of earth," and as I rambled on by the sea-
shore, and thence along the road towards Cromlyn, I took no note of the
descending vapours till, they at once overwhelmed me in their watery embrace,
and forced me to remain for some time an unwilling prisoner beneath the arch of
a bridge, bestriding the canal that skirts the edge of the morass. But at length
the cloudy welkin ceased to pour its watery stores upon the plain — the
vapours, slowly retiring to the hills, veiled them for a moment in pearly
gossamer — and then sailing into mid heaven, a flood of light burst upon the
sparkling inland prospect, the broad expanse of yellow sand, and the retiring
waters of the scarcely heard terminating ocean.

The extensive sandy flats that stretch along the margin of the sea in South
Wales are termed " Burrows," I presume entirely from the circumstance of their
affording a retreat to multitudes of Rabbits ; they are generally overgrown with
a rough and unornamental vegetation, though producing a pretty fair pasturage
in spots where a land rill trickles along, or marshy pools of fresh water moisten
the thirsty soil. The sun of course often pours excessive radiance upon these
sands, rendering them a favourite locality for the insect race, and at this time I
observed several specimens cf the Cicindela syhatica, running with extreme
swiftness over the sand. Here, on the Cromlyn Burrows, and on the ground
intermediate between them and Swansea, I observed the following plants. I
place the asterisk, as usual, to indicate where it occurs that the plant has been
previously unrecorded, so far as I know, as a denizen of the spot, and at all

A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, kc "205

events is unnoticed in the county in Watson's very useful New Botanist's Guide
in England and Wales.

Salvia verbenaca. In profusion by the canal side.

Arabis hirsuta. In considerable abundance among the turf just beyond the
ferry.

* Hesper is matronalis. In a stony cove between the ferry and the bridge, over

the canal leading into the Burrows. Perhaps an out-cast;, as I met with

but a single specimen.
Sisymbrium Sophia. Dispersed about the same stony cove.
Sinapis muralis. In sandy ground between the cove and the ferry.
Erodium cicutarium. With white flowers. Very abundant on the sandy

ground near the canal.

* Geranium pyrenaicum. Sparingly beneath a bushy bank bounding the cave,

* Vicia lathyroides. With the above.
Oenothera biennis. On the shore beyond the pier.

*Salix argentea, Smith. Plentiful on the Burrows, its silvery leaves giving
a beautiful relief to the eye, where it flourishes contrasted with the sandy
soil. Hooker and Bobber have now agreed to class it as a variety of
S.fusca.
Juncus acutus. I found this plant in profusion on the Burrows, forming large
hussocks dispersed about at intervals, and rather formidable from their
singularly sharp bracteas, which might give painful wounds.
Leaving the Burrows I now proceeded along the canal side that receives its
supply of water from and bounds the great morass of Cromlyn towards the sea.
For though the term bog is generally given to this marshy waste, it is not of that
light spongy description which occurs at the base of some of our English hills,
or on our commons, and on " light fantastic toe" may be skipped across. It is a
morass in the true meaning of the term, and extends about four miles, in a
direction parallel with the old road between Neath and Swansea. That it was
formerly a lake, as the name implies, I think there can be but little doubt, its
winding dimensions being well marked between a corresponding range of low
hills of the carboniferous sandstone. It must have then presented an aspect
of great beauty, winding inland for several miles, and perhaps connected by a
narrow outlet with the sea. Its present appearance is not favourable for investi-
gation. " None indeed," observes Dona van,* " but botanists would traverse it,
and of their number only those who are not to be accused of indifference to the
pursuits of this pleasing science. I wandered myself for hours over this bog,
wading at times through swamps knee deep, and at the hazard of suffocation in

* Dona van's South Wales, 2 Vols., 8vo., 1805.
2e2

206 A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &c.

the event of slipping down in search of a few of its tantalizing plants." The
eastern end of the morass appears to have been partially drained since Donovan's
time, but the great mass of It still precisely answers to his account. It must be
confessed, however, that at this time partial openings in the sedgy forest, and
several spreads of water within the dank and lurid herbage, presented- scenes of
transcendent beauty, from the profusion of white Nymphules (Nymphcea alba J
that, in full flower filling the air with fragrance, almost hid the water from view,
with their snowy multitude of flowers. One circular pond in particular had a
fairy-like aspect, hemmed round in solitary loveliness — to be visited only by the
Gallinule or Wild Duck, or perhaps rippled by the young of the Grebe —

""Where in the midst upon her throne of green,
Sits the large Lily as the water's queen." — Crabbe.

The splendid Ranunculus lingua, in almost equal profusion with the Nymphule,
fringed the morass with its bright golden flowers ; while, wherever a rising bank
diversified the monotony of the morassy waste, a dense squadron of Eriophori
waved their ermine tassels in the vagrant breeze. Most botanists, perhaps, have
their favourite flower rendered dearer in their estimation from the charm of
association. — Linnaeus hung with rapture over the European Winter-green (Tri-
entalis Europcea), while Sir J. E. Smith, in English Botany, fixes upon the
Water Avens (Geum rivale), gracefully drooping its crimson petals, as having
a peculiar charm for him ; but surely he that has once seen the white water-lily
(Nymphule) in its native haunts, assuming the appearance of a silver chalice
floating on the water, and resting on its broad emerald leaves, that occasionally
rise up fluttering in the gale, can never again recur to the indelible image they
have left upon his mind without renewed delight. It must be admitted, even in
these unpoetical utilitarian days, that the flowers memory has entwined
around our early recollections are among the few unalloyed objects that, with
talismanic power, are yet enabled to touch and pierce, if but for a moment, the
iron panoply with which care and contention have invested the human breast .
And here I shall hardly be out of place (or forgiven, if I am) in alluding to
that beautiful passage in Wordsworth's Ecclesiastical Sonnets, where he thus
mentions the " vernal posy" his mother had placed at his breast, on his first going
to be catechised with his young compeers before their rural pastor. —

. " How flutter'd then thy anxious heart for me,
Beloved Mother ! Thou whose happy hand
Had bound the flowers I wore, with faithful tie :
Sweet flowers ! at whose inaudible command
Her countenance, phantom-like, doth re-appear :
O lost too early for the frequent tear,
And ill requited by this heart-felt sigh."

A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &c. 207

Whoever botanizes with me must with me digress ; for, as the Sea-mew, winging
with shrill cry round and round in the air, still stoops to the element from which
she sprung, and anon rests upon the restless wave, so must I, in the spectacle
Nature presents to the unscientific eye, at intervals revel, if it be but to show that
the botanist is not merely the picker up of the " unconsidered trifles " in general
supposed,* but that in fact the philosopher may not be ashamed to derive some
of his happiest illustrations from botanical subjects. But I must again to work,
and present the following plants as falling under my notice principally at the
eastern part of the Cromlyn morass, and in its boundary ditches, for I found it
impracticable to pierce the centre without absolute danger, and in case of accident
no assistance appeared near at hand.

^Hypericum elodes.. In a trench between the morass and the canal, where

the bog can be crossed.
*Rubus auberectus. On the side of the same trench in hussocky spots.
*Comarum palustre. Very abundant and luxuriant in various parts of the

bog, its dark purple flowers giving it a strange aspect.
Menyanthes trifoliata. A general concomitant of the Welsh bogs, from an alti-
tude of upwards of 2,000 feet down to the sea-level, where I here observed
it. Of course it is less luxuriant in the Alpine stations, where it does
not seem to flower very freely. Its fringed blossoms have often been the
theme of admiration, and deservedly so.
Lysimachia vulgaris. By no means common, as its names implies, and a great
ornament to the side of any stream of water where its brilliant yellow
panicled clusters glitter in the sun. This plant varies considerably in
its aspect, and hence I conceive the report of L. punctata having been
found in Britain has arisen. I gathered a specimen in a damp place by
the side of a wood at Neath with the leaves whorled in fours, their under
side and the stem and peduncles very downy. The leaves and their
margins were minutely spotted with what appear to be small hard red
glands, when held to the light and examined with a lens. I would not
venture to affirm this to be L. punctata, but perhaps a similar plant has
been taken for it.
Samolus valerandi. Abundant in marshy spots between the canal and the sea.
One of the few cosmopolitan plants, having been found in Africa and
Australia, whence no one would take the trouble to transport it.

* It is the common fault of botanists, and indeed of scientific naturalists in general, to be too
exclusively absorbed in what they are pleased to consider the most important of earthly pursuits.
It is not a little amusing to observe the total absence of poetry in many recent popular as well as
scientific treatises on the subject— as if Natural History and Poetry had been doomed, by some
immutable law, to remain for ever separate !— Ed.

208 ON THE VARIETIES OF ANIMALS.

*Alisma ranunculoides. Growing in the water in various reedy pools' about

the burrows.
* Typha angustifolia. In pools about the morass.
Eriophorum vaginatum, E. polystachion, and E. angustifolium. — Plentifully

scattered in various parts of the bog.
Cladium mariscus. This fine member of the Cyperacece grew very luxuriantly
in the boggy ditches by the side of the towing-path of the canal, on the
side towards the sea.
Carex pseudo-cyperus. In a ditch at the eastern end of the bog.
*Briza minor. This "very rare" grass, which I spoke of dubiously in my
last, as having found upon the rocks above Oystermouth, proves correct,
as I have since ascertained from three or four specimens I had mislaid in
an old Memorandum Book where I had sketched an apartment in Oyster-
mouth Castle. It is an interesting addition to the South Wales Mora.
Having at length found a practicable point at which to cross the morass, where
deep indentations had forced it to yield an unwilling pasturage, I determined to
return to Swansea by the opposite side, which, however, produced me nothing
but a splendid panoramic view from a precipitous hill bounding the former
northern border of the lake. To the left, for a long distance, the morass curved
into a delightful vale dotted with the traces of cultivation, and bounded by dis-
tant mountainous undulations, revealed distinctly without an interposing cloud.
To the north appeared the valley of the Tawe, with the hovering vapours of the
copper-works ; while just cresting an intervening wooded hill on my right, the
buildings, pier, and harbour of Swansea, with the indented coast to Oystermouth
and the Mumbles Lighthouse, glittered in the still radiance of a fervid noon.
Before me in magnificent repose, far beyond a wide extent of yellow sands,
sparkled the emerald ocean, diversified by a momentary breaker, shadowed by a
passing cloud, or lit up with a long quivering line of light. No vessel stole along
with lagging sails, and no sea-bird moved in lucid glare. I sat down on a craggy
block of stone on the very verge of the precipice, where a friendly dwarf Oak
spread forth its sinuated arms, and, resting upon it, gazed long and ardently upon
the glorious scene.

A CHAPTER ON THE VARIETIES OF ANIMALS.
By the Rev. F. Orpen Morris, B. A.

" Varium et mutabile semper." — Virgil, JEneid.
There seem to be few quadrupeds, birds, or other creatures, which are not sub-
ject occasionally to variation of colour, plumage, hair, or other external covering.

■ON THE VARIETIES OF ANIMALS. 2.0<)

Probably there are none which are not liable to such accidents of birth or growth.
While, however, in some species, the variation is only occasional or rare, in others
it is exceedingly frequent and common, and in others, again, the natural ap-
pearance seems almost to form the exception to the rule of variety which affects
almost every individual of the kind, no two, sometimes, appearing to be exactly
similar. This is evidently the case with many species of Moths and Butterflies,
and has often given rise to the sub-division of one and the same species, to the
confusion of science, and the trouble of more accurate and discriminating ento-
mologists.

It has been said, indeed, that no two individuals of any kind of creature have ever
been exactly alike in every respect, and this probably may be the case ; but my
object now is not to examine into the laws which constitute a variety, but to
mention some remarkable instances which have come under my observation, or to
my knowledge, chiefly with the view of ascertaining the species which are sub-
ject to variety, and to instance any that are not. One of the most remarkable of these,
I shall mention first. It is a milk-white Jay, in the possession of Mr. Hugh
Reid of Doncaster, one or two small feathers in the wing having a slight tint
©f the blue which is peculiar to that part. It is not full grown, but is in fine
feather and plumage, and was procured, I believe, somewhere in this neighbour-
hood. Another very curious bird, in the possession of the same individual, is a
Cucoo,* of a general dark cream colour, with distinct markings of a darker shade
upon the back. The Sparrow is met with under very different variations of
plumage. Some I have seen nearly black, but these may have been somewhat
begrimed with soot or smoke, though I believe there is a distinct black variety.
I have one with several pure white blotches on the back, and over the tail, and
with the quills of the wings and the tail mostly white ; this I shot myself in
Cheshire, after a fortnight's pursuit. Another in my collection was shot by a
friend of mine at Paington, in Devonshire, and has the head and neck white
slightly approaching to cream colour, with much white over the rest of its body,
and possessing very few brown feathers. I have also known one of a dark cream
colour, and Mr. Reid informs me he has had another entirely white. I have
seen a white Swallow on the wing, and another is in the possession of Lord Hawkb
[of Womersley Hall, in this county. — Ed.]. I have seen a cream-coloured Lark,
rather darker on the back than in the rest of the plumage. Mr. Reid says that
he has known one entirely white. He has in his possession a Jackdaw with the
long quill feathers of the wing white, and one or two white feathers on the neck.
Also a Partridge with a dull white breast, belly, and vent ; the outside quill
feathers of the wing the same, and the shoulders with a ring of the same colour

* Lest this should be supposed to be an error of the press, we take this opportunity of observing
that the above method of spelling the word is that usually adopted by Mr. Morris._Ed.

210 ON THE VARIETIES OF ANIMALS.

surrounding the lower part of the back of the neck. Likewise, another Partridge,
a very curious bird, with the whole of the neck and chin of a pale buff colour,
and the rest of the plumage of rather a lighter shade than usual. A third has
many clear white feathers on the shoulders, neck, breast, head, and on part of
the wings ; the rest of the plumage of the ordinary colour.

Blackbirds seem very subject to variation of plumage, and particularly, I
think, on the head or neck. In Mr. Reid's museum is one with the head white,
and also the neck faintly divided by a black band, the black interspersed with
white feathers, and one or two more on the shoulder ; also another with the nape
of the neck white, and shading off with the same colour towards the head. I
have heard of a specimen entirely white. Mr. Reid informs me of a white
Bunting*, with only one or two drab-coloured feathers on the wing. Also of
white and cream-coloured Rats, which latter I have seen. White Mice are far
from uncommon. Canaries [after long confinement, and especially if bred in that
state. — Ed.] vary much in plumage. I have seen one with brown plumage on
the nape of the neck, cheeks, and part of the back, and a bar of the same colour
across the breast. White Bullfinchest have been seen, and also black ones.
The latter, I believe, in consequence of their having been fed £too profusely] on
Hemp seed.

In The Naturalist for December, 1836 (Vol. I. p. 224), mention is made by
Mr. Neville Wood of a white Jackdaw, and by Mr. Blyth " of a female Whin
Linnet one third white" ; also, by Mr. Wood, of " a Rook, shot by the keeper
to John Silvester, Esq., of the Grove, near Ashbourn, the head, feet, and bill
of which are nearly white, and the primary feathers of the wing are perfectly
white." I have read somewhere of a white Wren. £Wc have seen a Wren with
the crown of the head white. — Ed.] In addition to the pied Sparrow in my pos-
session, noticed above, I have just seen another very similar (they are both fe-
males, and I think in this species, the varieties more frequently occur in the fe-
male sex than in the male.). It has eight white feathers in each wing, but no
other white markings, having the rest of the plumage of the ordinary colour ; the
two white feathers nearest to the pinion (in one wing only one feather from it ;
in the other eight) are separated by one of the usual colour, and in the right
wing a second brown feather intermediate between two other of the white ones,

* We once noticed a Yellow Bunting in Bagofs Park, Staffordshire, with a white head. This
species is, in our opinion, not so much subject to variety in plumage as represented by some
writers ; and we are inclined to attribute the difference observable in the intensity and extent of
the yellow to age, sex, or season, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred. — Ed.

f The only individual of this species, of which we have heard, with the bill, claws, and the
whole plumage perfectly white, is now in our possession. It was shot near Foston Hall, Derby-
shire, after a chace of about half-an-hour.— Ed.

CORRESPONDENCE. 211

Pheasants vary very often, and very much in plumage. They are sometimes
seen entirely white ; but when that is the case, they are generally, I think,rather
inferior in size. Another variety (female) has the neck and head white, the cen-
tre feathers of the tail also white ; the back is chiefly white, and likewise the quill
feathers of the wing ; the rest of the plumage is mottled throughout with white.
Another variety (a female) appears to be assuming the plumage of the male, but
is altogether more dull. The head is white with a few brown feathers, the breast
is almost all rust-coloured, with a few and not very dark-purple edgings to the
feathers ; the back feathers have white edgings, and rather light brown. A male
variety has the head nearly white, the neck purple, green, and white, the tail
white ; the rest of the plumage mottled, chiefly on the back ; part of the breast
of the ordinary colour. These three last are in the collection of Mr. W. H.
Rudston Read, of Frickley Hall [neat Doncaster. — Ed.]. Mr. Hugh Reid has
a Partridge with the breast, belly, vent, and shoulders white, a white indistinctly
marked line going from the latter round the neck.

Since writing the above, I have seen an entirely black Sparrow, and an en-
tirely white one, though of rather a muddy colour, also a Sand Martin with the
breast quite white, a whitish band round the nape of the neck, and the whole
of the plumage of the back of the usual colour.

I have seen a Rook, on the wing, of a light chocolate brown colour. Another
pied Blackbird which I have just seen, has the rump white, with a few black
feathers, and one white tail-covert, and a few white feathers on the fore-head,
shoulders, nape, and pinions.

C To be continued. J

[[The most remarkable varieties of birds that have fallen under our notice were
a Chaff Finch and a Corn Bunting. Both of these were pied in a very curious
manner. The former would, probably, never have altered ; but the latter ap-
peared to be rapidly turning white. We have seen a Bank Swallow of a uni-
form silvery colour, and have heard of a white Robin Redbreast. A white Gol-
den-crowned Kinglet, and many other interesting varieties of birds, may be seen
in the British Museum. — Ed.]

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Difference between Amber and Copal.
To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Dear Sir,— The greater number of mineralogists with whom I am acquainted
have been able to state what are the physical and chemical characters of Amber
No. 10, Vol. II. 2 f

212 CORRESPONDENCE.

and Copal, but not what is the positive distinguishing difference between them .
I think, however, an experiment of my own, to be subsequently detailed, will
accomplish this.

For example, Amber and Copal are vegetable gums, having the same specific
gravity, and are similar in colour ; they both burn with a bright flame, giving off a
resinous odour. Both are electric, and, lastly, both of them are insoluble in
water (at any temperature), but soluble in alcohol. Sometimes, however, the
fracture of Amber is of a well-defined conchoidal form, whilst Copal is rarely
even imperfectly conchoidal. Yet to the majority of students there is a doubt
as to the identity of these interesting substances, whilst they have not hitherto
had data sufficient to demonstrate their actual difference. At least such is my
impression ; and I say so because the works of mineralogists leave the subject
in the state before mentioned, enumerating the characters common to both, but
not pointing out the positive difference between them.

I had, however, a few years since, the satisfaction to obtain a test whereby to
distinguish them, and which renders it necessary that they have some difference
in their chemical properties. I may mention that I was trying an experiment
with a piece of opaque amber, for the purpose of rendering it transparent. The
following was the process : — A piece of opaque Amber, round which some pack-
thread was tied, was suspended in linseed oil in a small saucepan, and the oil
was gradually heated (the Amber remaining in it all the while) ; when it was
removed, the only alteration which had taken place was simply that the Amber
was cracked on its surface, in small and superficial fissures, the substance being
otherwise unchanged. I then took a bit of Copal, and submitted it to the same
process, and on examining it shortly afterwards, the Copal was softened, and sub-
sequently dissolved.

Legend of the Bloody Stones.

Within the immediate vicinity of Conisborough Castle there is a small rivulet,
in which are to be seen many stones having dark red patches on the surface. I
am told that there is a tradition current among the lower classes of the village
and its vicinity, that at some remote period of our history there was a sangui-
nary battle fought at this spot, and that such a quantity of human blood was
spilled on the occasion, that all the stones become deeply saturated with it ; and,
although the water has continued to ripple over them for more than two cen-
turies on its way to the Don, yet it has not been able to wash away the human
gore — hence the designation " bloody stones." I have now some of these bloody
stones lying before me,* and will describe them. They are pieces of carbonate

* The stones were given to me by Mr. Joseph Foster of this town, to whom I am indebted
for the substance of the above legend.

CORRESPONDENCE. 213

of* lime, about three or four inches long, and two broad, having irregular surfaces,
the greater part of which are of a yellowish colour (ferruginous carbonate of lime),
with patches of red oxide of iron, and a little green vegetable efflorescence.

My object in sending this brief notice to you arises from my knowledge of your
devotion to. science, and to everything that may advance the human mind in
moral or intellectual excellence ; hence I trust you will allow this a place in your
interesting miscellany. I ask this, being convinced that the absurdities of va-
rious local traditions might be traced to some similar source of ignorance (like
that of the bloody stones), and become ineffective and harmless, when
examined by the recognised principles of true philosophy, and the refulgent lights
of science.

I have the honour to be, Dear Sir,
Your obedient Servant,

J. L. Levison.

Hall-Gate, Doncaster, May 13, 1837.

On the Backwardness of the Season ; and on the management of this

Magazine.
To the Editor of the Naturalist.

My dear Sir, — Whatever our friend — may say — his wishes doubt-
less qualifying his language — I am bound to assert, that the migratory birds have
7vot generally made their appearance in this part of the country within nearly
three weeks of their usual time. Why if they had, we should have witnessed
the phenomenon of the Nightingale " pouring his music [in the night's dull ear"
with a thermometer below the freezing point, and amidst clouds of falling snow.
Witness the following extract from my log-book : — April 1 1 . — " This afternoon,
about two, p. m., the atmosphere having been obscure the whole morning, a
furious snow-storm came on, and continued almost without intermission till late
in the evening. About eight, p. m., the snow had become a sort of rime, which
clung to and encrusted everything, so that the whole face of Nature was again
enveloped in its wintry robe ; the trees in particular being covered as with hoar-
frost. So closely did this rimy snow cling, coming from the north-east, that in
walking up to my house from Worcester, though with an umbrella, and defending
myself in the best possible manner, my breast became as regularly encased with
snow as if it had been thickly laid on artificially." " April 12. — A complete and
wintry picture presented itself to view, every object glistening in its decorated
and sparkling ermine robe ; even the tower and pinnacles of Worcester cathedral,
and old St. Andrew's spire, were encased at their very apices, and for some dis-
tance downwards, presenting a curious and singular spectacle." " April 13. —

2f2

214 CORRESPONDENCE.

Miserably cold, gloomy, and ungenial. A little after noon I placed a thermo-
meter outside the window, towards the south-west, and it only indicated
38 degrees."

Now I know a copse by the side of the river Severn, where, in fonner years, I
could constantly hear numbers of Nightingales invariably on the 8th or 9th of
April ; but this year the first I heard was on the 5th of May, though with an
ear not altogether careless to Nature's dulcet sounds. I saw the Spring Oatear
(Budytes verna) for the first time this year on the 25th of April, and on the
same day a troop of Swallows. The Cuckoo was not heard here till the 28th of
the same month, and the country even now does not resound as wont to do with
that " curious voice " so pleasing to the recollection. I did not even hear the
Wryneck before the same day. Yet the Swift, unwilling to shorten his usual
three months sojourn, and having African engagements on the 2nd of August,
was punctual to the 1st of May this year, as I have often noticed him before.
But what can be said of vegetation ? The Blackthorn was not in flower till the
1st of May, and if a premium of £100 were now offered for a branch of Flow-
ering May, or Hawthorn, I know not where to procure one. Indeed the hedges
are only now beginning to appear green ; but as for Elm or Oak, they positively
look as denuded as they did in February.* The Cherry only put forth its blos-
soms on the 7th of May, and as yet there is no appearance of opening flowers on
the orchard Pear-trees — indeed I greatly fear the bloom is totally destroyed.
Last Friday, in the course of a ramble, perceiving a large Pear partially arrayed
in- leaf, I was induced to examine a tree that thus seemed to have stood the
stormy blast better than its neighbours ; but alas ! on close inspection, the blos-
soms only partly, and in most instances not at all expanded, were withered, com-
pletely nipped, and even, so to speak, scorched up by the frosts, and the leaves
had thus precociously risen around the destroyed blossoms to hide, with their
sympathetic shade, the frightful picture of desolation that would otherwise have
presented itself to view.

To change the subject — I really hail The Naturalist now in his sober quaker-
like dress — he seems like a man who has doffed his pumps and silk-stockings, and
need no longer be afraid of wetting his feet or pricking his fingers. Depend upon
it he will be all the better received for it everywhere, appearing like a straight-
forward, active, honest, worthy, enquiring fellow, who will, I hope, gain golden
opinions from all. To drop allegory, The Naturalist looks like a scientific work, ;
and there are real marks of research, intellect, and originality in its papers. The
fresh air agrees with it. Do not, however, think for a moment I allude to any-

* Even now (June 13) the Oaks are not in full leaf in Yorkshire and in the south, we under-
•tand they are yet more backward. — Ed.

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 215

thing of my own — that is another affair ; if I am enabled to please*, as you are
kind enough to think I do, I am satisfied. You do wisely in reporting the Trans-
actions of the London societies ; it will be advantageous in many ways. The
" Chapter of Miscellanies " is another department that I trust, and am indeed
sure, you will find it your interest to keep up.

Yours, very sincerely,

Edwin Lees.

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

Some Observations on Ananchites and Spatangus.
To the Editor of the Naturalist.

London, May 17, 1837.

Sir, — In the last number of The Naturalist (p. 101), I observe a slight error
occurring in an extract from Karsten's Archiv. fur Mineralogie, relating to the
singular appearance sometimes presented by the casts of Echinites, owing to the
existence of crystals of calcareous spar upon the interior of the original shell.
The translator has made use of the word blade instead of plate, by which latter
term the polygonal portions composing the external skeleton of the Echinus are
designated. The phenomenon referred to in the work above quoted, and which
the writer has explained by the examination of two fossils in the Royal
Mineralogical Museum of Berlin, is an extremely puzzling one to those who may
meet with a " Honey-comb Echinus," and are ignorant of the mould upon
which the cells are formed. I am not aware that any solution of the problem has
been published elsewhere, although the phenomenon itself, and the manner in
which it has been produced, must be familiar to those who have made this
interesting class of fossil bodies an object of investigation.

Fossil Echinites having crystals of carbonate of lime deposited upon their
internal surface, although by no means of common occurrence, are found in all
chalk districts which furnish the remains of Radiata in abundance. I have
never seen these crystals lining the entire surface ; about half or a third only
being thus occupied, and usually confined to the spherical portion of the shell.
It is a curious fact also, that (so far as my own observation has gone) this
peculiarity is only exhibited by the genera Spatangus and Ananchytes.

* The papers of our valued correspondent are always sure not only to be interesting to all
classes of readers, but also to contain much original information to attract the attention of the
scientific naturalist Ed.

216 CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

Each crystal invariably occupies a separate plate, its base never extending
over a suture. They are consequently disposed in rows, the size of each crystal
diminishing from the base towards the apex of the Echinus. Now, wherever
the chalk formation contains flint nodules in any considerable quantity, a certain
proportion of the Echini have their cavities filled with silex, and if by natural
or artificial means the shell (which is not itself silicified) be removed, we obtain
a very accurate cast of the interior. These siliceous casts are generally
abundant wherever the chalk has been abraded by currents of water, the im-
bedded flints being left in the form of superficial gravel. It is obvious
that a deposition of calcareous crystals, in the cavity of an Echinus, would be
no obstacle to a subsequent infiltration of silex, but a cast formed under these
circumstances, instead of presenting elevations, corresponding to the sutures and
ambulacra! perforations of the shell, would exhibit the impression of these
crystals. The history, therefore, of the Honey-comb Echinites is readily under-
stood, but the existence of the crystals is, perhaps, deserving of some further
consideration.

The writer in the Archiv mentions, that in one specimen the crystals were
outside the shell. I have never known an instance of this nature, and I do not
consider it possible for the exterior surface of the Echinus to regulate the size
and disposition of the crystals in the same manner as the interior.

Perhaps the above brief notice may to some of your readers place the matter
in a clearer light than the passage of which you have given a translation.

Your obedient servant,

Edward Charlesworth.

Neville Wood, Esq.

On the Discovery of Cinclidium stygium in Britain.
To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir? — I have this moment seen, for the first time, the number of The Naturalut
for May, and am not a little surprised to find myself mentioned in it (p. 101)
as having presented to the Botanical Society of London a new plant found on a
Moor near " Malkham Farm" Yorkshire, and named by me Cinclidium styrzi-
cum. Now it is quite true that I did, some time ago, communicate to the
Society, through the medium of the Curator, Mr. Daniel Cooper, a specimen
or two of a Moss new to Britain, but it was neither discovered nor named by me.
It is the Cinclidium stygium, and has long been known as a native of the North
of Europe. I believe it was first described by Swartz in Diario Schrcederi,
and subsequently by Wahlenberg in Flora Lapponica, p. 355; it is also
figured in the Flora Danica, tab. 1422.

This very interesting addition to the British Flora was discovered on the

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 217

Moor near Malham Tarn, in Craven, Yorkshire, by John Nowell, John
Howarth, and Wm. Greenwood, three young men from Todmorden, in this
County, and to whom I am indebted for some of the specimens brought from
that station.

I am, sir, Yours respectfully,
R. Leyland.
Halifax, May 22, 1837-

[We regret the occurrence of the error mentioned by Mr. Leyland ; but as,
previous to the publication of our report, we had seen precisely the same version
of the matter in a widely-circulated weekly periodical, we concluded there was no
reason to suspect its authenticity. As it is, however, we thank our correspondent
for correcting the mistake. — Ed. J

PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

April 26. — Mr. Thomas Bell, F. R. S., in the chair. — N. A. Vigors, Esq.,
M. P., D. C. L., F. R. S., exhibited a specimen of the Snowy Sum (Surnia
nycteaj, shot on a moor near Selby, in Yorkshire. Mr. Gray exhibited the
horn of a new species of Deer from the Himalayas, which is probably inter-
mediate between the Indian Deer and the Reindeer, drawings of a similar
palmated horn having been published in Hardwicke's Zoology of that country. —
Mr. Bell described a new species of Galictis, which differs from the rest of the
genus in the nature of the hair and the white fascia round the neck, which were
turned up, the plantigrade character of the feet being moreover strongly marked.
An individual examined by Mr. Darwin was deficient in this particular ; but
this might, perhaps, depend upon temperature, the changes of which, it is well
known, affect the quantity of the hair or feathers of many animals. Mr. Gould
exhibited seven rare species of European birds, from the collection of Temminck,
who had transmitted them to him for illustration in his Birds of Europe ; he
also characterizad a new species of Priomotis.

Anniversary Meeting; April 29. — Earl Derby, Pres., in the chair. — Mr.
Walford read the report of the Auditors, which stated that the income of the
year 1836 amounted to £19,123 14*. 10rf., and the disbursements to .£19,637
3s. 6d. From admission fees was obtained £ 1,330; for annual subscrip-
tions £5,326 5s.; compositions £670; ivory tickets £415 16*.; admission to

218 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

the Gardens £9,463 2s; admission to the museum ,£38 7s. Among the ex-
penses incurred in the department of the Gardens were salaries and wages to the
amount of £2,658 8s. 8d. ; cost of animals £l,478 14*. lid. ; carriage of
animals £l,040 12s. Id.; food £l,853 12s. 6d.; works, repairs, &c, £ 1,981
4s. 5d. ; and the museum formation £2,075 3s. 9d. ; arrears of the previous and
current year £810; invested in land £l,100; in cash £l,159 Is. 5d.; and
capital funded £9,261 12s. Id. The liabilities consisted of debts £l,382 2s. 7d.,
and contracts pending £ 1,453 18s. 8d. The average of the permanent and
necessary expenditure of the last three years is upward of £10,000, the average
annual subscriptions, during that period, being £5,200, exclusive of composition
fees. The money required for the requisite expenses is mainly obtained by
admissions to the Gardens. The revenue from this fruitful source, as might be
expected, has varied considerably during the last seven years, the maximum
having been in 1831, when £ll,425 16s. was received; the minimum (1835)
was £7,343 6s. ; in the past year it amounted to £9,463 2s. It was proposed,
that in future the minimum of the investment fund should be the amount which
has been obtained from the annual subscriptions, and that all the money received
for compositions should be invested permanently, with any other sums the Coun-
cil might be able to add.

Mr. Yarrell then read the report of the Council, announcing that the present
number of members is 3,050, and that there are 43 candidates for election.
During the year 1836, 291 were added, 33 had been removed by the Council, 30
had resigned, and 56 had died. The number of Corresponding Members is 112 ;
Foreign Members 24; and Honorary Members 10. The finances of this Society,
always flourishing, have lately been unusually so, as, during the past year, the
sum received from members had nearly equalled that for admissions to the
Gardens. The library, which had been particularly attended to by the late
Secretary, E. T. Bennett, Esq. — whose lamented death we have already
announced — includes 420 volumes, of which 353 were presented, and 67 pur-
chased; and it is the intention of the Council to devote an annual sum in future
for the purpose of enlarging it. The report states, that in the last year 263,392
persons have visited the Gardens, of which 64,1 02 were members or their friends;
10,028 were admitted by ivory tickets, and 189,263 by payment ; the sum
received from the latter is £2,163 more than in the previous year. The mena-
gerie contains 1,025 animals, of which 307 are quadrupeds, 794 birds, and 14
reptiles. The number of visitors to the museum was 3,668, from whom £38 7s.
was received. The present number of specimens is 6,720, of which 870 are
quadrupeds, 4,800 birds, 450 reptiles, and 600 fishes.

We are happy to be able to add, that the reports were most cordially received,
and that the meeting closed, after the election of officers for the ensuing year,

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 219

without any of those scenes of disturbance of which it lias, unfortunately, for
the last few years been the arena.

BOTANICAL SOCIETY.
April 20. — J. E. Gray, Esq., F, R. S., Pros., in the chair.— The Secretary read
the continuation of his paper, translated from the French of M. De Candolle-,
" On the geographical distribution of plants used as food." The memoir included
various interesting facts relative tothe dispersion, according to climate and temper-
ature, of the graminaceous order, and the uses which they serve in different
nations. — The President alluded to the recent discovery of a French botanist, in
the leaves of Kylanium. A number of membranous cylinders were found con-
stantly projecting from each of the spiculaa, but afterwards became contracted ;
and, under a powerful microscope, this may even be seen in specimens preserved
for forty years. The experiment has been repeated with success. — A communi-
cation was read by Mr. T. Hancock, on certain peculiarities in the two species
of Lamium, viz. L. maculatum and L. album. The author's attention was first
attracted to the subject by his having observed that many specimens of L,
maculatum were entirely destitute of the white longitudinal patches on the
leaves, which are described by some authors as its most important specific
character. Mr. H. had also seen several specimens with white flowers, and so
closely resembling L. album as to be with difficulty distinguished from it. From
these and other circumstances he believes the two plants to be merely varieties of
the same species. Their near affinity had often been observed by botanists ; but
no one except Dr. LinDley had ever so arranged them. Mr. H. considered the
number of whorls not sufficient to form a specific character, and cited Sir W. J.
Hooker's remark respecting the constant purple colour of the flowers, which was
refuted by his own observation, as well as by that of others. We cannot our-
selves consider the identity of L. album and L. maculatum as proved; the matter
is one of considerable interest, and can only be determined by following up Mr.
Hancock's observations. Mr. H. is of opinion that the garden specimen figured
and described by REicHENBACHas L. maculatum was really L. purpureum.

MEDICO-BOTANICAL SOCIETY.

April 26. — Earl Stanhope, F. R. S., Pres., in the chair. — "Remarks on the
Haiowa, and on some kindred species," by Dr. Hancock, were read. This
elegant tree inhabits the mountain regions of Guiana, and also near the coast, and
is highly valued by the natives for its numerous applications in arts and medi-
cine. Dr. H. enumerated its botanical characters, and considered the species
identical with Icicia heptaphylla of Aublet and De Candolle, and Amyris
ambrosiaca of Wilde. The fruit, leaves, and bark abound with a sweet odori!er-

No. 10, Vol. II. 2«

220 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

ous balsam or gum resin, which — as in other species of Amyridacece — is yielded
much more plentifully on the highlands than on the flat alluvial coast. Dr. H.
believes that the species of the natural family Amyridacece have been multiplied
and confounded, and that some extraordinary errors are entertained respecting
their balsamic products — the Wourali* poison and that of the Ticunas having
been attributed to one of the species, A. toxifera. The gum-resin of the Haiowa
exudes from the trunk and branches, either naturally or from incisions made in
the tree, and may be obtained in considerable quantities in the dry season, about
the full moon, when its exhalations load the air with a grateful odour. The fruit
is also replete with the balsam, and it is of a bitterish, subacrid flavour ; its
properties being similar to those of the famed carpo-balsamum formerly known
in the shops. Dr. H. described some other trees belonging to the same family ;
and so abundant are these exudations in different parts of Guiana, that ship loads
might be brought here, and it would be far superior to pitch and tar in imparting
durability to cordage. The Indians mix it with anoto paint, and oil of carapa,
for anointing their bodies. The author considers that it possesses virtues equal or
superior to those of the balm of Gilead, the manner of preparing it being by drawing
it into bottles, and keeping it closely corked, for it hardens and becomes brittle by
long exposure to the air. The Haiowa is regarded by the natives as one of their most
sovereign remedies. Its fumes are inhaled in coughs, and the balsam forms an
excellent plaister for wounds, as well as a restorative in atrophy and hectic. The
bark, in decoction, is employed in fevers and dysentery, and is considered very
efficacious against spasms and convulsions. The remainder of the paper consisted
of details of cases showing its effects in coughs and consumptions ; and concluded
with some observations on the utility of balsamic remedies in general, and on the
erroneous impressions prevalent against their use ; but these, of course, would not
be suited to the pages of The Naturalist.

At the conclusion of the above paper Dr. H. exhibited some specimens of the
Wourali plant, employed by the native Indians to poison arrows. The specimen of
the plant was gathered in 1810, from the mountain Courantine, in the Rio Parime.
It is considered to be a species of Strychnos, although its flowers have never been
described by any botanist. The poison is enclosed in the fruit capsules of the
plant, and the arrows are prepared by blowing them through a rod formed of a
slender spike of Palm. The poison is prepared in the shape of an extract of the
bark of the plant. Its mode of action is remarkable. When introduced into
the blood of one of the lower animals it quickly proved fatal, but when taken
into the stomach it produced no sensible effect ; in this respect differing from
every other species of Strychnos. It is necessary, however, to observe that in

* A popular weekly journal, in a recent report of this Society, terms the poison the " far-famed
Worary poison" ! — Ed.

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES. 221

the latter case the poison is uniformly obtained from the fruit, while in the
Wourali it is always extracted from the bark.

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

ZOOLOGY.

The Occurrence of the Girl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus) in Yorkshire. —
At p. 1C4 you observe that you have met with the Cirl Bunting ; and it may be
that the species breeds in your neighbourhood. Dr. Fleming, in his British
Animals, mentions one having been killed near Edinburgh. It is a remarkably
local bird in this part of the country, common in a few scattered isolated localities,
especially on the bordering districts of Surrey and Sussex, and is nowhere more
plentiful than in the vicinity of Alton, near Selborne, whence it is strange that
Gilbert White should have overlooked it. It occurs, indeed, in most parts of
Hampshire, but rather sparingly, at least in comparison to its abundance in the
Isle of Wight, where its tiresome repetition may be heard from morn till dusk,
becoming irksome from its monotony. Its song resembles that of the Yellow
Bunting, but wants the finish in a different key. Montagu compares it to that
of the Whitebreasted Fauvet, but it is less energetic. A few days ago I saw a
fine pair in a bird-shop, for which the man wanted 7s. — Edward Blyth, North
Brixton, Surrey, May 11, 1837.

The Supposed Backwardness of the Present Season. — I constantly hear com-
plaints of the backwardness of the present spring, and yet, on comparing the last
year's notes of the arrival of a few of our spring visitants, I find a very singular
coincidence between them and those of the current year. I am, however, aware
that last spring was also considered backward. This refers to the neighbourhood
of Dublin. I send two or three notes as examples : —

1836. April 22. — Saw several Sand Swallows, Hirundo riparia.

May 4. — Whin Chat, Saxicola cenanthe.

May 7. — Common Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus.
1837- April 23. — A solitary Sand Swallow.

May 1. — Sand Swallows in great numbers.

Same day. — Whin Chat.

May 6. — Cuckoo.
I shall also give the dates of the appearance of a few common flowers [.sea
p. 225]. — Beverley R. Morris, Trinity College, Dublin, May 12, 1837.

2g 2

•J-2-2 CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES?

Papilio podalirius a British Insect, — Mr. Allis's account of this Insect
(p. 38) is a further proof of its being met with in the New Forest, and also its
being set up at Portsmouth. — J. C. Dale, Glanvilles Wootton, Dorsetshire, May
13, 1837.

Anecdote op Parental Affection in the House Sparrow ( Passer domesti-
cus). — " A pair of Sparrows," says Mr. Graves, " had built their nest in a wall,
close to my house. I noticed that the old birds continued to bring food to the
nest some time after the brood had left it. I had the curiosity to place a ladder
against the wall, and looked into the nest, when, to my surprise, I found a full-
grown bird which had got its leg entangled in some thread, which formed part of
the nest, in such a manner as to prevent its leaving it with the rest. Wishing
to see how much longer the old birds would feed their imprisoned offspring, I left
the young one as I found it, and observed that the parents supplied it, during the
whole of the autumn and part of the winter months ; but the weather setting in
very severe soon after Christmas, I was afraid it would kill the young Sparrow,
and therefore disengaged its leg. In a day or two it went with the old ones in
search of food ; but they continued to feed it till March, and during the whole
time they all nestled in the same spot." — Communicated by E., Doncaster, May
20, 1837. £We presume the above interesting anecdote is extracted from
Graves's British Birds, a work, however, which we have never seen. — Ed.]

Arrival of the Yellow Wagtail and Common Swift in the North. — I
have to-day for the first time this year seen the Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla,
flava), at Kirk Sandall, near here. The first and indeed the only Swift I have
yet seen this season, was two days ago. I fancied that I saw two or three pass
the window a few days before, but am not certain. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster,
May 23, 1837.

Comparative Rarity of the Stone Chat in Norfolk in 1837. — I find the
Stone Chat ( Saxicola rubicola) is, comparatively, very rare this spring in
Norfolk, where I have been in the habit of seeing several pairs other years. I
can only now find a solitary pair, and in some situations not a single bird is to
be seen. I think many of our smaller birds are not so abundant as in former
years; the Common Linnet (Linaria cannabina) is evidently not numerous.
Our furze heaths are generally quite alive with them at this season, but now only
a pair here and there fluttering from bush to bush are to be seen. I should
attribute the severity of the winter as the cause of the scarcity, as I cannot
perceive any difference in the numbers of bur spring visitants, which are as
plentiful as in former years. — J. D. Salmon, Thetford, Norfolk, June 14, 1837-

Capture of a Shark on the British Coast. — Yesterday great crowds were
attracted around the shop of Mr. Sweetman, fishmonger, opposite the Swan with

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

Two Necks, Lad-lane, by the exhibition of a fine young Shark, seven feet long,
and 300lbs. weight. In the thickest part it was nearly four feet girth, and the
spread of its tail was above two feet. It was said to have been taken off Mar-
gate, on Tuesday, evidently by a hook with a good length of iron attached to it,
against which it seems in vain to have bit and gnashed its teeth. The front teeth
of the lower jaw, extending several rows back, are everywhere broken down by
the attempt to bite through its iron moorings. The young monster was in fine
condition. — Morning Herald, June 2. [We have heard no particulars to enable
us even to make a guess as to the species. — Ed.]

A Piebald Rook. — Yesterday week was shot, in the rookery of Mr. Sawyek,
of Frampton, Lincolnshire, a young Rook, having a part of each wing white, its
bill white, each side of its head, and under its throat leading to its breast, and
above its bill, of a beautiful white ; one foot was white, as were all the claws,
and the other foot partly white. — June 5.

A Live Rat embedded in Stone. — On Monday week, as two miners were
blasting a drift in a stratum of solid stone, called the scar limestone, at Alston
Moor, six fathoms below the surface, they shot into a small cavity of the rock,
out of which, to their surprise, sprung a full grown Rat. The miners endeavoured
to take the animal alive, but in their attempts to do so it was killed. How long
the Rat had been embedded in its living grave, and in what manner it had con-
trived to exist in such a situation, are questions that must be left to conjecture.
On examination, the stratum around the cavity was found to be perfectly solid
and close in every part. — Neiccastle Journal, June 10.

Singular Propensity in a Cow. — On Thursday, May 4, a person, on his way
from Bishop's Castle to Shrewsbury, observed a Cow milking herself. She was
afterwards noticed sucking several other Cows ; and the owner, Mr. Cheaton, a
respectable farmer at Cothercoate, was informed of the fact. This disclosure ex-
plained to the dairy-maid the reason why the Cows, for several weeks past, had
rendered scarcely any milk except in the morning of each day. — Worcester Jour-
nal, May 11.

New Silkworm. — At Maragnan and Rio Janeiro are several species of Bom-
bt/x, the caterpillars of which enclose themselves in a cocoon, after having spun a
thicker and stronger silk than that of the ordinary Silkworm. It has been tried
by Padre Mestre, and forms a very solid material. A species of Mulberry, the
fruit of which is small and inedible, grows near Rio Janeiro, which it is proposed
to cultivate for feeding the caterpillars. The subject is obviously of considerable
practical importance. — Ed.

A Cat suckling a Rat. — We have lately somewhere read of a Cat suckling
two Kittens and a young Rat at the same time, at the Brewery of Messrs.

224 CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

Hawkes & Co., of Bishop's Stortford. Instances of this kind are curious and not
very unfrequent perversions of the faculties of Philoprogenitiveness. — Ed.

Hybernation of Bees. — Harris, of Easington, buried a hive of Bees in his
garden on October 17 last, and on being taken up last week they were found to
be all alive, and within three hours commenced their busy labours. The most
surprising circumstance is, that they were not supplied with any food at the time
they were deposited in the earth, and, having cast a swarm during the latter part
of the summer, the owner thinks there could not be any great quantity of honey. —
June 14.

On the Value of Faunas. — Learning that my valued friend Mr. Dale has
transmitted the first part of a Dorsetshire Fauna (p. 171), for The Naturalist, I
send you the following extract from the last number of the Quarterly Review,
commencing the critique on Mr. Yarrell's excellent British Fishes. I hope you
will think the remarks appropriate, and not ill-timed, cordially agreeing as I do
with the sentiments expressed by them. I have myself advanced far with a
Natural History of this great county, which should have been sent for your
pages from time to time, but as Mr. Dale has anticipated me, I will reserve it
for you till he has finished. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, May 27, 1837.

" Zoology, we have always thought, will never be satisfactorily unveiled till
every country contributes its Fauna to the general fund, and till we shall be
enabled, by a series of Monographs, to ascertain, not only the number of actually
existing species, but their geographical distribution. As long ago as the establish-
ment of the Zoological Club of the Linnsean Society, it was a favourite suggestion
of some, that its members should turn their attention to the animal productions
of our own country, and publish detached works, each treating of a particular
branch of the subject, and accessible to the general reader, which, when completed,
might form as perfect a catalogue of British species as the nature of things would
permit, and be at the same time a useful and agreeable text-book of the Zoology
of these islands. The proposition was received by men according to their tem-
pers. The sanguine hoped ; the cautious — not to say the timorous — began by
suggesting difficulties which soon led them towards Doubting Castle, and at last
conducted them into the safe custody of Giant Despair ; and there is some reason
for believing, that more than one Mr. Pliable found his way into the Slough of
Despond. The proposition slumbered — the Zoological Society of London sprang
up ; the proceedings and transactions of that Society rose from the ashes of the
Zoological Journal, whose office was done when those interesting publications
were called into existence. A vast field was opened ; new materials poured
rapidly in from every quarter of the globe, and afforded such temptations to the
naturalist that it was impossible to keep pen off them. But in the midst of these

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 225

dazzling collections of foreign zoological riches, some good men and true did not
think « that there is nothing in this island worth studying for' — as some did
in worthy Michael Drayton's time, whereat he expresses his wrath, — and
quietly buckled to the work."

£The value of faunas of counties and districts, when adequately compiled, is, we
believe, admittted by every well-informed naturalist. — Ed.^

BOTANY.

The Fluid absorbed by the Spongioles of Plants, how conveyed to the
Leaves ? — Permit me, through the medium of your interesting periodical, to put
the following question for solution by any of your readers : — Is the fluid absorbed
by capillary attraction by the spongioles or rootlets, conveyed to the leaves by the
same means (capillary attraction), or by some vital principle in the plant ?
Does not the fact that heat promotes the rise of the sap support the argument
in favour of capillary attraction combined with heat ? — T. C. H., Doncaster,
June 6, 1837.

Dates of the Appearance of a Few Common Flowers in the Spring of
1837- — I resume, from p. 221, the proof that the present spring is not so back-
ward as some suppose, by giving the dates of the appearance of a few common
flowers : —

1836. April 30. — Narcissus bi floras.
Same day. — Ranunculus flcaria.
May 1. — R. aquatilis.

Same day. — Caltha palustris.

1837. April 23. — Narcissus biflorus.
May 4>. — Ranunculus flcaria.
Same day. — R. aquatilis.

Same day. — Caltha palustris. — Beverley R. Morris, Dublin, May
12, 1837.

The Wood of Trees which have Died, and that of those which have been
Felled, is there any Difference between ? — Can any of your correspondents
inform me, whether there is any difference, for purposes of use, between the wood
of trees which have died, and that of those which have fallen under the axe ? —
F. Orpen Morris, Doncaster, May 23, 1837.

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

Sacred Philosophy of the Seasons ; illustrating the perfections of God in the
phenomena oT the year. Vol. II. Spring. Vol. III. Summer. By the Rev.

i2'2t> REVIEWS OF NEW PI 'BULICAl IONS.

Henry Duncan, D.D. Edinburgh: Oliphant and Son. 1837. fcap 8vo. pp; 4l0
each.

In a former number (Vol. I. p; 274) we took occasion to make favorable notice
of the first volume of this series, on Winter ; in the two parts now lying beside
us we are happy to observe the same philosophic and kindly spirit running
throughout Dr. Duncan's pages. 'The books are written with an earnestness
and an originality highly creditable to the reverend author^ and must surely
prove interesting to every admirer of Nature. Pressure of matter in other de-
partments alone prevents us from analyzing the volumes, and from presenting our
readers with the extracts we had marked ; but we are convinced the work must
obtain an extensive circulation.

The Botanist. Monthly. Nos. iv. & v., April and May. London : Grocm-
bridge.

Tins publication, conducted by the well-known botanists, Mr. Maund and
Prof. Henslow, has already been so enthusiastically received by the critical and
reading public, that we need only observe, that both illustrations and letter-press
fully maintain the high character so universally admitted to belong to the fonner
parts of the work.

An Analysis of the British Ferns and their Allies. By George W. Francis;
London : Simpkin & Co. 1837- 8vo. pp. 68.

The arrangement of this work is excellent, all the species of this interesting
tribe of plants being included, with illustrative copper-plates of the genera, va-
rieties, &c. The introduction contains much valuable matter, and the author has
been assisted in his somewhat difficult task by several eminent and enterprising
botanists. The treatise is inscribed to Sir W. J . Hooker, and appears to us
altogether indispensable to the student of the British Ferns. On a large sepa-
rate sheet, the author has sent us the third edition of a Catalogue of the British
Floieering Plants and Ferns, the value of which, being well and clearly drawn
up, every botanist will be able to appreciate.

1. A History of British Birds, indigenous and migratory. By W. MacGil-
livray, A. M., F R. S. E. Vol. I. London : Scott, Webster, and Geary, 1837.
8vo. pp. 631.

2. Journal of a Horticultural Tour through Germany, Belgium, and Part,
of France, in the Autumn of 1835. By James Forbes, A. L. S., &c. London :
Ridgway and Sons, 1837- 8vo. p. p. 164.

3. Annual Report of the Shropshire and North Wales Natural History and
Antiquarian Society, for 1836. Shrewsbury : John Davies, High Street. 1837.
pp. 47.

Books with the above titles are published, and will be further noticed in our next.
A Flora of Shropshire, by Mr. W. A. Leighton, is preparing for publication.

THE NATURALIST.

REMARKS ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE CENTRAL POR-
TION OF THE TRANSITION RANGE OF THE SOUTH OF
SCOTLAND, IN WHICH ARISE THE SOURCES OF THE TWEED.

By William MacGillivray, A.M., F.R.S.E., &c.

The most elevated portion of the mountainous track which extends from the Mull
of Galloway to St. Abb's Head, forming the central zone of the southern division
of Scotland, consists of an aggregated group of mountains, from which arise the
sources of the river Tweed. These mountains are for the most part situated in
the parishes of Tweedsmuir, Megget, and Mannor, which form the southern and
south-eastern parts of the inland county of Peebles, and are continuous with the
high land forming the upper ranges of the celebrated pastoral districts of Yarrow
and Ettrick in Selkirkshire, and with the higher parts of the parish of Moffat in
Dumfriesshire.

The river Tweed, which collects the waters that drain from these mountains,
commences at the southern extremity of Peeblesshire, receives accessions on either
hand from the numerous vallies that wind among the smooth green hills, and
proceeds north-eastward in an open, rather narrow, slightly tortuous valley, until
it reaches Nedpath Castle, a little above Peebles, where it alters its course, and
runs directly eastward, still receiving numerous tributaries, until it escapes from
the mountain land, beyond the mouths of the Ettrick and Gala.

The scenery of this region is so peculiar, that an attempt to delineate its
characteristic features seems to me not unworthy of the approbation of those
who are interested in the Natural History of our romantic land. The general
idea of it is extremely simple. It may be summarily described as a district
composed of uniform, smooth, rounded, grey-wacke hills, scarcely ever precipitous
or even abrupt, clothed to the summits with Juncece, Cyperacece, Grasses,
Heath, and pasture plants, and separated into groups or ridges by long, narrow,
straight vallies, which, though generally green, seldom present any natural wood,
even along the clear streams that flow into the valley of the Tweed.

But it is necessary to examine the picture more in detail. With this view, let
us ascend the long valley of Mannor Water, which opens upon the Tweed a little
above Nedpath Castle, and is one of the most extended in the upper part of the
course of that river. This valley runs nearly north and south, for the most part
in a straight line. Its breadth varies from a few hundred yards to half a mile in

No. 11, Vol. II. 2h

229 ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND.

its lower part, where, however, there i3 little alluvial deposit. The bounding
ranges of hills are composed of uniform, rounded, smooth-sloped masses, having
an elevation apparently of from 800 to 2,000 feet. These hills are generally
green, the Heath upon them being regularly burnt, so that a plentiful crop of
Grasses, Carices, and Junci, with numerous pasture plants, and patches of Fern,
succeed the coarser vegetation which has been destroyed. Scarcely any rocks,
properly so called, are to be seen in its whole course, although in several places
there are great accumulations of debris along the slopes, and between some of the
hills there are deep cuts or water-courses, the sides of which are almost entirely
destitute of vegetation. The rock is everywhere greywacke, which is generally
small-grained, more crystalline than aggregated, seldom fragmentary, always in
thin strata, which are vertical or highly inclined, and sometimes slaty. The soil
consists of rounded and angular fragments of grey-wacke, mixed with a light
yellow tenacious clay. It being firm, and the sides of the valley presenting no
level space, water does not accumulate on the ground. Very little natural wood
is to be seen, even by the margins of the limpid stream, and where it occurs it
consists merely of some scattered bushes of Hawthorn, Hasel, Mountain Ash,
Alder, and Willow. There is no Broom, and scarcely any Furze — plants which
in other districts fonn so conspicuous a portion of vegetation. Towards its
tipper part, or head, this valley, like the others, becomes narrower, with higher
mountains and steeper slopes, the terminal rills flowing through deep and very
inclined grooves, and in some places there are crags of considerable height.

Leaving Mannor Water at the uppermost farm-steading, and proceeding
directly southward, we pass over an elevated moss forming the broad ridge which
separates that valley from Megget-dale, and opens upon St.'Mary's Loch. In the
•ascent we observe several plants, such as Saxifraga stellaris, S. Jiypnoides,
Epilobium alpinum, Cochlearia officinalis, and Lycopodium selagoy which give
promise of a richer harvest to be reaped on the huge mountain-mass that now
presents itself at the distance of a few miles on the southern horizon. On the
high grounds, here and elsewhere, we observe extensive and often deep deposits
of peat, of which none occur on the gravelly slopes bounding the vallies. Beyond
Megget-dale, a deep, narrow glen, bounded by lofty mountains presenting the
usual aspect and structure, we pass over an elevated and undulated moor, until
we arrive at Birkhill, situated at the upper extremity of Moffat Water.

Ascending to the summit of the ridge or narrow platform which extends along
the north-western side of that valley, and passing over a moor deeply covered
with peat, in the lowest stratum of which are abundant remains of the roots of
trees, principally Birch, we come upon Loch Skene, a small body of water, about
three quarters of a mile in length, beyond which is a precipitous corry similar
to those of so frequent occurrence in the granitic portion of the Grampian range.
This corry presents the most favourable place for alpine plants, and after examining

ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND. 229

its rocks, tufted here and there with Rhodiola rosea, Angelica sylvestris, and Saliz
aquatica, we reach the summit of the mountain, where a strange prospect opens
on every side ; undulated ridges, with uniform rounded protuberances, stretching
along in all directions as far as the sight can reach. The Solway Firth, the
German Ocean, the Cumberland Mountains, and the Cheviots, form part of the
view, which yet is by no means so striking as that from Ben Lomond, Ben-na-
muc-dui in Braemar, Clisheim in Harris, or many other points in the northern
and western parts of Scotland; its principal character being that of dull uniformity,
the eye finding nothing to arrest it among the lines of rounded heaps that pre-
sent the idea of a tempestuous ocean suddenly fixed by congelation.

This mass of elevated land has an undulated summit about three miles in
length, and is broken into on its eastern sides, first by the corry at the head of
Loch Skene, then by a narrow ravine, and again by two great semicircular bends.
Its principal summits are named Loch Craighead, Middle Craig, and White Coom.
Although the elevation exceeds that of Hartfell, which lies to the south-west, at
the distance of a few miles, and has been found to be 2,685 feet above the sea,
the general character of the vegetation is by no means Alpine, its very summit
being densely covered with a green sward composed of Scirpus ccespitosus,
Nardus stricta, Junci, Alchemilla vulgaris, Tormentilla officinalis, and many
pasture plants common to the lowest regions. I even observed some burrows of
the Mole on the summit of the Middle Craig.

At the southern side of that ridge which overlooks Loch Skene, is a deep tor-
tuous chasm, with abrupt rocky sides, terminating towards the summit of the
mountain in a semicircular recess about a hundred feet in height, down which
flows a small stream. The rock here is generally slaty, more or less glistening,
of a dark grey or blackish colour. The strata are inclined in various degrees, but
are usually nearly vertical, and, as in other parts of the mountain, run from N.N.E.
to S.S.W. In some places they were intersected with veins of quartz, mixed with
calcareous spar and heavy-spar ; and in the bottom of the ravine I found a block
of decomposed green-stone containing crystals of olivine — the only appearance of
trap I observed in the whole district.

The Alpine plants that occur in this chasm, and on the rocks around Loch
Skene, are : — Saxifraga hypnoides, S. oppositifolia, S. stellaris, Oxyria reniformis,
Rhodiola rosea, Silene maritima, Thalictrum alpinum, Cochlearia officinalis,
Poa glauca, Epilobium alpinum, E. alsinifolium, Saussurea alpina, Phleum
alpinum, Lycopodium alpinum, and L. selago. Along with these are numerous
species of plants that occur abundantly in lower stations, as — Epilobium angus-
tifolium, Luzula sylvatica, Angelica sylvestris, Oxalis acetosella, Cerastium
viscosum, Euphrasia officinalis, Vaccinium Vitis-idcca, V. myrtillus, Petasifes
rulgaris, Alchemilla cidgarie, Aira ccespitosa, Fcsluca vivipara, Rubies chamce-

2h2

230 ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND.

morus, and many besides which it is unnecessary to mention. Near the summit
of White Coom, in a mossy rill, I observed Cerastium alpinum, and in 1832
found a single specimen of Phleum alpinum. I am informed that a few other
species have been met with, but in general the alpine vegetation is so scanty as
completely to disappoint the student who has been accustomed to search the
Grampians.

At the base of this mountain, or rather at the base of the ridge that forms the
western side of the very narrow valley of Moffat Water, are two peculiarly
interesting ravines. That in which is the celebrated waterfall of " the Grey
Mare's Tail" breaks in upon the ridge to the length of five hundred yards or so,
and presents a semi-circular termination about 300 feet in height. The rock
being split into strata, nowhere shews continuous surfaces of any extent, but is
broken into small shelves, and for the most part covered with vegetation. The
strata, which run S. E. and N. W., are inclined to the west at an angle of about
50°. The Peregrine Falcon nestles in this recess, as the Eagle did of old on the
island of Loch Skene ; but the latter species has been extirpated, and the former
is rare in the district.

It is somewhat remarkable that in these lower ravines, and in the cuts here
termed " cleughs," are to be found the same alpine plants as in the broken ground
on the higher part of the mountains. Almost all those mentioned above, occur
in the ravine of the Grey Mare's Tail, intermixed with other species, of which a
few of the more interesting may be mentioned : — Aira flexuosa,A. ccespitosa, Fes-
tuca duriuscida, Triodia decumbens, Melica ccerulea, Angelica sylvestris, Hera-
cleum sphondyllium, Solidago virgaurea, Hieracium sylvaticum, H. paludosum,
Leontodon taraxacum, Scrophularia nodosa, Geranium sylvaticum, Rubus idceus,
R. saxatilis,Circcea lutetiana, Vicia sylvatica, Scabiosa succisa, Blechnum boreale,
Aspidium filix-mas, A. fdix-fcemina, A. oreopteris, Polypodium vidgare, P.
dryopteris, Pteris aquilina, Asplenium viride, Hymenophyllum Wilsoni, Crypto-
gramma crispa, Cystopteris fragilis. The trees which occur in the ravines, but
are nowhere else to be seen in the district, are generally of very small size, and
belong to the following species : — Betula alba, Alnus glutinosa, Mespilus oxya-
cantka, Pyrus aucuparia, Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Quercus robur.

The other ravine above alluded to is nearer Birkhill, and presents on its south-
ern side a perpendicular rock, vertically fissured by seams of stratification, so as
to bear a strong resemblance to a group of basaltic eolumns, while its northern
side exhibits a fine display of curved and undulated strata, the layers being of
small depth, and consisting of grey-wacke and shale.

From White Coom to Tweedscross the mountains extend from N. E. to S. W.,
forming an undulated ridge, which, viewed from the plain above Moffat, presents
the appearance of a huge barrier, resembling the southern edge of the Grampians,

ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND. 231

although less broken. In this ridge, which marks the limits of the counties of
Peebles and Dumfries, is distinguished the mountain of Hartfell, thegheight of
which is 2,635 feet. On its southern side is a singular ravine of great depth,
totally destitute of vegetation, and having its sides composed of black or dark
grey argillaceous slate and grey- wacke, in thin strata running from S. W. to N. E.,
dipping to the west, and inclined at an angle of about 50°. The eastern side of
this ravine is composed of crumbled shale, beneath which is a fragmentary mass
containing much iron, and from which flow the celebrated chalybeate springs.

This mountain and the others in its vicinity are for the most part covered with
spongy peat, and afford a rather luxuriant vegetation, consisting chiefly of Cal-
luna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, and the common Juncece and Cyperaceaz. At their
southern basis, the first rock that presents itself, in nearly horizontal strata, is a
dark-red friable sandstone, apparently of the new red series. Northward they
continue of their ordinary geological character, forming rounded masses, with long
narrow valleys, totally destitute of wood, and presenting only a few small Wil-
lows at long intervals along the clear streams which hasten to join the Tweed.
The only remarkable plant, besides the Saxifrages and some of the other species
mentioned above, that I observed in these valleys, is Cnicus heterophyllus, which
grows abundantly at Carterhope on the Frood.

Descending the Tweed, we find it at first in all respects resembling its nume-
rous tributaries, flowing rapidly over a bed of pebbles, and nowhere presenting a
fall or even a rapid, excepting at the bridge near Tweedsmuir Church, where the
nearly vertical grey-wacke strata are exposed for a small space, leaving between
them a chasm in which the river flows deep and clear, and which bears a consi-
derable resemblance to the Linn of Dee in Braemar. At the mouth of the Frood
there is also a small waterfall or rapid, but in no other part of that stream is there
any appearance of turbulence.

At Crook, on the left bank of the Tweed, and at the lower extremity of the
parish of Tweedsmuir, is a quarry of transition limestone, celebrated in the Hut-
tonian controversy, as affording an instance of organic remains contained in a
primitive district, the grey-wacke of these hills having been mistaken for granite.
And here it may be proper to state a fact which is not so generally^known, or at
least not so generally acknowledged, as it ought to be. The geological nature of
this great range of the southern division of Scotland was first determined by Pro-
fessor Jameson, after his return from Germany, to belong to the transition series,
and to present characters similar to those of the grey-wacke deposits of that coun-
try. Previous to that period, the transition rocks of England and Scotland were
not understood.

If we follow the course of the river, through the parishes of Drumelzier and
Stobo, we find little variation in the scenery, the valley being merely somewhat

232 ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND.

wider in the former, and more wooded in the latter, although in all places there
is scarcely any natural wood, and little cultivation, the unfavourable nature of
the soil and the want of lime rendering the latter unprofitable. The 6ame
rounded hills present themselves, with the same smooth slopes, covered with
green grass, intermixed with Heath and Fern. The rock, wherever it appears,
exhibits the same characters, although on a low hill near Atterstane there is an
extensive quarry of clay-slate, scarcely distinguishable from that of Luss, Dun-
keld, and Foudland, but softer, more fissile, and much less durable.

Excepting the beautiful curve of the river at Nedpath Castle, and the wooded
nook there, nothing of any interest occurs along the Tweed until we arrive at
Peebles. Here the valley is wider, better cultivated, and partially adorned with
plantations. The river flows with a uniform current of considerable rapidity,
preserving nearly the same breadth, but hardly anywhere remarkable for the
beauty of its marginal scenery. The enclosing mountains, though lower than
those in the upper part of Tweeddale, are of considerable elevation, uniform in
aspect, with gentle and unbroken slopes, and sinuous outline. The very little
natural wood that occurs always consists of Coryllus avellana, Mespilus oxya-
cantha, Fraxinus excelsior, Alnus glutinom, Quercus robur, and Ulmus mon-
tana, with the Sloe, and a few Willows.

At Innerleithen the scenery is not destitute of beauty, there being a fine val-
ley, bounded by high hills, and partially covered with plantations. From thence
to Whitebanklee, the valley is narrow, more destitute of wood, and less culti-
vated. The rock protrudes more frequently, affording opportunities of examining
the geological nature of the district, although still nothing is to be seen but grey-
wacke and slate. Tolerable clay-slate is quarried in two places, one on the south
side of the river, above Innerleithen, the other below Caberston.

The grey-wacke is usually small-grained, of a bluish-grey colour, and consist-
ing of quartz of various tints, felspar, and calcareous spar, with occasional frag-
ments of clay-slate. It is intersected by small veins or threads of calcareous spar
and quartz. Sometimes, but rarely, it is large-grained, in which case the quartz
fragments predominate, and are usually coloured red, resembling jasper. When
very small-grained, it becomes slaty, and usually of a blueish-grey colour ; and
when still finer in the grain, it presents the appearance of roofing-slate, which
can be slit into sufficiently thin plates. The common tint of the roofing-slate
is bluish-grey, sometimes greenish, and occasionally purplish or reddish. The
strata are generally very much inclined, but in a few places I found them nearly
horizontal. Grey-wacke, grey-wacke-slate, clay-slate, and slate-clay or shale,
often alternate repeatedly in strata varying from an inch or less to a foot or
more ; but when the rock is grey-wacke alone, the stratification is often obscure,
and the mass resembles trap in appearance. The slate and shale strata are often

ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND. 233

undulated and contorted. The general dip is to the west, and the direction N. W.
and S. E.

The diluvium consists of clay, gravel, and pebbles, the latter being of grey-
wacke, slate, quartz, and Lydian stone, but without any intermixture of frag-
ments of primitive or secondary rocks, so far as I have observed. The soil is
clayey and gravelly or pebbly. The vegetation is in no respect remarkable, nor
is the scenery at all picturesque.

From Whitebanklee or Thornylee the scenery is greatly improved, the river
winding through a deep wooded valley to the bridge near Reclees, where the bed
is rocky, and causes rapids of considerable beauty ; but even here, and until we
reach the mouth of the Ettrick, no remarkable geological appearances present
themselves.

The Valley of Selkirk is several miles in length, and upwards of half-a-mile in
breadth, the greater part of its bottom occupied by the river, and the broad peb-
bly beaches which it has formed, and which resemble those of the Spey at Fo-
chabers. The inclosing hills are low, with long slopes, their sides cultivated, or
covered with wood. The town of Selkirk, which stands on the brow of a hill, on
the eastern side of the valley, is built on a pale-coloured, small-grained grey-
wacke, intersected with veins of pink or white calcareous spar. The diluvium is
very deep along the declivities, and consists of clay and sand, mixed with peb-
bles of transition rocks, without any fragments of the primitive or secondary
series.

The range of low hills separating the Tweed from the Yarrow, is of the same
general nature, the strata being of small-grained grey-wacke, which, in decom-
posing on the exposed parts of the summits, often becomes white, and sometimes
reddish, in which latter case one might at first take it for red sandstone.

The upper part of the open valley in front of Bowhill and the]mouth of the
Yarrow, although possessed of considerable beauty, offers no remarkable pheno-
mena, excepting a very high bank of diluvium. We may, therefore, ascend the
celebrated pastoral stream which flows from St. Mary's Loch. Along the lower
part of its course as far as Newark Castle, the strata of small-grained greyish-
blue grey-wacke, alternating with thinner beds of soft shale, are nearly horizontal
in many places. Beyond Newark the valley of the Yarrow, which is narrow,
winds among the green hills, and towards the lake opens up a little,
especially on the northern side. The stream is of inconsiderable magnitude,
with darkish water, and a rapid current. It flows over a pebbly bed in its
whole length, leaving beaches of considerable breadth, and in some places
has cut the diluvium so as to leave gravelly banks from ten to twenty feet in
height. It seems to have little influence on the vegetation along its banks,
scarcely any natural wood occurring in its course. In the lower part of the val-
ley, however, the defect is compensated by pretty extensive plantations.

234 ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TH E SOUTH OF SCOTLAND.

The low round hills which bound the valley, present the same characters as
those described in the course of the Tweed, but are covered with a finer vegeta-
tion, the greater part being green, even to the summit. The soil is a mixture
of clay and sand, with pebbles of grey-wacke, and the diluvial subsoil is of the
same nature.

As this district is celebrated for its pastures, one would naturally expect to
find them of the finest quality ; but, in fact, they present nothing remarkable in
their appearance. On the high grounds Calluna vulgaris is the predominant
species, which, when allowed to grow, choaks up most of the other plants, al-
though it does not attain a great height, and is not nearly so strong as in the
West and North Highlands. When it has been burnt, several grasses, such as
Nardus stricta, Aira flexuosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum, and Agrostis vulgaris,
spring up or are developed, together with Juncus squarrosus, J. acutiflorus, a
few Carices, Eriophorum angustifoAum, and the more ordinary heath plants, as
Tormentilla officinalis, Poly gala vulgaris, Pedicidaris sylvatica, P. palustris and
Bartsia odontites. A thick sward of young Heath, however, springs up, and
the burning is renewed at intervals of a few years. In many places there is a
profusion of Ptcris aquilina and a few other Ferns, as Blechnum boreale, Aspi-
dium filix-mas, and Polypodium vulgare, make their appearance. In the
marshy places the vegetation is similar to that of such grounds in other hilly
districts. On the whole, the vegetation of the higher parts is not luxuriant, but
it seems in general well adapted for cattle. That of the slopes and lower grounds
differs in no respect, as to the species composing it, from the pasturage of the
Pentland and Ochill Hills ; but owing to the great proportion of Junci, Melica
cccrulea, Nardus stricta, Scirpus ccespitosus, and other Cypcracecu, is more
verdant, and often produces dense crops, which might be cut with the scythe to
a great extent.

St. Mary's Loch has been lauded beyond its deserts. Were it placed among
the Grampians, it would attract little notice ; but here, where one may wander
whole days among uniform, smooth, grassy hills, without meeting with so much
as a good peat bog, it does afford no ordinary degree of pleasure to the naturalist
who for the first time views its smooth expanse embosom'ed among the pastoral
mountains, the bright tints of which are reflected from its glassy surface.
Perhaps a sheet of water is beautiful under any circumstances, unless indeed it
be composed of an infusion of peat surrounded by bogs, like the lakes of Lewis
and North Uist ; but the beauty of a lake principally depends upon the character
of the surrounding scenery. That of St. Mary's Loch is of the most simple
character, consisting entirely of rounded, uniform, mostly verdant hills, with stoep
slopes, covered with a coarse grassy vegetation, and occasionally some Fern. A
few bushes and decayed trees add in a manner to the general nakedness, and

ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND. 235

two patches of plantation at the upper end have little effect any way, and are
too formal. The slight sprinkling of natural wood on the slopes consist oiCorylus
avellana, Crataegus oxy acanthi, Fraxinus excelsior, Pyrus aucuparia, Betula
alba, Alnus glutinosa, Ulmus montana, Salix aurita, S. cinerea, and Prunus
spinosa. There is very little lacustrine vegetation, the bottom being uniformly
pebbly near the margin. The species noticed were: Potamogetm natans,
P. crispus, P. gramineus, Ranunculus aquatilis, Arundo pkragmites, Carex
riparia, and Equisetum limosum. Neither the White nor the Yellow Water-
lily (Nymphule) occur in this or the adjoining lake, the Loch of the Lowes,
which is about a mile in length, and with its deep dark water, even outlines, and
tame rounded hills, is little calculated to excite admiration.

The strata in the hill at the north side of St. Mary's Loch run S.W. and N.E.,
dipping towards the east ; on the south side of the opening of Megget-dale they
have the same direction, but incline to the west at an angle of 60° or 70°, which
they retain to the upper extremity of the lake.

Beyond the Loch of the Lowes we ascend a winding valley, among steep
hills, whence come the sources of the Yarrow, in the immediate neighbourhood of
those of Moffat Water, which runs southward in an opposite direction.

The high ridge that bounds the narrow valley of the latter stream on its
eastern side, furnishes the sources of the Ettrick, which, commencing in the hills
about five miles from Moffat, runs a course of thirty miles before it joins the
Tweed. At the upper part of this district the valley is similar in character to
that of the Yarrow, but broader, and with its hills less verdant, and presenting
longer slopes. The stream is also similar, flowing with considerable rapidity
over a pebbly bottom, which is broader than that of the sister stream. The
rocks consist of grey-wacke and slate, of various tints, grey, blue, reddish-
brown, and greenish. Several quarries are wrought to a small extent for slabs,
which are employed as hearth-stones, and for other purposes. I was informed
that the stone answers very ill for roofing-slate, as it cannot be procured thin
enough, and rapidly decomposes.

Between Tushielaw and Selkirk the Ettrick is more tortuous than the Yarrow,
although still very similar in character. Towards its lower part it presents
steep diluvial banks in many places, and in a few the bed is rocky, with pre-
cipitous walls. The rocks, soil, and vegetation continue the same. In several
places are small woods and thickets of natural trees of the usual species, viz.,
the Hasel, the Hawthorn, the Ash, the Oak, the Alder, the Mountain Ash, the
Grey Willow, and the Sloe. There is no want of planting in the lower part of
the valley, which, though in general similar to that of the Yarrow, is broader,
and bounded by les3 rounded hills, with more elongated slopes. The vegetation
is similar, but in general less verdant. There is a remarkable paucity of Willows
No. 11, Vol.11. 2 1

236 ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND.

and Roses in these valleys, in which, as in other respects, they differ essentially
from the glens of the Grampians.

The more common direction of the strata in Ettrick is S.W. and N.E., and
th eir inclination to the N.W., but both are various. In the vallies of Ettrick
and Yarrow there are no precipices, nor in fact many exposed portions of rock,
excepting those in the streams. It is also singular that no rolled blocks are to be
seen of the diameter of three feet.

The Ettrick receives the Yarrow below Bowhill, about two miles above
Selkirk, and their united streams enter the Tweed a mile above Abbotsford,
where we leave the river to pursue its course towards the ocean.

Perhaps few districts in Scotland of equal extent present fewer interesting
geological phenomena than that which contains the sources of the Tweed. Ex-
cepting the limestone at Crook, I have not heard that any of the strata have been
found to contain organic remains ; nor are such mentioned in any of the Statis-
tical Reports, which, however, are in general extremely deficient in every thing
that relates to Natural History. «

We have seen that the whole district, so far as it has been examined, is com-
posed of grey-wacke, grey-wacke slate, clay-slate, and slate-clay, passing into
each other, or alternating, distinctly stratified, often laminar, and frequently
presenting plates of extreme tenuity. The general direction of the strata is
from S.W. to N.E. They are usually much inclined, sometimes vertical, and
not unfrequently horizontal, but present every degree of inclination. The general
dip is to N.W.

The composition of the grey-wacke exhibits considerable variety. Sometimes,
as in the upper part of Eddlestone Water, it is a very closely aggregated frag-
mentary rock, composed of white crystalline quartz, brown and red jasper, black
Lydian-stone, grey or bluish flinty-slate, and pieces of dark-coloured shale,
impacted in a fine-grained greyish basis. The fissures are filled with indurated
argillaceous matter, and dark green unctuous earthy chlorite. Particles of mica
and felspar are sometimes seen in the mass, of which the aggregation is often less
perfect when it approaches in character to a conglomerate.

More frequently, when the rock is large-grained, it is of a bluish-grey colour,
mottled with white, more crystalline, but still evidently fragmentary. The basis
is small-grained, grey, with large fragments of compact or slaty rocks of the
same, colour, or sometimes of dark shale, interspersed. The impacted substances
are white and grey quartz, with very few fragments of a different colour, some-
times small crystals of calcareous spar, and a few particles of mica. Veins of
quartz and calcareous spar often intersect this variety.

From this it passes into a rock presenting at first sight, on its recently-exposed
surfaces, the appearance of a green-stone, but still composed of the same ingre-

ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND. 237

clients. The layers are usually thin, varying from a foDt or more to a
few inches.

. Less aggregated, or moi-e decomposed and earthy, the rock assumes a dull-red
colour, presenting the appearance of a sandstone, but very readily distinguishable
by its other characters. The fissures often present a ferruginous clayey matter,
and the rock is less tenacious.

Next, it becomes very fine-grained, with numberless glistening points, and
very readily splits into plates an inch or less in- thickness, the interior of which is
not laminar, but yields an uneven or conchoidal fracture in whatever direction it
is broken. This is the common grey-wacke slate.

The laminae becoming smaller, and the texture finer, with a lamellar disposi-
tion, the grey-wacke slate passes into transition clay-slate, which is glistening
with minute points, but does not present the glossy surfaces of the primitive
clay-slates, which seem to form a passage from the micaceous and chloritic slates.
The grey-wacke clay-slates are always easily distinguishable from the primitive,
although their colours may be nearly the same. They are never so hard, their
laminae are less coherent, and they decompose more readily.

Becoming still finer, and assuming a black or grey tint, without lustre, the
slates pass into shales resembling those of the secondary formation, from which
they often cannot be distinguished in cabinet specimens. Having the same
carbonaceous aspect, with shining surfaces, they become glossy alum-shale, as in
the ravines of Hartfell and White Coom.

All these varieties, but especially the slates and shales, have a tendency to
break into rhomboidal fragments, of which the acute angle is about 65°. I have
remarked curious tortuous impressions between the laminae of the slate, but am
unable to say whether they are indicative of the remains of organic matter
or not.

Quartz, calcareous spar, and heavy spar, chlorite, and iron-pyrites, are the
only minerals which I have seen in veins or nodules in these rocks. Galena,
however, has been found in a few places, as on Mannor Water, and it is reported
that a silver, some say a gold mine, was formerly worked in Megget-dale.

In form the hills approximate in a considerable degree to many of the granitic
masses of Aberdeenshire, but they never present the precipices and corries which
characterize the more elevated of the latter.

The whole district, with its rounded, smooth-sloped mountains, connected in
elongated heaps, its long, narrow, straight, or slightly tortuous vallies, its argil-
laceous and pebbly soil, its clear and rapid streams, and its grassy vegetation,
with the absence of natural wood, and the scarcity of artificial, forms a strong
contrast to the mountainous district of the middle and northern divisions of
Scotland, in which peaked, serrated and ridgy mountains with crags and corries,

2i2

238 ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND.

rugged and winding vallies, slopes covered with debris and patched with Heath
. and Brake, brown or limpid streams fringed with Alder and Birch, rivers and
lakes with cataracts and islands, dark forests of Pines and thickets of Briars,
with other remarkable features, still, and will for ages, give interest to the
ancient land of the Gael. The physical and moral character of the natives, too,
is widely different, though, judging from what I have observed, I should have no
hesitation in pronouncing the men of the south a noble race.

I have to add some remarks with respect to the distribution of the vertebrate
animals.

The quadrupeds are few in species as well as in number. The Pipistrelle Bat
and the Common Long-eared Bat, Plecotus auritus, I have seen in Nidpath Cas-
tle, near Peebles. The Hare, the Rabbit, the Brown Rat, the Domestic Mouse,
the Brown Water-rat, the short-tailed Field-mouse, the Long-tailed Field-mouse,
the Squirrel in some of the lower parts, the Foumart or Polecat among the hills,
the Ermine, the Weasel, the Fox, which is rare, the Badger still more so, the
Otter, nearly extirpated, the Common Shrew, the Mole, and the Hedgehog, are
all the other species of whose occurrence I have obtained satisfactory evidence.

The birds are, of course, more numerous. To prevent misapprehension as to
their nomenclature, I shall use chiefly the names employed by M. Temminck in
his Manuel d'Ornithologie.

One of the species which I have always considered the most interesting, on
account of its singular habits, lively disposition, and clear sweet song, is the Dip*
per, Cinclus aquaticus, which I have nowhere found more plentiful than along
the Tweed and its tributaries. The Missel Thrush, Turdus viscivorus, I have
seen about Peebles, Selkirk, and elsewhere. The Blackbird and Mavis are not
so plentiful as in many other districts. In winter I have seen the Fieldfare and
Redwing, which, however, are less plentiful than in the lower districts. Sir
William Jardine informs me that the Ring Ouzel is not very uncommon in
Moffat-dale.

Saxicola cenanthe and S. ruietra are both numerous in the higher valleys,
where you also sometimes meet with Fringilla cannabina ; but Saxicola rubicola
is rare, although I have met with it in winter.

In the woods, thickets, bushes, and hedges of the lower parts are found : — Ac-
centor modularis, Sylvia rubecula, Sylvia sibilatrix, S. trochilus, S. cinerea, S.
pkcenicurus, which is not uncommon about Peebles, Muscicapa grisola, of which
I have obtained specimens in Ettrick and at Peebles, Sylvia troglodytes, Certhia
familiaris, Pants major, P. cceruleus, P. ater, P. caudatus, S. regulus, which,
as well as the five last species, is common in plantations, Fringilla chloris, F.
ccelebs, Fmberiza citrinella, Pyrrhula vulgaris, Fringilla carduelis, and Frin-
gilla spinus.

ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND. 239

' The House Sparrow is very rarely to be seen in any of the valleys ; the Sky
Lark is not so plentiful as in lower districts, but the Meadow Pipit, Antkus pra-
tensiSj is extremely abundant. Emberiza miliam and E. schoeniculus are rather
rare. The Common Crossbill I have had from the Rev. Mr. Adam, of Peebles.

Hirundo rustica, H. urbica, and H. riparia, are seen in most of the dis-
tricts, although by no means plentiful.

Motacilla alba and M. boarula are frequent, and M . flaveola occurs rarely.

The Raven breeds in several places in the higher part of the group, as does the
Carrion Crow ; but the Hooded Crow is nowhere seen. The Rook is common,
the Jackdaw occurs in a few places, and the Magpie is rare. The Jay is found
in a few places along the Tweed.

Tetrao tetrix and Lagopus Scoticus are both numerous ; but the Ptarmigan
does not occur in the southern division of Scotland. Perdix cinerea is plentiful
in the lower grounds. Columba palumbus is also plentiful. The Pheasant has
been introduced in several parts.

The Cuckoo and Goatsucker occur, the latter very rare, as is the Kingfisher,
Alcedo tspida, which has been seen on the Tweed.

The Eagles seem to have been extirpated. It is -mentioned, however, in one
of the Statistical Reports, that a White-tailed Eagle^had been seen in 1831. The
claws of one seen at Birkhill by Sir William Jardine, belonged to the Golden
Eagle. The Common Buzzard, the Sparrow Hawk, and the Kestrel, I have
seen in various parts. The Peregrine Falcon breeds in several places, among
others on the rock of the Grey-mare's-tail. The Merlin and Hen Harrier I in-
troduce on the authority of Sir William Jardine. The Barn Owl and Brown
Owl are the only species of Strigidse of whose occurrence I am certain.

The Grallatores observed are Ardea cinerea, Vanellus cristatus, Totanus hypo-
leucos, Charadrius pluvialis, Tringa alpina, Numenius arquata, Scolopax rus-
ticola, S.gallinago, S.gallinula, Rallus aquaticus, GaUinula crex, and G. chloropus.

Swans and Geese are sometimes seen on St. Mary's Loch ; but the only species
of this family which I have met with are the common Wild Duck, the Teal, and
the Golden-eye. In January last I saw a fine specimen of Mergus serrator,
which had been shot on the Tweed. The Great Blackbacked Gull I have seen
soaring over the bed of the Ettrick near Selkirk, not far from which is a breed-
ing place of Larus ridibundus.

For specimens of many of these birds I am indebted to Sir Thomas G. Car-
michael, Bart., of Stirling, and the Rev. Mr. Adam, of Peebles. No doubt se-
veral other species occur in the district ; but the above are all whose occurrence I
have ascertained.

The reptiles are the Viper, the Slow-worm, the Common Lizard, the Common
Newt, the Frog, and the Toad.

240 NOTES ON THE AMAIUE.

The fishes are the Salmon, which ascends the streams in the breeding season,
whence it is seldom permitted to return, the Sea Trout, the Phinnoc, the Com-
mon Trout, the Par, the Perch, the Pike, the Eel, the Common Lamprey, the
Minnow, the Barbel, and the Stickleback.

The author of the " General Remarks on the County of Selkirk," in the New
Statistical Report, imagines the parish of Selkirk to have been " one large high
bed of grey-wacke and clay-slate, now cut by the larger rivers into long-shaped
divisions, and cross-cut, by the smaller streams, to a less depth, and into smaller
and rounded divisions." He might have extended his theory to Tweeddale, Scot-
land, Europe, and the globe ; but in whatever way the counties of Peebles and
Selkirk may have been formed, it concerns us more at present to know, that the
elevation of their highest summit falls short of 3,000 feet*, and that snow never
lies in summer even in their most sheltered hollows. It may therefore be inexpe-
dient to apply the epithet alpine either to the hills or to the vegetation of any part
of this region, even of the great ridge extending from St. Mary's Loch to Tweed-
cross. Among the Grampians, the same elevation would produce a much greater
number of species ; but the proximity of higher ground may account in a great
measure for the circumstance. The dense sward which clothes the slopes,and the
accumulations of peat which cover the summits and ridges of the southern hills,
may have suffocated a multitude of species which might still be found there
were the surface as bare as that of the granitic or micaceous groups of the north.

NOTES ON THE AMKRM.
By Peter Rylands, Esq.

(Continued from p. 24.)
Species 11. Amara ovata, Stephens.
Syn. — A. ovata, Steph. Mandibulata, i. 129; Carabus ovatus, Fabricius.
Sp. Char. — Ovate ; with the ant., pal., and legs entirely pitchy-ferruginous ;
above brassy ; hd. impunctate ; thx. rather convex, with a deep dorsal
channel ; the base unpunctate, with an oblique impressed line on each
side ; elyt. green-bronze, slightly convex, striated, the striae impunctate,
' the margin with a continuous series of impressions ; body beneath pitchy-
ferruginous. Length 3| lines.
I am indebted for the above description to Mr. Stephens, who states that he
has only seen one individual of this species, which was captured near London.

* Broadlaw, in Tweedsmuir, 2,741 ; White Coom, in Moffat, 2,685 ; Hartfell, in Tweedsmuir

and Moffat, 2,635.

NOTES ON THE AMARA. - 24 I

Sp. 12. Amara brunnea, Stephens.
Syn. — Harpalus brunneus, Gyllenhal ; A. brunnea, Steph. Mand. 1, 131.
Sp. Char. — Above, brassy-brown or chesnut ; hd. smooth ; thx. with a slight
dorsal channel, and two small punctate fovese on each side at the base ;
elyt. punctate-striated, with an interrupted series of impressions on the
margin ; body beneath rufous ; legs, ant., and palpi, pale testaceous.
Length 3 to 3i lines.
Rare near Warrington ; also taken, according to Stephens, near London and
Bottisham.

Sp. 13. Amara bi/rons, Stephens.
Syn. — Harpalus bifrons, Gyll; A. bi/rons, Steph. Mand. 1, 130.
Sp. Char. — Oblong ; black-brass above ; hd. smooth, impunctate ; thx. behind
transversely depressed, and thickly punctulate, with two fovea?, the inner
larger and deepest, the outer small, oblique ; the lateral margin and the
hinder angles, ferruginous; elyt. slightly convex, faintly striated, the
strise punctulate, with an interrupted series of impressions on the margin ;
body, beneath, smooth, pitchy-red, with the apex pale testaceous. Length
3 lines.
Not having met with this species, I am compelled, unwillingly, to copy a des-
cription of it from Mr. Stephens, who states, further, that only two specimens
have come beneath his observation, which were captured near Hertford.
Sp. 14. Amara discrepans, Maksham.
Syn. — A discrepans, Marsham, MSS. ; Steph. Mand. 1, 131.
Sp. Char. — Above, shining brassy black ; thx. with a slight dorsal channel,
and two abbreviated punctulate impressions near the hinder angle on each
side ; elyt. with rather crenate striae, the interstices flat ; body beneath
dusky ; ant. and legs rufous. Length 3^ lines.
Rare, near London, &c.

Sp. 15. Amara crassa, Stephens.
Syn. — A. crassa, Steph. Mand. i, 131.
Sp. Char. — Very distinct from all the foregoing ; above entirely of a pitchy
brown, with an obscure metallic tinge in the elytra ; hd. very smooth ;
thx. convex, obsoletely wrinkled transversely, the base punctate, with
two strongly punctate deep fovese on each side ; the margin anteriorly
a little dilated, posteriorly somewhat attenuated ; elyt. punctate striated,
the interstices smooth, and the margin with an interrupted series of im
pressions ; body beneath, legs, ant., and palpi pale testaceous red. Length
4| lines. — Stephens.
" Taken near London ; one specimen only has occurred." — Steph.
Sp. 16. Amara agills, Rylands.

242 NOTES ON THE AMAILE.

Sp. Char — Above bright coppery ; hd. with an impression on each side be-
tween the eyes ; thx. anteriorly convex ; with a dorsal channel, and ab-
breviated obsolete transverse impression, and two fovea? on each side at
the base ; the inner one oblong, obsoletely punctated ; the outer one
broad, shallow, and very distinctly punctate ; elyt. with punctate striae,
and an interrupted series of impressions on the margin ; body beneath, and
fern, black ; tib. and tarsi ferruginous ; ant., with the three basal joints,
and bases of the fourth and fifth, rufous ; the remainder, dusky ; palpi
pitchy. Length 3| lines.
Allied to A. puncticollis, Ryl., but is distinguished by the impressions on the
thorax, the color of the antennae, legs, &c. Only one specimen has occurred,
which I captured this spring near Warrington.

Syn. — A. convexior, Wilk. ; Steph. Mand. 1, 132.
Sp. Char. — Rather convex ; deep blue black above ; thx. anteriorly smooth
with a very slender dorsal channel ; the base with an obsolete transverse
impression, and towards the angles a little punctulate, with two indis-
tinct foveae, approximating to each other, and to the margins ; elyt. deli-
cately striated, the striae impunctate, with a continuous series of impres-
sions on the margin; body beneath, and thighs, deep pitchy black ; tib.
and tar. ferruginous ; ant. pitchy, with the three basal joints rufous.
Length 3^ lines. — Steph.
" Found near London, Hertford, and Norwich." — Steph. Mand.
Sp. 18. Amara plebeia, Stephens.
Syn. — Harpalus plebeius, Gyll. ; A. plebeia, Steph. Mand. 1, 132.
Sp. Char. — Above brassy ; thx. anteriorly convex, with the lateral and pos-
terior margins depressed ; the dorsal channel is faint, and on each side at
the base, are two deep, thickly punctate foveae ; elyt. rather convex, with
obsoletely punctate striae ; body beneath, and thighs, pitchy black ;
tibiae testaceous, and tarsi pitchy ; three basal joints of the ant., rufous ;
palpi pitchy. Length 3| lines.
Abundant near Warrington. " Not very common near London." — Stephens.
Sp. 19. Amara obtusa, Stephens.
Syn. — A. obtusa, Steph. Mand. 1, 132.
Sp. Char. — Allied to the last ; above brassy ; thx. with a delicate dorsal
channel, and two deep punctate foveae on each side at the base ; the in-
termediate space also punctate ; elyt. punctate-striated, with an inter-
rupted series of impressions on the margin ; body beneath, and fern., deep-
black; tib., and four basal joints of the ant., testaceous red ; tarsi pitchy.
Length 3i lines.
Rare near London, Warrington, &c.

NOTES ON THE AMAILE. 243

Sp. Amara atroccendea, Sturm.
Syn. — A. latescens, Steph. Mand. 1, 132.
Sp. Char. — Easily distinguished by its superior width, and by the rotundity
of the sides of the thorax ; above deep blue black ; thx. obsoletely wrin-
kled at the extremity of the dorsal channel, and very obsoletely punctate
near each angle, but without any foveae ; elyt. with impunctate stria?, and
a continuous series of impressions on the margin ; fern, black ; tib. and
tarsi, pitchy ferruginous. Length 3£ lines.
Not uncommon near London, &c. Mr. Stephens denominates this species
latescens ; as, however, it appears identical with Sturm's atroccerulea (a name
which has not only the right of propriety, but is unobjectionable), I think it just
to adopt it, in preference to that proposed by the former naturalist.
Sp. Amara laticollis, Stephens.
Syn. — A. laticollis, Steph. Mand. 1, 132; Carabus" erraticus, Dufts. ?
Sp. Char. — Readily distinguished by the breadth of the thx., which is to-
tally impunctate throughout, having no other impression on its surface
than the usual dorsal channel, and that somewhat obsolete ; above of a
bright glossy brass ; sometimes entirely black ; elyt. with faint impunc-
tate striae, and a series of rather distant impressions on the margin ;
ant., legs, and palpi pitchy. Length 3| lines.
l< I have seen two specimens only, of this species, both of which were captured
near London." — Steph. Mand.

Sp. Amara rustica, Rylands.
Syn. — A. communis, Steph. ; A. rustica, Ryl. MSS. ; Harpalus trivialis,
Gyll. ; Carabus communis ?, Fabr.

Sp. Char. — Above coppery, or greenish brass ; thx. broad, with a slight dorsal
line; the base obsoletely punctulate towards the angles, which have
scarcely perceptible foveolae ; elyt. striated ; the striae slightly punctulate,
with an interrupted series of impressions on the margin ; body beneath,
and femora, glossy black ; tibiae pale ferruginous ; tarsi dusky ; ant. with
the three basal joints rufous, the remainder dusky ; pal. black. Length
Si— 3^ lines.
Var. @. — A. coquaia, Steph. — Rather larger, with the foveolae obliterated.
u Extremely common beneath stones, and in gravel-pits, throughout the metro-
politan district ; also at Bottisham, Kimpton, &c." — Stephens. It is certainly
rare near Warrington ; only three specimens have occurred.
Sp. Amara familiaris, Creutzer.
Syn. — Carabus viridis, Dufts.?; A. familiaris, Steph. Ma nd. 1, 133.
Sp. Char. — Above brassy-green, or coppery ; hd. smooth ; thx. with a slight
dorsal line, and an obsoletely punctate impression on each side at the
No. 11, Vol. II. 2 k

244 NOTES ON THE AMARyE.

base; elyt. with slightly punctulate striae, and a continuous series of
impressions on the margin ; body beneath pitchy-aeneous black ; legs, and
three basal joints of the ant., rufous ; pal. pitchy. Length 3i lines.
Var. $. Above shining black, or deep coerulescent.

Var. y. Similar in colour to the preceding, but 'distinguished by being
only 2i lin. in length, and having the ant. entirely rufous, and the series
of impressions on the margin, interrupted. Denominated by Stephens
(who is in doubt whether it ought to rank as a species or a variety)
A. lucida ; it is also, apparently, Carabus lucidus of Duftschmid.
Var. £. ( Carabus erytkropus, Marsham, MSS.; A. erythropa, Steph,)
is distinguished from var 7. by having two obsolete smooth foveae on each
side at the base of the thorax. Length 2^ — 3 lines. A. familiar is is
rare near Warrington, but of more frequent occurrence near London,
Kimpton, &c.

Sp. Amara atra, Stephens.
Syn. — A. atra, Steph. Mand. i. 134.
Sp. Char. — Deep black, slightly glossy, very convex ; hd. smooth ; thx. rather
broad, with a slight dorsal channel, and two subpunctate fovea?, on each
side at the base near the hinder angles ; the inner rather the deeper ; elyt.
very faintly striated, the external stria with an interrupted series of im-
pressions : the reflected margin of the elyt. and the sides of the thx.
beneath, aeneous ; the tibia? and tarsi pitchy-red ; the ant. stout, fuscous,
with the three basal joints testaceous. Length 3 lines.
The above description is taken from Stephens, who makes the following
additional observations : " Remarkably convex, and of a deep, rather obscure
black, which characters, and its slender, somewhat elongated legs, well dis-
tinguish it from its congeners; itsomewhat resembles a Helops." — " One specimen
only found near London."

Sp. Amara tibialis, Stephens.
Syn. — Carabus tibialis, Payk. ; A. tibialis, Steph. Mand. i. 135.
Sp. Char. — Oblong ; above brassy, black ; in some specimens blue, coppery,
or black ; thx. slightly convex, transverse, nearly quadrangular ; with a
slight dorsal line, and two small impunctate impressions on each side at
the base ; elyt. with punctate striae, and an interrupted series of dots on
, the margin ; fern, pitchy ; the tibiae, tarsi, and three basal joints of the
ant., rufo-testaceous. Length 2 — 2i lines.
Not common, but apparently pretty generally distributed. This and the
succeeding species (to which it is closely allied) may be readily discriminated by
the abbreviated striae near the scutellum being absent, or its situation merely
marked by a few distant, obsolete punctures;

NOTES ON THE AMAIUE. 245

Sp. Amara infima, Stephens.
Syn. — A. infima, Steph. Mand. i. 135; Cai-abus infimus, Dufts.

Sp. Char. — Above glossy black ; hd. smooth ; thx. with its lateral margins
rounded, the disk tranversely convex ; on each side at the base are two
punctate foveee, the inner oblong, and deepest ; the lateral margin, and
sometimes the hinder, tinged with ferruginous ; elyt. as in A. tibialis ;
body beneath glossy black ; the legs stout, rusty red, the thighs occasionally
dusky ; ant. dull ferruginous, with the three basal joints pale testaceous.
Length 2 — 2^ lines.

" Apparently scarce ; taken near London, and in Norfolk." — Stephens.

As circumstances have prevented my attending to an arrangement of the
species of Amara, whilst writing this and my preceding paper, I beg to lay before
the reader a classification of them. No doubt it will be branded by many as
artificial. In some measure it is so ; in most cases, however, the species are
arranged according to their natural affinities ; and if it answers no other good
end, I think it not improbable that it will assist the student in his investigation
of the species belonging to this difficult group — thus answering one of the
primary objects of systematic Entomology.

Order, Coleoptera, Linn.

Tribe, Carabacea, Ryl.* ( Adephaga, Clairv.)

Family, Harpalidce, Macleay.

Genus, Amara, Bonel.

* Destitute of fovea on the thorax.

1. atroccerulea, Stu. ; 2. laticollis, Steph.

* * With an obsolete fovea, on each side, at the base of the thorax.

3. rustica, Ryl.; 4. familiar is, Creut.

* * * With a linear impression, on each side, at the base of the thorax.

5. ovata, Steph. ; 6. trivialis, Siu. ; 7. nitida, Stu. ; 8. cursor, Stu.

* Swainson proposes es as a termination to distinguish tribes, as families are known by idee,
and sub-families by ince. Es, as a distinctive termination, is obviously objectionable: thus we
have, Insessores, Dentirostres, Anabates, Ectopistes, and Scarabaeoidtfj — all ending in es, and yet
each of a different rank : the first being an order, the second a tribe, the third a genus, the fourth
a sub-genus, and the fifth a specific (or trivial) appellation. Of what use can such a mock-distinc-
tion as this be, either to the student or professed naturalist ? This Nomenclature may, however,
be tolerated in a classification of birds, in which there are comparatively but few tribes — but in
Entomology the case is quite the reverse, and therefore some more fit and useful termination
ought to be substituted. 1 would propose acea> and that the tribes take their appellations from
the typical families, as the latter do from genera ; thus we should have, Carabacea, Papilionaceo,
Phalaenacea, &c. [We consider the plan worthy of general adoption. — En.]

2k2

246 FLORA OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF LIVERPOOL.

* * * * With two small and slightly punctate foveee, on each side, at the base
of the thorax.

9. acuminata, Stu. ; 10. lata, Stu.; 11. similata, Steph. ; 12. Linncei,
Ryl. ; 13. convexior, Wilk. ; 14. brunnea, Steph. ; 15. discrepans,
Marsh. ; 16. atra, Steph.; 17. Isevis, Stu.
***** Thorax with two deeply punctate fovese, on each side at the base.
18. elegans, Ryl.; 19. plebeia, Steph; 20. obtusa, Steph.; 21. bifrons,
Steph. : 22. agilis, Ryl. ; 23, puncticollis, Ryl. ; 24. crassa, Steph.
****** With the abbreviated strise near the scutellum obliterated.

25. tibialis, Steph. ; 26. infima, Steph.
Bewsey House, near Warrington, June 15, 1837.

A LIST OF PLANTS COLLECTED NEAR LIVERPOOL, IN THE

SUMMER OF 1836.

Deak Sie, — As a reader of your interesting Magazine, and being anxious, as
far as I am able, to contribute to its support, I take the liberty of sending you a
list of plants collected in the neighbourhood of Liverpool, during the summer of
1836. For some of the localities not noticed by myself, I am indebted to Andrew
Stewart, Esq., a gentleman who has investigated a great deal of ground in
various parts of Britain, and to whose kindness in imparting information I am
anxious to bear- testimony. I have in my Catalogue included all the common
plants, which you most probably will reject.* My botanical excursions have
been principally confined to the Cheshire coast, as I find many of the stations for
plants at Bootle given by Dr. Bostock and the late Mr. Shepherd no longer
exist, owing to the ground having been built upon, and a great portion dug up
and cultivated ; and the botanist must now extend his researches on the coast
several miles further to find the plants usually given as growing there. It will
be necessary to mention, that in naming the plants I have followed Sir James
Edward Smith's English Flora.

Salicornia herbacea. Wallasea Pool.t — Hippuris vulgaris. In ditches near

* If our correspondent's catalogue professes to be a Flora of the vicinity of Liverpool, of course
the common plants cannot be omitted. Besides, with plants as with animals, a species abundant
in most parts of the country, need not necessarily be plentiful everywhere in that country, or may
even not occur at all in some spots. Numerous instances of this will doubtless recur to the mind
of the zoologist and botanist. — Ed.

f Wallasea Pool is a branch of the Mersey, which is only filled just at high-water, when the
banks are overflowed for a considerable space •, it abounds in salt marsh plants.

FLORA OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF LIVERPOOL. 247

Wallasea Pool, at Bootle, and in the Moss ditches at Formby. — Veronica ser-
pylli folia. In fields, Woodside. — V. Beccabunga. Ditches, Woodside. — V. offi-
cinalis. On dry banks, "Woodside. — V. Chamcedrys. Woodside. — V. montana.
Tranmere Wood. — V. hederifolia. Woodside. — Utricularia vulgaris. In pits;
North Birkenhead. — Lycopus Europceus. In Ponds at Tranmere, on the Chester
Road. — Anthoxanthum odoratum. Fields, Woodside. — Iris pseudacorus. In
ponds, Woodside. — Scirpus lacustris. In pits, North Birkenhead. — S. maritimus.
Wallasea Pool. — Eleocharis palustris. In ponds, Woodside. — Phleum arenarium.
Sand-hills, New Brighton.* A. Stewart, Esq. — Glyceria aquatica and Briza me-
dia. Woodside. — Dactylis glomerata. — Arundo arenaria. New Brighton. — Hor-
deum maritimum. Wallasea Pool. — Bromus asper. Birkenhead Abbey walls. —
Triticum junceum. New Brighton. — Dipsacus pilosus. Formerly grew on the
site of Abercromby Square, Liverpool. A. Stewart, Esq. — Dipsacus sylvestris.
Bidstone. — Scabiosa succisa. Tranmere Wood, and fields, Woodside. — Sherar-
dia arvensis. Fields, Woodside. — Asperula odorata. Tranmere Wood. — Ga-
lium saxatile. Tranmere Heath. — Galium verum. New Brighton. — G. uligi-
nosum. In ponds, Woodside. — Parietaria officinalis. Birkenhead Abbey walls,
A. Stewart, Esq. — Plantago maritima and P. coronopus. Wallasea Pool. —
P. major and P. lanceolata. Woodside. — Potamogeton natans. In ponds,
Woodside. — Cynoglossum officinale and Lycopsis arvensis. New Brighton. —
Primula vulgaris. Woodside. — P. veris. Though so common in some counties,
I have not seen it in this neighbourhood, and I believe it is comparatively rare
in the vicinity of Liverpool. — Menyanthes trifoliata. Very common in pits at
North Birkenhead. — Lysimachia vulgaris. Bootle. — L. nemorum. Tranmere
Wood. — L. nummularia. Gilbrook. — Anagallis arvensis. Woodside. — A.
c&rulea. Certainly wild in Hamilton Square Garden, Woodside, A. Stewart,
Esq. ; it is also reported to grow in Tranmere Wood. — Convolvulus arvensis.
Woodside, common in the fields. — C. sepium is comparatively rare with us ; I
have only once seen it, and that was in a lane close to the Liverpool Zoological
Gardens. — Campanula rotundifolia. New Brighton. — Jasione montana. Bid-
stone Stone-quarry, t and at New Brighton, with white flowers. — Viola tricolor.
New Brighton, varying much in the colour of the corolla. — Viola canina. Wood-
side. — V. odorata. Speke. — Verbascum thapsus. On the road to Chester, near

* ** The soil at Woodside and neighbourhood is clay based on rock. At New Brighton it
consists of yellow sand, superincumbent on red sand-stone ; it is much divided by fissures and of
inferior quality."

f This locality may appear strange for some of the plants, but the Stone-quarry is part of a
range of hills stretching for some distance (on one of which is the Light House and Telegraph
Station), and the site of it is covered with verdure, much more varied and luxuriant than we are
usually accustomed to lee in this neighbourhood.

248 FLORA OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF LIVERPOOL.

Bebbington. — Solatium dulcamara. Woodside. — Lonicera periclymenum. Wood-
side. — Erythrcea centaurium. Very abundant at Woodside. — E. latifolia. Bootle,
A. Stewart, Esq. — Glaux maritima. Wallasea Pool. — Hedera helix. Birken-
head Abbey walls. — Salsola kali. New Brighton. — Gentiana pneumonanthe.
Tranmere Heath, A. Stewart, Esq. — Burnium flexuosum. Birkenhead Church-
yard.— Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Ditches, Woodside. — Eryngium maritimum.
Bootle. — Sanicula Europcea. Tranmere Wood. — Daucus carota. Woodside. —
D. maritimus. In a field going from Woodside to Rock Ferry. — Slum angusti-
folium and S. nodiflorum. Ponds at North Birkenhead. — (Enantke Jistulosa.
Ponds, Woodside. — (E. pimpinelloides. Wallasea Pool. — Pimpinella saxifraga.
Woodside and Seacombe. — Apium graveolens. Wallasea Pool. — Smyrnium
olusatrum. Wallasea Pool. — Parnassia palustris. Very plentiful at Bootle,
Formby, New Brighton, and Leasowe. — Statice armeria, S. limonium, and S~
spathulata. Wallasea Pool. — Linum angust (folium. North Birkenhead, sparingly.
— L. catharticum. Covering entire fields with its pretty white flowers, Woodside.
— Scilla nutans. Tranmere Wood. — Juncus glaucus, J. conglomerates, J.
effusus, J. filiformis, and J. lampocarpus. Woodside. — J. uliginosus. Bootle.
— Luzula campestris, L.pilosa, and L. Forsteri. Tranmere Wood. — L. sylvatica.
Bidstone Stone-quarry. — Rumex crispus, R.acutus and R.obiusifolius. Woodside,
— R. acetosa. New Brighton. — R. mansimus, A. Stewart, Esq. — Triglochin
maritimum. Wallasea Pool. — Alisma plantago. Woodside. — (Enothera biennis.
Very plentiful at Formby. — Epilobium hirsutum and E.parmjlorum. Woodside.
— Chlora perfoliata. Very abundant at Woodside. — Vaccinium myrtillus. Bid-
stone Stone-quarry. — Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, and E. cinerea. Bidstone
Stone-quarry. — Polygonum avicidare. Woodside. — Adoxa moschatellina. In
lanes near the Wind-mill, Tranmere. — Chrysosplenium oppositifolium. Tran-
mere Wood.' — Silene inflata. Woodside. — Stellaria media, S. holostea, S. gra-
minea, and S. glauca. Woodside. — Sedum acre. New Brighton. — S. reflexum.
Tranmere, A. Stewart, Esq. There are also several species of Arenaria at New
Brighton, and in this neighbourhood. — Cotyledon umbilicus. Near Bidstone, and
at Poulton-cum-Seacombe. — Oxalis acetosella. Tranmere Wood. — Lychnis fios-
cuculi and L. dioica. Woodside. — Cerastium vulgatum, C. viscosum, and
Spergula arvensis. In dry fields, Woodside. — Lythrum salicaria. Gilbrook. —
Agrimonia eupatoria. Woodside. — Reseda lutea. Bootle. — Mespilus oxyacantha
and Prunus spinosa. Hedges, Woodside. — Pyrus aucuparia. Bidstone Stone-
quarry. — Spiraea ulmaria. Woodside. — Rosa spinosissima. New Brighton,
covering the sand-hills ; the roots run deep into the sand, and serve the same
purpose as the maritime Grasses, in binding the sand together. — Potentilla
anserina, P. reptans, and P.fragariastrum. Woodside. — Tormentilla officina-
lis. Bidstone Stone-quarry. I mention this locality because a friend who was

FLORA OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF LIVERPOOL. 240

botanising with me found a specimen with double flowers, which happened to be
growing in a moist place. — Geum urbanum. Tranmere Wood. — Comarum
palustre. Pits at North Birkenhead. — Nymphcea alba. This beautiful plant
is common in all the ponds near Woodside. The allied species, Nuphar lutea,
though much the most common generally, I have not found in this neighbour-
hood.— Anemone nemorosa. Tranmere Wood. — Ranunculus lingua. Very
plentiful in one locality near Woodside; I have found specimens with double
flowers. — R. Jicaria, R. aquatilis, and R. sceleratus. In ponds near Woodside.
It is common to find R. aquatilis in pits that are dried up in summer, without
the leaves in five segments, as they usually are. — Caltha palustris. Woodside. — >
Mentha hirsuta. Tranmere Wood. — Teucrium scorodonia. Very abundant at
Woodside, Seacombe, &c. — Verbena officinalis. Sparingly at Woodside. — Ajuga
wptans, Gleckoma hederacea, Lamium album, and L. purpureum. Woodside.
— L. maculatunu Doubtfully wild in Gilbrook ; in some specimens the leaves
are barred with white, in others spotted, and some much more intensely so than
others, — Galeopsis tetrahit. On the road to Chester, near Bebbington. — Betonica
officinalis. Woodside. — Stachys syhatica and S. palustris- Woodside. — S.
arvensis. Sparingly in sandy lanes, Woodside. — Thymus serpyllum. New
Brighton — T. calamintha. Sparingly in lanes, Woodside. — Prunella vulgaris.
Woodside. — Bartsia viscosa. New Brighton. This plant, mentioned as ex-
tremely rare by Sir J. E. Smith, has been found at Ormskirk, Southport, Allerton,
Speke, Hale, and Ditton, Lancashire, and on Bartington Heath, Cheshire, by
different members of the Botanical Society of Warrington . — B. odontites. Very
common in fields at Woodside. — Rhinanthus crista-galli. This plant is so com-
mon in all our pastures, that I think it has once been cultivated. — Euphrasia
officinalis, Woodside. — Melampyrum pratense. Tranmere Wood. In Wat-
son's New Botanical Guide, there are two or three species of Melampyrum
mentioned as growing with us, but M. pratense is the only one that I have been
able to discover. — Pedicularis palustris and P. sylvatica. Woodside. — Antir-
hinum linaria. Woodside. — Scrophularia aquatica, Woodside. This plant,
as also Cymbalaria, Birkenhead Abbey walls, is cultivated in gardens frequently,
as Bees are supposed to be very partial to the flowers ; is that the case ? —
Digitalis purpurea. Bidstone Stone-quarry. The white variety is common in
gardens. — Draba verna, Lepidium campestre, and Cardamine pratensis. Wood-
side. — Cochlearia officinalis. Wallasea Pool. — Nasturtium officinale. Woodside.
— N. terrestre. Not common. Woodside. — Erysimum alliara. Birkenhead
Church-yard. — Arabis thaliana. Woodside, varying much in the form of its
radical leaves. — Brassica monensis. New Brighton. — Sinapis tenuuifolia. On
the walls at Chester, while collecting this plant last summer, I noticed a pair of
Humming-bird Hawk-moths sporting beautifully over the large and elegant

250 FLORA OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF LIVERPOOL.

yellow flowers. — Erodium cicutarium, and Geranium sanguineum. New
Brighton. — G. molle, G. dissectum, and G. Robertianum- Woodside. — Malva
sylvestris and M. rotundifolia. Woodside. — M. moschata. Not common with us ;

I once found it abundantly in a field, near the New Market, Woodside

Fumaria officinalis. Woodside. — F. capreolata. Birkenhead Abbey walls, A.
Stewart, Esq. — Polygala vulgaris. Bidstone Hill, with purple flowers ; New
Brighton, with white and flesh-coloured ones. — Spartium scoparium. Woodside.
— Genista tinctoria. Occupying too great a portion of our pasture fields. — G.
Anglica. Formerly at Bootle, A. Stewart, Esq. — Utex Europceus. Woodside.
— Ononis arvensis. With spines at Woodside ; at New Brighton, abundant,
and without spines. — Anthyllis vulneraria. New Brighton.— Orobus tuberosus.
Woodside. — Latkyrus pratensis. Woodside. — Vicia cracca. Woodside.- — As-
tragalus hypoglottis. On the road to Bidstone, A. Stewart, Esq. — Trifolium
ornithopodioides. New Brighton, A. Stewart, Esq. — T. minus. Woodside. —
Hypericum androscemum. In lanes about Woodside and Seacombe. — H. humi-
fusum. Hamilton Square, A. Stewart, Esq. — H.pulchrum. Woodside, and in
dells at Seacombe. — Sonchus arvensis, and S. oleraceus. Woodside. — Hieracium
pilosella and H. murorum. New Brighton. — Leontodon taraxacum, Apargia
hirta, and A. autumnalis. Woodside. — Hieracium sabaudum. Woodside, Bid-
stone Stone-quarry, &c. — H. umbellatum. Rabbit-warren, Bootle, with the
glandular swellings in the stems mentioned by Sir J. E. Smith. — Crepis
tectorum, Hypochceris radicata. Smooth and hairy specimens. Woodside —
Cichorium intybus. Reported to grow with us, but I have not seen it. — Arctium
lappa. Between this and A. bardana I cannot distinguish ; I have specimens
from the same locality, varying much as regards the woolliness of the calyx. —
Serratula tinctoria. Gilbrook. — Cnicus lanceolatus and C. arvensis. Woodside.
— C. palustris. The white-flowered one is the most common. — Bidens tripartita.
Woodside. — Artemisia maritima. Wallasea Pool. — A. vulgaris. Woodside. —
Gnaphalium uliginosum. Woodside. — Tussilago farfara. Woodside. — T.peta-
sites. Bidstone. — Senecio vulgaris. Woodside. — S.sylvaticus. Bidstone Stone-
quarry. — S.tenuifolius. Woodside. — S.Jacobcea. Woodside and New Brighton.
This plant grows in the greatest profusion every where in this neighbourhood,
and seems to defy the most parching summers ; at New Brighton, where it covers
immense tracts of sand-hills, it is devoured by myriads of the larvae of Callimor-
phd Jacobcea (Pkalcena Jacobcea, Linn.) ; the perfect Moth is so numerous as to
have long attracted the attention of the most incurious ; I never could find them
in the pupa state, though the caterpillars may be collected in any quantity, but
they are very difficult to rear. — Aster tripolium. Wallasea Pool. — Solidago
virgaurea. Bidstone Stone-quarry and Tranmere Wood. This plant varies
much in habit ; at Bidstone it is short, shrubby, and the panicle of many flowers

ON THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS. 251

dense, the radical leaves numerous. In the wood they are taller, less shrubby ;
radical leaves few ; cauline ones on long footstalks ; the panicle is more lax, and
consists of fewer flowers.- -Inula dysenterica. Woodside. — Bellis perennis.
Woodside. — Chrysanthemum leucanthemum. In great profusion, Woodside. —
C. segetum. Bebbington, and at Formby, in the sandy fields. — Matricaria
chamomilla. Woodside. — Achillcea ptarmica, and A. millefolium. Woodside.
A. Stewart, Esq. has gathered specimens of A. ptarmica in this neighbourhood
with entire leaves ; and they were devoid of the pungent qualities which usually
characterise this plant. Centaurea nigra. Woodside, very sportive in the form
of the leaves. — Orchis bifolia, 0. morio, 0. mascula, and 0. maculata. In fields,
Woodside. — Euphorbia exigua. Woodside. — Sparganium ramosum. Ponds,
Woodside. — Carex arenaria. New Brighton. — Carex pseudo-cyperus. In a pond
on the road to Bidstone, near Sir John Tobin's lodge. — C. recurva. Woodside.
— Sagittaria sagittifolia. Ince Blundell, A. Stewart, Esq. — Tamus communis.
Woodside. — Atriplex portulacoides. Wallasea Pool. — Polypodium vulgare. Bid-
stone Stone-quarry ; also Aspidium Filix-mas, and A. lobatum. — Scolopendrium
vulgare. In lanes near the windmill at Tranmere. — Blechnum boreale. Bidstone
Stone-quarry. — Osmunda regalis. Plentiful at Speke, A. Stewart, Esq. —
Equisetum arvense and E. limasum. Woodside.

I remain, Dear Sir,

Yours most respectfully,
Woodside, May 15, 1837- T. B. Hall.

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS.

In England we generally have some fine warm weather in February, and then
the notes of a considerable number of native songsters may be detected by the
diligent ornithologist, especially those of the following : — Missel Thrush ( Turdus
viscivorus), Fieldfare Thrush (T. pilaris), Garden Thrush ( T. hortensis),
Robin Redbreast (Rubecula familiaris), Goldencrowned Kinglet (Regulus
auricapillus), Ivy Wren ( Anorthura troglodytes), Garden Tit {Varus hortensis),
Blue Tit (P. cceruleus), Coal Tit (P. ater), Marsh Tit (P. palustris), Long-
tailed Tit (P. caudatus), Hedge Dunnock (Accentor modularis), Sky Lark
C Alauda arvensis), Yellow Bunting (Emberiza citrinella), Chaff Finch (Frin-
gilla coelebs), Thistle Goldwing (Carduelis elegans), Spotted Starling (Sturnus
varius). — How many persons, in all ranks of life, take walks in the country at
the time of year of which we are speaking, and yet how few ever suspect that at
least seventeen species of birds are carolling around them ! In the above

No. 11, Vol.11. 2l

252 ON THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS.

enumeration we may have omitted the names of a few birds that sing in
February ; but we believe that one common and justly admired native chorister,
the Garden Ouzel (Merula hortensis), never sings before the warm weather is
regularly set in, and even then it is among the latest to commence, being usually
first heard during one of those delightful sunny showers peculiar to, and so
frequent in, April, and it is on those refreshing evenings that its deep rich
melody sounds so charmingly in the yet leafless groves. We have elsewhere
observed — what has hitherto been overlooked by most naturalists — that many
birds which have been silent throughout a fair day, will immediately begin to
sing when a shower of rain comes on. The Missel Thrush, it is well known,
will pipe away merrily in the midst of a snow-storm, and a shower of rain at the
close of a July evening, is sure to set all the Garden Ouzels in the neighbour-
hood singing.

It is also a curious, and in some measure a well-known fact, that some birds
will sing late at night when a stone is thrown into the bush where they are
roosting, or if any loud noise is made in the vicinity. Many of our readers are
doubtless familiar with the circumstance as regards the Sedge Reedling ( Scdi-
caria phragmitis), but it is commonly believed that the Nightingale will not
sing if a disturbance is made in the neighbourhood of its asylum. There cannot
be a greater mistake than this ; for we have repeatedly ascertained that on some
of those dark windy nights in which Philomel's luscious strains are rarely heard
under ordinary circumstances, it might be roused by the striking of the Hall
clock, the shutting of a gate, or any other loud noise. We have likewise known
the Robin Redbreast strike up its note on hearing the rumbling of carriage-wheels
approach the tree on which it was resting, at eleven o'clock at night.

But what appears to have as much effect upon the song, and indeed upon the
whole economy, of birds, as any thing else, is wind. The most hardy native
birds, which have braved the severity of our coldest winters, as the little Wren,
the Tits, &c, look miserably starved and uncomfortable on a windy day ; and
so soon as the boisterous March winds visit us, every throat is silent ; as long as
they continue, moreover, not one of the birds which we have mentioned as
singing in February, is ever heard. Indeed wind seems to cause a complete stag-
nation in the ornithological world ; and although we are not aware of its causing
the death of even one of the most delicate species, yet it seems so unfavourable
to activity, that, so far from enjoying their accustomed frolics, birds are often
barely able to obtain a subsistence sufficient to keep them in " good case."
During the March winds the smaller birds betake themselves, as much as possi-
ble, to the sheltered lowlands ; and though herbage is at that season everywhere
scarce, yet the practiced ornithologist well knows that he will add comparatively
little to his knowledge in his favourite line, at this time.

ON THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS. 253

All the arrivals of summer birds have been remarkably late this year. Near
Dublin — always, we understand, an early locality — both the vegetable and
animal world appear to have been more forward than with us (see pp. 221 and
225), although it must be remembered that, as " one Swallow does not make a
summer," so the appearance of one or two individuals of even several plants or
animals cannot be adduced to prove the forwardness of a season. The following
are the dates of the arrival of some of our migratory birds in the north
of England: —

In Yorkshire we first saw the Darklegged Warbler* (Sylvia loquaxj on the
21st of April; the Swallow on the 24th ; the Tree Pipit (Anthus arboreus) on
the 26th ; the Wood Warbler on the 28th ; the Cuckoo on the 4th of May ; the
Meadow Crake (Crex pratensis) on the same day; the Sibilous Locustell
(Locustella sibilatrix), Whin Chat (Saxicola rubetra), and Blackcapt Fauvet
(Ficedula atricapillaj, also on the 4th ; we first observed the White-throated
Fauvet (F. cinerea) on the 7th, but we had not previously visited the favourite
haunts of this species for some weeks, and think it probable it may have arrived
a few days sooner. From the few familiar instances above noted, it will be quite
clear that the backwardness of the season, as regards weather and vegetation, has
materially retarded the appearance of our birds of passage. The Darklegged
Warbler is usually our earliest spring visitant ; we have seen it at the beginning
of February, but did not observe it till towards the close of April this year.
The Swallows generally arrive on the 10th of April, but not until the 24th of
that month in 1837, and they did not muster in full force till about the 4th of
May, on which day we had a very large accession, both of species and individuals,
of migratory birds.

We have lately discovered that the Tree Pipit (Anthus arboreus) is in the
constant habit of wagging its tail slowly up and down when perched. This
circumstance — which appears to have escaped the notice of all previous
writers, and is not recorded in our own Song Birds — is not only interesting in
itself, but valuable in a systematic point of view. It proves the close relation-
ship of the more arboreal Pipits to the Wagtails, which they also resemble in
having short crooked hind-claws. We believe the Meadow Pipit does not wag
its tail, or if it does, we have not noticed it.

According to most writers, the Tree Redstart (Phamicura albifrons) shakes
its tail laterally. Upon this point we were doubtful when we wrote our descrip-
tion of the species in the British Song Birds, as will be seen on reference. We
have, however, somewhere read (we believe in Mr. Blyth's edition of White's

* See Hewitson's account of this bird.
2 L2

254 A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &c.

Selborne) that this is an error, and that the tail is moved up and down — an
assertion which we have recently ascertained to be perfectly true.

We intended to have here recorded tha observations on the Sibilous Locustell
promised in a former number (p. 165); but as we have at present neither time
nor space for the purpose, we are compelled to postpone them.

Campsall Hall, July 1, 1837.

A BOTANICAL TOUR IN HEREFORDSHIRE, MONMOUTHSHIRE,
AND SOUTH WALES;

WITH INCIDENTAL NOTICES OP THE SCENERY, ANTIQUITIES, &C.

By Edwin Lees, F.L.S., M.E.S.L., &c.
(Continued from p. 208.)
I left Swansea for Neath early in the morning, but making no stay at the
latter town, pushed on for the " Lamb and Flag" in Glyn Neath, which I had
ascertained to have assumed of late years the aspect of a comfortable inn ; and
in this respect I recommend travellers, more especially scientific ones, not to be
regardless of good quarters, or leave any thing to chance under the hope of an
adventure, which may often prove any thing but agreeable. The outer man
must be sustained if science is to profit effectually, and after a hard day's effort
nothing is more unpleasant than not to be able to take one's ease in one's inn. I
shall leave others to descant upon the " Nidum of Antoninus," which Neath is
said to be, and I have not a word to say in favour of the grim ruins of its abbey,
shrouded in dust and smoke, and which Donovan, who travelled this way thirty
years ago, says, " fail to excite that pensive musing of the mind which buildings
far less important will sometimes inspire." I will only, while I am enjoying
the good cheer of mine host of the Lamb and Flag, just intimate, by way of
episode, that some years previous, when an entire stranger to this part of the
country, I had walked from Neath to Melincourt to see the celebrated cascade
at that place. ( Here, while seated in the dingle on a massy stone some wintry
flood had hurled from the precipice, amidst tall rank plants of (Enantke crocata,
spreading forth their white umbels, and purple stamens, and with my eyes fixed
on a black sullen trunk that, with leafless arms, stood like a spectre on the rock,
I listened to the patter of the water as it fell and splashed, and dashed a cloud of
rime on all the trees around. While thus absorbed in meditation, I was startled
as I turned rftund, by the sight of a stranger with a black knapsack on his
shoulders, who, like me, was intent on a tour in search of the picturesque.

A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &c. 255

Apologizing for disturbing my reveries, he kindly informed me how I might
cross to the other side of the vale, returning by Aberdilais Mill and Water-fall.
I was much pleased then with Aberdilais, its rocky islet, and the enormous
masses of rock at the base of the fall, though the height itself was inconsidera-
ble. But alas ! a steam-mill now deforms the scene, whose noise and smoke
scares away the lovers of Nature and solitude. At the time to which I allude,
one of the miller's family led me by a rude flight of steps to the summit of the
rocky islet on one side of the mill, from whence the best view of the cascade was
to be obtained. This islet I found overgrown with the Rhamnus frangula in
profusion, and I was told various birds visited the rock to devour the berries.
In the afternoon of that same day, as I was proceeding by the mail from Neath
to Merthur, my friend of the knapsack appeared in front of the " Lamb and Flag"
as the mail stopped there to change horses, and, addressing me, observed — this is
the land of water-falls, for I am told five lie within a few miles of this inn. —
Then, said I, this night I repose at the Lamb and Flag; — and at the Lamb and
Flag again I am.

" This is the land of water-falls" observed my friend of the knapsack, and
truly on that occasion I found it so, for the morning opened with torrents of rain,
and before the day closed I was over the water, under the water, and in the
water. In the present instance I was more fortunate, and meeting with an
intelligent man, a native of the district, who happened to be out of a situation,
I determined, under his guidance, to visit the water-falls of the Hepste and
Mellte, as well as the singular cavern called Porth-yr-ogof, through which the
latter river flows, all in one excursion. We first proceeded to Pond-nedd-
vechan, the bridge over the little river Nedd, where there are a few Welch
cottages, the celebrated "Angel Inn" of various tourists, and an unpicturesque
little chapel. I saw nothing in the Angel to tempt me to exchange it for the
Lamb and Flag, though in former days Mr. Warner and other travellers were
compelled to use it in default of better quarters. I have no doubt, however,
the civility of its hostess has improved since the day when, as I was informed,
she refused after night-fall to admit Sir William Heygate, who was then
travelling with a friend or two, and wished accommodation there, but the stern
portress, entrenched within her fortress, vowed, that after sun-set she would not
admit the Lord Mayor of London himself! The Lamb and Flag, which is said
to have arisen from this circumstance, renders such rude " Carinthian"* proceed-
ings now no longer heard of.

I had forgotten my resolution to abandon subterranean explorations, and I

" The rude Carinthian boor,

Against the houseless stranger shuts his door."— Goldsmith.

256 A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &e."

soon found the Mellte was not to be passed, any more than the Styx, without
paying Charon his fee. In other words, my redoubted guide contrived to
recollect at Pont-nedd-vechan, that it was absolutely necessary to obtain the aid
of another person with candles, and he knew a man well acquainted with the
cavern, which he must confess he was not, whom he eould get to accompany us.
To prevent disappointment and indulge security, I submitted to this exaction,
and we proceeded. Between Pont-nedd-vechan and the Dynas rock, to which
we now directed our steps, I think I never saw so great a profusion of Rosa
villosa, all exhibiting that deep red tint which renders the Welch Roses of this
species so eminently beautiful. We crossed the brawling river Dinas, and
examined the immense rock of mountain limestone which is quarried here, as
well as that portion of it where the stratum forms a remarkable curve, well exhi-
bited upon the face of the rock, and called in Welsh Bwa maen, or the stone-bow.
The occurrence of tortuous strata is now well understood by geologists,
and is not so uncommon as was formerly supposed, nor need I pause to
dilate upon it here. The ravine above the " Stone-bow," however, approaches the
terrific, and is well worthy the examination of the geologist, A narrow chasm,
between precipitate rocks rising on one side above 200 feet in perpendicular
altitude, is completely choaked up with enormous shapeless masses of stone, that
have either fallen from the precipices above, or been swept along the gorges of
the mountains by raving wintry torrents, when, stopped by some impediment to
their career, they have here accumulated in towering stair-like masses, pile above
pile, till they present the remarkable aspect of a stony glacier. I explored the
ravine for some distance, till enormous crevices and gaps warned me that a slip
might be attended with the unpleasant result of a fractured limb, and I therefore
desisted ere too late.

We ascended the rock called Craig-y-Dinas, on the other side, by a road that
in former times must have been a very unsafe one, but exhibiting a splendid
view of the various mountains and vallies here opening into the wider vale of
Neath, with a richly-wooded country extending in the direction of Swansea,
Arabia hirsula was very abundant about the rock. On the summit I noticed
two or three grey old stones, evidently the remains of a druidical circle, though
for the greater part almost obliterated ; but I was enabled to make out the circle
to my own satisfaction. At all events Superstition claims the place as her own,
for my attendants pointed out to me a detached towering crag of limestone,
separated from the general mass, as they told me, by supernatural agency, and
certainly fearfully over-hanging the glen below. This they asserted was called
Ystol-Gividdon, or the Chair of the Witch, and they invited me to ascend it on
my hands and knees by a Goat's path, that I might neglect no possible chance
of breaking my neck, though I believe, according to ancient usage, some virtue

A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &c. 257

or other was or ought to ensue from it in consequence; I was. stupid enough to
clamber up, hoping indeed " the Witch" might have some plant in store for me
in her chair — but she was out, the cupboard was bare, and I only had the
satisfaction of perceiving how easily this mortal coil might be shaken off by a
jump from the rock. I did not stop long, however, to consider, lest some demon
should make the suggestion. I noticed, about a third of the distance down the
precipice, a Yew-tree ( Taxus baccatd) growing out of the rock, and on inquiry,
I understood this was the only one known for many miles round, and that some
of the youths of the neighbourhood would, on particular occasions, venture down
at the risk of their lives to cut a branch of Yew from this tree. Few, however,
durst undertake the hazardous exploit. I was here also treated to a legendary
tale, which, as it is very short, I shall record. Both my guides gravely assured
me, and evidently believed it themselves, that, two years ago — " I love to be
particular in dates" — a man returning home late in the evening, perceived a
woman before him as he thought, and thinking she was in the right path he
followed her, when she led him to the brink of this awful precipice, and suddenly
vanished, leaving him tottering on the verge — his next step being likely to be
into eternity ! He was already stepping off the rock, when the Syren spirit
disappeared, but, stretching forth his hands as he descended, saved himself by
clinging to the shrubs depending from the cliffs, and struggled into a Holly-bush
some yards down the face of the precipice, which was pointed out to me, and
thus saved himself from destruction, as he contrived to scramble back again
from the Holly-bush to the summit of the rock. His hat, memorial of the
transaction, remained in the ravine below. I care not about accounting for this,
only mentioning it to show the proneness of mankind in wild secluded scenes to
attribute the simple incident of a man's falling down a steep cliff, by mistaking
his way in a dark evening, when perhaps under the influence of intoxication, to
the interference of a supposed supernatural being.

In one part of the rock there is a cave, overgrown with briars, to which access
is obtained by a narrow ledge along the face of the cliff. This is called Y Ffwrn,
or " the Oven," for what sage reason I know not ; at all events I did not like its
aspect sufficiently to explore it. Having, however, noticed the remark, in a
Guide to Swansea and its neighbourhood, that " the Sheep and Goats frequently
shelter in it," and seeing no signs of the latter, I was induced to make particular
inquiries respecting them. The result was, that wild Goats had been well
remembered to have haunted the Dinas Craig and its vicinity for a long period,
although they were not very numerous ; but the proprietors of the lands around,
having commenced plantations upon a large scale, and the young trees being
injured by the Goats, they were all ordered to be shot about ten years ago, and

258 A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, ke.

this mandate was so effectually carried into execution, that none have ever been
seen since.

A foot-track leads across a dreary rocky moor from the Dinas rock to Cil
Hepste Farm, from whence there is a most rugged and miry descent to the great
water-falls. Some sombre views of distant gloomy mountains are presented in
the course of the route, as well as a glance at the profound woody ravines,
involved in whose shadows the rivers Hepste and Mellte urge their agitated
waters far below to a junction. A deep stony and puddly gully, shrouded in an
almost impervious thicket, is the only practicable pass down the steep, and this
emerges in the glen below, at the base of the cascade. A considerable body of
water (as there was at this time), projected over a slate rock in a fifty-feet fall,
though not a sublime is a beautiful object, and if it does not alarm, it captivates.
The water precipitates itself in five divisions, which, however, superficially unite
into one showery mass of crystal spangles, dashing with eternal motion, like the
joys of life, down the slippery rock that vainly offers to detain them within its
intricate drapery — gleaming for a moment in iridescent lustre, till the instantly
succeeding plunge, reverberated by the rocks around, records their passage into
the sullen shadows that for ever conceal them from view. Over the gloom and
stillness of the fallen waters quivers the lovely Iris, with its radiant zone —
bright messenger of heaven, its coloured glory now oscilated in the gloom, like
memory burnishing the past, but unable to advance a solitary gleam to light up
the future. This water-fall may formerly have been much higher than at
present, for the water has scooped deeply into the bowels of the slate rock, and
the depth of the glen from the land above must be at least 150 feet, so that,
were these precipices not densely clothed with wood, it must be very dangerous
to descend them, and the streams, except from certain points, of course flow
unseen. This is the general character of the streams in the schistose strata of
Wales ; the dark narrow glens are still annually deepening from the effects of
continual attrition upon the shivering substance of the rock, and this cascade
might in time be altogether obliterated, were it not probable that the glen below
it would deepen in the same proportion to the ingulfing efforts made by its own
waters upon the slaty stratum over which it flows. As in many other water-
falls, a very fair passage, practicable even for horses, lies under the waters of this
to the opposite side of the stream, and some tourists have boasted of taking
shelter from a storm of rain under the watery canopy ! This, like many other
supposed wonders, would, however, pretty well illustrate jumping out of the
frying-pan into the fire ; for if the shower lasted long, the recipient of its shelter-
ing powers would assuredly have a wetter coat, and feet too, than if he had
jogged on and defied the elements, instead of attempting a trick upon Aquarius

CORRESPONDENCE. 259

in his own territories ! My road lying under the water, I of course proceeded
that way, and certainly the effect of a bright sun and brilliant azure sky, which
it was my lot to behold through the falling watery veil, I should think greatly
preferable to that of a dismal cloudy atmosphere, although it may allow the
wanderer the benefit of the paradoxical boast of taking shelter from the rain
under the water.

A walk through the woods, a few hundred yards, and a descent amongst the
rocks, leads to the romantic boiling and foaming falls of little Col Hepste, which,
fringed with and half hidden in wood, have a very romantic appearance. The
Lime-tree ( Tilia parvifolia) is very abundant and luxuriant on the banks of the
Hepste river at both falls, and its beautiful glossy leaves and fragrant flowers,
combined with the picturesque aspect that Limes always present, give an
addition and character to the beauties of the scene. The Lime not being very
common any where in this country in a wild state, and seldom found over-
canopying brooks and streams, a question might justly arise whither the tree be
really indigenous here. The aspect certainly is that of an original denizen of the
soil, and its being included as such by Turner and Dillwyn in their catalogue
of the botanical rarities of Glamorganshire, seems to confirm the assumption.
The profound dingle in which the trees grow, has been formed by the continued
action of the water upon the schistose rock, and it is therefore not difficult to
imagine a time when the torrent flowed unshadowed by foliage, and open to the
day over the very ground now occupied by the trees. From whence, then, did
they come ? They appear not upon the mountains, and may therefore possibly
be the product of an ancient plantation, the memory of which is forgotten,
though now undoubtedly naturalized to the locality. The falls I have just
mentioned are a series of water-leaps, forming altogether a depth of about 70
feet, perhaps as interesting as the larger one, on account of the greater variety of
rock and thicket presented to view, and, in my estimation, preferable to the more
highly-lauded ones of the Mynach. This is a charming place for a bivouack,
many portions of the rock offering a commanding position " high and dry."

CORRESPONDENCE.

Some Remarks on the " British Song Birds."
To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Bewsey House., June 14, 1837.
Dear Sir, — Since I last had the honour of writing to you, I have procured
your British Song Birds, the perusal of which gave me much pleasure and satis-
No. 11, Vol. II. 2 m

260

CORRESPONDENCE.

faction. The nomenclature you use, in my opinion, is in most cases the best.
Sir W. Jardine seems, however, from his review of the Song Birds in the
Magazine of Zoology and Botany, to think very differently. Surely the nomen-
clature he adopts cannot be considered excellent ! — You must excuse me if I now
proceed to offer a few criticisms on your book. I believe, however, that they
will meet your approbation : at least I know I shall only be acting as you would
wish any friend or correspondent candidly to do. At p. 285 — 6 you have some
very pertinent and just observations on the use of " common " as a specific
appellation, which you conclude by saying, " common can never be admissible."
At p. 364 we have " Common Goldwing." You will perceive at once that you
have here laid yourself open to a charge of inconsistency. Would not " Thistle
Goldwing" be a much better appellation ? Now it appears to me that vulgaris
is equally objectionable as " common " in vernacular nomenclature ; and I am
happy to find you have discarded it in many cases. But why have we still
Merula vulgaris and Crucirostra vulgaris ? The former cannot be said to be
common, and the latter is of very rare occurrence in this neighbourhood. Would
not Merula hortensis be preferable to M. vulgaris, for the Garden Ouzel ?

At p. 184, in the article Coal Tit, lines 1, 7, and 25 from the top, we have
Marsh Tit where the Coal Tit is evidently referred to. — I hope your interesting
work may soon have to pass through a second edition, and should you think these
observations just, you will then be able to made suitable corrections.*

On the Backwardness op the Spring of 1837.

We have at length the happiness to experience a little summer weather in
this quarter. How late the season has been ! The Swallows did not make their
appearance till the second week in April,t and the Swift was not seen until the
4th of May. Nature seemed to show her disapprobation of the ancient custom
of decking the streets on the 29th of May with branches of Oak ; for she denied
foliage to that tree, and naked branches would hardly have suited the cavaliers
purpose. For my own part, I think the Dame did quite right (craving your
pardon if you are of that class who view Charles as a martyr, and reverence
him as such). As a natural consequence of the Oak being so late in foliage, the
Melolonthce did not " break the still of eve " with their " booming flight " until at

* We have elsewhere observed that we should be glad to have a better name than Common
Goldwing suggested. Thistle Goldwing appears to us the very thing. Merula hortensis is like-
wise good ; but surely Mr. Ryl ands is mistaken in saying that this bird " cannot be said to be
common ;" we never visited any part of the country without finding it abundant, though always
solitary (hence Merula, from mera, solitary) or in pairs. — We feel much flattered by our corres-
pondent's favourable opinion of the British Song Birds, and beg to thank him sincerely for his
candid and judicious criticism. — Ed.

f And they were not common till the first week in May.-— En.

CORRESPONDENCE. 261

least a fortnight after their usual time of appearance. Mancipium cardamines
did not appear till the first week in June ; and the Pont ice were very rarely
observed previous to the same period. In "fact, as far as I have been able to
judge, each species of insect is from a fortnight to a month later in its appearance
than usual.

Excuse my troubling you with such a lengthy, tedious and desultory letter,
and believe me,

Dear Sir, yours very sincerely,

To Neville Wood, Esq., &c. Peter Rylands.

Campsall Hall.

The Cause of Blight in Trees.
To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir, — I was advised to give the following statements publicity, although from
their simplicity they did not appear worthy, or sufficiently attractive for public
notice. They were communicated to me by a neighbour in lowly yet easy cir-
cumstances of life — a man of observation, and one who takes great delight in the
culture of his garden. The remarks were to the following effect : — I have for
many years been trying to find out the cause of blight in trees, vegetables, &c.
I once thought differently, but have now come to the following conclusion ; — First,
we know that Nature, whether animal or vegetable, breeds its own corruption,
and thus I account for the blights. The tree or vegetable commences its growth ;
the sap or juice arises ; however, shortly comes frost, east-wind, or some thing
pernicious communicated through the atmosphere ; instantly the plant shows it
has received a check. Now the tubes, vessels, &c, are full or filling at this
time ; the outer opportunities of enlargement and evaporation of the substance
are now denied. Then what becomes of the superfluous sap or juice ? for the
receiving vessels of the root, being protected, still continue to fill. What is the
consequence of repletion and want of perspiration in the human body ? Are not
the pores of the skin the safety-valves of health ? It must end in disease, some
way or other.

In plants, &c, I conceive, as the check received is more or less violent, or
more or less continuous, so will the blight be more or less abundant.

One circumstance supporting this supposition is, that the grub or fly comes
in such a manner or in such a situation (in the heart of an apple, &c.) as
frequently to prevent our supposing the blight to be caused by attacks of the
insect tribe.

I have the honor to remain, Sir,

Your humble servant,

East Drayton, Nottinghamshire, G ' < .

JuneM} 1837. ; 2m 2 - . . -'

262 .

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

On the Music of Snails.
To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir, — Some time ago an article appeared in Mr.CHARLESWORra's ("Loudon's"!)
Magazine of Natural History vituperative of The Naturalist. It was taken no
notice of, its bad taste being sufficiently evident, and being therefore considered
only likely to injure the falling cause it was intended to serve. The burden of
the song was an attempt to throw ridicule upon an interesting fact, respecting
the musical sounds attributed to snails, which had been mentioned by a lady of
great veracity in a previous number of this Magazine (Vol. I., No. 1, p. 38).
The whole narrative was sneered at, as utterly unsuitable to the pages of a
scientific journal. Now, Sir, for an illustration of inconsistency. Mr. Charles-
worth may indeed say, that he had not the conductorship of Loudon's Magazine
of Natural History at the time I am about to allude to. No, very true, but if
the Editor is changed, why keep up the former Editor's name ? This may be a
puzzling question, but the public, I know, are anxious to have it answered.
Will it be answered ? and, if so, will the reply be satisfactory ? Nous verrons I

Now to the point. In vol. ii., p. 244, of Loudon's Magazine of Natural
History, old series (or old style ? u N. S.," I suppose, implies its existence, though
people seem to think that the improvement is not so evident as it ought to be),
We find the following paragraph, which tallies remarkably with the anecdote
related in The Naturalist : —

" Musical Snails. — As I was sitting in my room, on the first floor, about nine
p. m. (4th of October last), I was surprised with what I supposed to be the notes
of a bird, under or upon the sill of the window. My impression was, that they
somewhat resembled the notes of the Wild Duck in its nocturnal flight, and, at
times, the twitter of a Redbreast, in quick succession. To be satisfied on the
subject, I carefully removed the shutter, and, to my surprise, found it was a
Garden Snail, which, in drawing itself along the glass, had produced sounds
similar to those elicited from the musical glasses. — Sam. Woodward, Diana
Square, Norwich, April 3, 1829."

Now, Sir, some criticism might be indulged in on the narration of Mr. Wood-
ward, but I forbear. I will only leave it to the candour oi Mr. Charles worth,
whether he ought not to take some notice of the statement I have just made, by
way of apology for his former unseemly merriment.

Remarks on Mr. Joseph Clarke's Notes on the Crossbill.
In the palmy days of Loudon's Magazine of Natural History I used sometimes

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 203

to occupy a few of its pages. Among others I sent a paper on the hahits of the
Crossbill, from my own observation of that bird. More recently, a paper has
appeared on the same subject from the pen of Mr. Joseph Clarke, and as it
appears to me that he has plagiarised rather largely from my account, I send
you extracts from both, that the orignality of Mr. Clarke may be made evident,
as well as the care and attention of Mr. Charlesworth in his capacity
of Editor.

Extract from Mr. Morris's Paper " Having, probably, been but little ever disturbed in the

recesses of their native forests, they were at first exceedingly tame. Mr. Martin [George
Martin, Esq., of Sandall, near Doncaster — Ed.] informed me that, when he first observed them,
they allowed him to fire at them several times, and to load his gun after each shot, without
leaving the tree they were upon, though some of their number were killed each time : so little
accustomed did they appear to the sight of a gun, and so little acquainted with its murderous
use. The morning that I saw them, however, they evidently had become a little more wary,
though still more tame than any other wild birds I had even seen before. * * * * The feet
are exceedingly strong, and the legs placed very far backward indeed ; there is very great power
in the muscles and tendons by which they are worked, so that the bird can sway its body into
almost any position such as the situation of its food may require for its getting at it. The birds
seem almost as if their feet were ingrafted into the branch, so firmly fixed do they appear, bending
their bodies at the same time upwards and downwards, in fact, in any direction, and in every
attitude. When the bird is dead, the feet are contracted in a very forcible manner, requiring
some strength to bend them, and bent as if grasping the branch to which they were before so
attached : * the ruling passion strong in death.' '' — Vol. IX., p. 414 — 15.

Extract from Mr. Clarke's Description These busy strangers, with their incessant twittering^

were continually flying from tree to tree, curiously examining every fir-apple, and with one of
their strong feet grasping the twig, and with the other the fruit, of the Fir ; sometimes in a
horizontal, sometimes in a vertical, position ; turning up and down with as much facility as if on
a pivot | swaying their bodies to and fro in almost every possible attitude ; breaking with their
strong, crossed, and admirably-adapted bills, the scaly case ; and extricating the seed from every
cone. It was highly amusing to observe them in their indefatigable avocations, which, on their
first appearance, was a matter of no great difficulty, as they seemed totally unused to the busy
haunts of men, and had not yet learned to fear the approach of an enemy. So tame were they
as to be but little alarmed at the report of a gun, even when near them ; but cruel experience
soon taught them to be more wary, and to court the gaze of the destroyer less wantonly, although
at no time could they be said to be wild or shy."— Vol. I., N. <£,, p. 165.

I remain, Sir,

Your obedient servant,
Doncaster, July 4, 1837. Francis Orpen Morris.

£As regards Mr. Clarke's notes on the Crossbill, we consider them both
original and valuable ; and we are willing to believe that the similarity existing
between some portions of his paper and that of Mr. Morris, are rather to be
attributed to the accuracy of the observations of both parties than to plagiarism
on the part of Mr. Clarke. We should be glad to find that the latter gentleman
could conscientiously confirm our opinion. — On the " Music of Snails" we shall
not comment ; the facts speak for themselves.— Ed.J

204 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Sir James Edward Smith, and not Dr. Latham, the Founder of the Lin-

nean Society.
To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Sir, — I apprehend Dr. Latham was not the founder of the Linnean Society,
as stated at p. 56, but Sir James Edward Smith, M.D., who brought the Lin-
nean Cabinet from Sweden, although chased by a Swedish frigate !

I am, Sir, yours, &c.

James C. Dale.
Glanvilles Wootton, Dorsetshire,
June 18, 1837.

fAt the time we wrote our brief notice of Dr. Latham We were not certain
whether it was Dr. Latham or Sir James Smith who founded the Linnean
Society, and we trusted to the kindness of some correspondent to correct us if we
were in error. If our venerable friend was not the founder of the Society, he at
least took an active part in its formation ; and it may even be questioned whether
it would ever have existed but for this celebrated man. — Ed.]

PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

May 17. — The Rev. W. Whewell, Pres., in the chair. — The conclusion of a
paper, commenced on May 3, and entitled " A Description of the Geological
Character of the Coast of Norway," by Mr. Pearce Pratt, F.G.S., was read.
The paper is especially valuable, as it chiefly notes those circumstances which
have either been imperfectly or not at all known previously. We shall, therefore,
give a brief outline of the communication.— -The chalk cliffs on the coast between
Cape Antifer and Cape la Heve consist of chalk marl, and rest upon a bed of
green sand, 40 or 50 feet in thickness. Alternate with these are argillaceous beds,
ferruginous deposits, indicating the presence of the Gault and Hastings sand.
These lie upon argillaceous limestone, separated into* thin strata by layers of clay,
the uppermost of which contain Gryphma vingula, Ostrea deltoidea, &c, which
represent the Kimmeridge clay. In consequence of a fault, bringing down the
argillaceous deposit termed Argile d' Honfleur to the level of the shore, it has
been supposed that this was equivalent to the Kimmeridge clay, as well as the
deposit on the northern shore of the Seine ; but it actually overlies the iron
sand.

The Kimmeridge re-appears near Cricque Boeuf, and rests on a calcareous rock,

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. _ 265

which, Mr. Pratt thinks, is equivalent to the coral rag formation, and does not
represent the Portland beds. Towards the mouth of the Toucque a deposit of
clay rises from beneath the calcareous layers, containing Gryphcea dilatata and
Ostrea gregarea, thus representing the Oxford clay. This forms the cliffs as far
as Dives, and is seen near the mouth of the Orne, overlying a calcareous oolitic
rock, commonly considered identical with the Cornbrash, but in fossil remains
bearing a much closer resemblance to the forest marble in the west of England.
They are immediately above two beds filled with fossils, among which are Tere-
bratula digona, T. plicata, Avicula incequivalvis, Apiocrinites rotundus, and hence
representing the Bradford clay. — The Caen freestone is usually considered to
represent the Great Oolite of the west of England, but the few fossils found in it
are similar to those of the Inferior Oolite. — Lias is distinctly traced some hun-
dred yards, forming the base of the cliffs near St. Honorine. — From Mr. Pratt's
account we gather, that nearly the whole of the strata found between the chalk
and the lias in England, occur on the coast of Normandy ; the Portland and
Purbeck beds, and the Kelloway rock, only, not being met with in that part of
France.

A paper by Dr. Mitchell, F.G.S., was read, describing a well sunk at
Beaumont Green, on the premises of Mr. Munt, a magistrate for the county
(Hertford) ; in this well chalk was found at a depth of 126 feet ; a spring was
met with 40 feet lower, but the excavation was carried on 17 feet below the
spring, to form a reservoir. The most remarkable stratum in the section was
one 15 feet thick, formed of blue sand with black pebbles. In very wet weather
it emitted foul air in such quantities as to suffocate a well-digger in descending.
A Hawk, flying over the well, fell into it, and a similar fate befel smaller birds,
as well as Bees and Flies.* Dr. Mitchell has no doubt but the foul air was
sulphuretted hydrogen gas, formed by the decomposition of water and iron
pyrites. The country, for three or four miles round the well, is called the " foul
country" by the well-diggers. In dry weather no unpleasant smell was noticed.
The well has lately been bricked-up, in order to prevent the unpleasant odour
above alluded to.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

June 27- — Mr. Thomas Bell, F.R.S., in the chair. — Mr. Gray indicated the
sebaceous glandular structure in the tail of a species of Fox (Vulpasj^ and we

* At least so says Dr. Mitchell, though we very much question the circumstance. It is im-
probable that insects would approach the contaminated spot, and at the distance above the well
at which Hawks and other birds would fly, we are at a loss to conceive how it could affect them
so powerfully. As far as we can judge, Dr. M. does not, in this instance, speak from personal
observation.— Ed.

266 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

agree with him in thinking that this might form a valid generic character.
The colour on the part of the tail appeared to be affected by it. Dr. Smith
observed that he had noticed a similar mark on two different species in South
Africa, which seems to confirm Mr. Gbay's opinion. Mr. Ogilby thinks it pos-
sible that the same kind of glandular structure may exist in the " brush" of our
Common Fox. — Mr. Ogilby described two species of Apes brought over by
General Hardwicke, from the Straits of Malacca ; he named them Hylobutes
coromandus and H. styllites. He then described some species of Colobus, and Dr.
Smith exhibited various species of Moles from his collection.

ASHMOLEAN SOCIETY OF OXFORD.

This Society has lately received a valuable donation from Lieut.-Col. Stacy,
consisting of organic remains from the Himalaya mountains. They are mostly
bones of the Elephant, Mastodon, and Hippopotamus ; Dr. Buckland either has
already described them, or will shortly do so. — A paper by Dr. Duncan was
read, relating to the various fermented liquors used as drink by man, and dis-
cussing at some length the wines of ancient Greece and Italy. — Dr. Daubeny
then described the rocks of Adelsback, on the Bohemian frontier, a day's journey
from the Riesengebirge, or Giant Mountains of Silesia, remarkable for the
weathered condition of the sandstone of which they are formed. The rock is
the Quaderanstein, and represents the green-sand formation of this country ;
it is a continuation of the rock through which the Elbe flows in Saxon-Swisser-
land. The whole of this sandstone formation, occupying a space of four miles
by two, is divided into polyhedral masses, to a depth of not less than 100 feet
from the upper surface. The causes are supposed to be the force of running
water and the downward action of rain, to which Dr. Buckland thought, that
the force of the wind should be added, in which opinion we are inclined to
concur.

We may here notice that we have lately received " A Catalogue of the
Ashmolean Museum, descriptive of the zoological specimens, antiquities, coins,
and miscellaneous curiosities. Oxford : S. Collingwood. 1836." By this cata-
logue we are glad to find that the museum of the society — hitherto so notorious
for its disorderly and decayed state — has been recently undergoing arrangement.
As far as regards the number of the specimens in almost every department of
Zoology, the museum is well off, for it contains a great variety of British and
foreign species. At the bottom of each page in the list the derivations of the
various scientific terms are supplied. Of the state of preservation of the speci-
mens we know nothing and are told nothing, but from the circumstance of many
of them having been so long neglected, we fear that at least some portion of them
must be in a bad condition. With this Museum and the splendid Radcliffe

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 067

Library — perhaps the best library for works on Natural History in existence

the Oxonians enjoy very considerable advantages for the cultivation of zoological
science. At present there appears to be no herbarium in the Ashmolean
Museum, a desideratum which we hope ere long to see supplied.

SHROPSHIRE AND NORTH WALES NATURAL HISTORY AND
ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.

Among the numerous provincial Natural History Societies that are springing
up on every side, there may be and doubtless are some conducted with more
pomp and external show than that of Shrewsbury, but we verily believe it
exceeds all others in the real desire of effecting something substantially bene-
ficial to Natural Science. The annual report for 1836 — a printed copy of which
has reached us — is highly satisfactory. The members are above two hundred in
number, including many names eminent in science, the professional men, and the
nobility and gentry of the town and neighbourhood of Shrewsbury. We
conceive gentlemen of property to be a great assistance to Societies of this
description ; and if they are either amateurs or connoisseurs in matters of
science, they are sure to be amongst the most useful members. Indeed, to this
circumstance we are inclined, in a great measure, to attribute the flourishing
state of the Shrewsbury Society. Nothing, however, can be further from our
desire than to see an aristocratic monopoly at the head of these institutions •
on the contrary, every one, however limited his means, ought to be admitted on
payment of the annual subscription ; and if there be any really scientific men
in the town or neighbourhood so poor as to be unable to pay even that small
sum, they should be admitted as honorary members. AU we contend for is
that the funds, the library, and the museum may receive much benefit from the
richer members ; and as, in our opinion, the nobility and gentry of England
cannot employ their time or money more usefully than in encouraging literary
and scientific institutions, we shall now give the names of those who lend their
support to that of Shrewbury, trusting that so excellent an example will be
followed in other districts. As we are not personally acquainted with many of
the members, we can only judge by the list contained in the report, and may
therefore, perhaps, overlook several of the rich gentry. We present the names
in the order they occur in the report : —

William and John Anstice, Esqrs., Madeley Wood ; Ven. Archdeacon Bather ; Rt. Hon.
Lord Berwick, Attingham Hall ; R. M. Biddulph, Esq., F. Z. S., Chirk Castle ; George Bowen
Esq., Coton Hall ; Rt. Hon. the Earl of Bradford, D.C.L. F.H.S., F.Z.S. ; Viscount Edward*
Clive, M.P., M.A., F.H.S.. F.Z.S. ; Hon. R. II. Clive, M.P., F.R.S., F.Z.S., Oakley Park;
Sir A. V. Corbett, Bark, Acton Reynald ; Panton and Richard Corbet, Esqrs., Leighton
Hall ; Rt. Hon. the Earl of Darlington, M.P., F.Z.S, Snettisham Hall, Norfolk ; Thomas

No. 11, Vol. II. 2n

268 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Campbeli Eyton, Esq.,* Eyton Castle ; Col. Gat acre, Gatacre Hall ; W. Ormsbv Gore, Esq.,
M.P., Porkington Hall ; Rt. Hon. Lord Hill, G.C.B., G.C.H., F.H.S., F.Z.S.; Sir Rowland
Hill, Bart., M.P., FJZ.S. ; Lady Hill ; Sir Francis Lawley, Bart., F.H.S., F.Z.S. ; Sir Bald-
win Leighton, Bart.; Rt. Rev. the Bishop of Lichfield, D.D., F.R.S. ; Rt. Hon. the Earl of
Lichfield, F.H.S., F.Z.S., Pitchford Hall ; C. K. Mainwaring, Esq., Oteley Park ; G. A.
Moultrie, Esq., Aston Hall; B. II. Owen, Esq., Tedsmore Hall ; Rt. Hon. the Earl of Powis,
D.C.L., F.H.S., F.Z.S. ; S. A. and J. M. Severne, Esqrs., Wallop Hall ; R. A. Slaney, Esq.,f
Walford Manor ; W. H. Slaney, Esq., F.Z.S., Hatton Grange ; Sir E. J. Smythe, Bart., Acton
Burnell.

At present the meetings of the Society are held in the temporary Shire-hall,
Shrewsbury, and the apartments dedicated to the museum are so inadequate to
the purpose, that the committee suggests the propriety of erecting a building for
the use of the institution. This is, of course, a most desirable object, and, with
the assistance of the above and other opulent members, surely there could be no
difficulty in raising the requisite funds. The museum and library appear to be in
a flourishing state, for which the Society is mainly indebted to the munificent
donations of some of the members, especially T. B. Barrett, Esq., R. Corbet,
Esq., T. C. Eyton, Esq., Capt. Hill, Mr. Shaw, Major Wakefield, and the
Rev. Canon Newling. Probably the donations would be still more numerous
were there a museum wherein to arrange them. — Some lectures have been
delivered before the members, and a Fauna and Flora of the county are in pre-
paration, the former by T. C. Eyton, Esq., the latter by W. A. Leighton, Esq.

DONCASTER LYCEUM.

Considering the opulence of the county of York, and the number of scientific
men it contains, we cannot help feeling somewhat disappointed at the printed
report for the year 1836 of the Lyceum. In reply to this we shall be told, that
Doncaster is a small town, and that individuals from distant parts cannot be
expected to join its institutions. This, however, is not the case with Shrews-
bury ; the Society of that town includes members from many other counties,
some of which contain excellent public museums of a similar nature ; and the
same may be said of the Worcestershire Society. In general, the gentry of the
county are among the foremost to come forward and assist these institutions,
and there must be some reason for their not doing so in the present instance.
The principal reason we conceive to be, as we have elsewhere observed, the too
great attention paid by the Lyceum to Politics. A large number of the members
are quarterly*, and we suspect that many of them enter the Society merely for

* Author of A History of the Rarer British Birds.
f Author of An Outline of the Smaller British Birds, a book written in an extremely pleaiant
fpirit.

X Quarterly members pay 10s. per annum— annual members £1.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 26^

the purpose of reading the newspapers. Be this as it may, it is rare to see any
one in the room dedicated to books and periodicals, while on the other hand we
have never found the newspaper room empty.

Several excellent lectures have been delivered at the Lyceum, but the library
and museum are at present very small, and the apartments inadequate to con-
tain a better collection. As long as so large a proportion of the funds* go to
purchase newspapers, so long will tradesmen join the Society with the sole view
of reading them, and so long, we opine, will the scientific men and the gentry be
prevented from supporting it. It is obviously unfair that those who are really
interested in the welfare of a scientific institution should be obliged to see it
turned into a political news-room ; and although no member is compelled to con-
tribute towards the newspaper fund, yet the fact of newspapers being admitted
at all, must and will prevent the utility of the literary and scientific department
from becoming so extended as it might otherwise be.

The president for the current year is Edmund Beckett Denison, Esq. ; the
six vice-presidents are, Henry Bower, Esq., F.S.A. ; E. Scholfield, M.D. ;
Ferguson Branson, M.D.; J. W. Childers, Esq., M.P. ; Mr. E. Sheardown;
T. Walker, Esq.

The list of members includes all the professional men of the town ; but, whe-
ther for the reason we have assigned, or from some other cause, the gentry have
never given the Lyceum their support. Only compare the following list with
the array of names we have extracted from the report of the Shrewsbury Society
(p. 267) !

Sir W. B. Cooke, Bart., Wheatley Hall ; J. W. Childers, Esq., M.P., Cant-
ley Hall ; P. D. Cooke, Esq., Owston Hall ; G. Martin, Esq., Kirk Sandall ;
T. Walker, Esq., Wilsic ; Neville Wood, Esq., Campsall Hall.

That the Doncaster Lyceum is progressing we do not deny, but before it can
hold up its head amongst other provincial societies, it must be equally well con-
ducted. That we wish it success we need hardly say ; whether or not it will
succeed depends upon the judicious exertions of its members and officers.

It were unfair to close our present notice without observing that our correspon-
dent, the Rev. F. Orpen Morris, has been a most liberal contributor to the mu-
seum.

* About £18 annually.

270

EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

ZOOLOGY.*

1. On the Migrations of North American Birds, by the Rev. John
Bachman. — Migratory birds are admirably adapted for rapid and protracted
flight. Their light hollow feathers, their bones full of air-cells, their large lungs,
and the force of their wings, enable them to float a long time in the air with
little exertion. It has been ascertained that the Migratory Pigeon (Columba mi-
gratoria), and many species of Anatidce, fly at the rate of a mile and a half in a
minute. [[Some birds, and especially certain of the Hirundinidce and Falco-
nidce, are supposed to fly occasionally at nearly four times this speed. — Ed.] —
Thus these birds can, in a single day, travel from Charleston to the northern-
most parts of the U. S., at once explaining the fact of Pigeons having been killed
in the northern states with undigested rice in their gizzards, which they had
swallowed, the preceding day, in Carolina or Georgia. A Falcon sent out by
the Duke of Lerne, has returned from Spain to Teneriffe, a distance of 750
miles, in 16 hours.

It is certain that many birds of passage fly during the night; they first ascend
in the air, from whence they send forth their cries, and many, as the Stork, seem
scarcely to rest on their course from their winter quarters in the south to their
breeding places, towards the polar regions.

Birds emigrate either to avoid the cold of winter, or, probably, to obtain food
more suitable and more abundant. t In fact, among those which remain in the
snows of the north, some are omnivorous (as Corvus corax, C. Canadensis, and
other Crows), while others feed on the buds or leaves of trees, as the Pine Thick-
bill, &c. But the insectivorous species, those which frequent marshes and stag-
nant waters, the borders of rivers, &c, all emigrate, and go to seek in the south
the kind of food they require. Some birds only migrate from the south to the
north of the Union, and do not proceed further than Carolina ; such are the
various insessorial birds, as Larks, &c. When the winter birds return to the
northern regions, they are replaced by analogous species from the tropics. Thus
in America the White-headed Elanus (Elanns leucocephalus), the Mississipi Fal-
con, and others, build in the woods abandoned by the northern raptorial birds,
so that each season brings a succession of different species.

* As this is the first ornithological extract we have made from the foreign journals in the pre-
sent volume, we feel assured that no apology is necessary for quoting at such length from the very
interesting paper of Mr. Bachman. The article originally appeared in the American Journal of
Science; but our quotation is tianslated from a French periodical. — Ed.

f These, doubtless, are the circumstances for which birds are caused to migrate ; but it must
be remembered that birds are impelled to change their abodes at certain seasons by a mere blind
impulse— an innate faculty, which is stimulated at those povods, and without any reason or
knowledge on their part of the cause of these emigrations.— Ed.

EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 271

Other birds only migrate occasionally and partially, according to the supply
of food. The Virginian Partridge, if grain is scarce in New Jersey,
crosses the Delaware to proceed to Pensylvania. The flight of these
birds is so heavy, that, in general, unable to cross the river, they fall into the
water, and complete the journey by swimming. It is the same with the Wild
Turkeys, which, when they arrive weary and lean on the other side the Ohio,
the Missouri, or the Mississipi, are caught in great numbers.

It is supposed that the Migratory Pigeons only visit the U. S. in very hard
winters. This appears, however, to be erroneous. I have seen immense flights
of these birds in Canada in winter, during intense cold, but after a season highly
favourable to the grain on which they subsist. It is only the want of this food
which compels them to migrate to the south.

Agricultural improvements, by introducing plants, &c, extend the migrations
of birds. Thus the Mocking Wren (Troglodytes Ludovicianus), and other species
now common in the northern states, were unknown in the time of Wilson.
The Cliff Swallow (H. lunifrons), a Mexican bird, appeared for the first time
on the banks of the Ohio, in 1815. It excited great interest by the structure of
its mud-built nest, of which several are placed together, and resemble in shape
a group of Gourds. Every year it advances in its migrations, which now extend
to Canada. The same may be said of many other birds.

It has been computed, that out of the 450 species known in North America,
only 108 are common to the two continents, the water-birds forming more than
three-fifths of the number. These species are principally Eagles, Hawks, Owls,
and Crows, among land birds, and Ducks or sea-birds among the Aquaticce.

The most singular notions have been entertained respecting the habits of the
Rail. Absent throughout the summer, it suddenly appears in myriads in Au-
gust, on the banks of the Delaware. Here they remain till October, when they
suddenly disappear, and not one is to be seen where, on the day before, the)
were found by hundreds. As their flight is heavy, these birds are supposed to
retire in winter to hollow places, or even under the ice. The fact is that they
take their departure in the night. They breed very far north, and have been
seen on their nests along the marshy lakes of Upper Carolina.

When the period of departure arrives, birds display a kind of irresistible rest-
lessness. Goldwings, Orioles, &c, carried while young to the north, and
liberated in spring, fly in the direction of the pole, as if guided by a compass. A
little before the approach of winter, and sometimes when the cold weather is
already commencing, birds of passage assemble in flocks. The young of most
species unite, as if they disdained to inquire the way of their elders. Some fly
separate, others in thin scattered troops, and others again in regular flocks.
Some fly slowly, and as though affected by the cold ; others proceed rapidly, and
achieve their journey in a few days. Some birds fly from land to land, and often

272 EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

rest ; others ascend into the clouds, and never stop. They know how to choose
a favourable period for their passage, to direct their course, and to find the same
spots which they have already frequented. A Blue Martin, so marked as to be
easily recognized, has been known to return ten successive years to build in a
box prepared for the purpose, and a Red-tailed Falcon (F. borealis), remarkable
for its plumage having accidentally become white, has, for ten consecutive
winters, taken possession of an old Fir in the district of Colleton, in Carolina.

Many birds migrate by day, but still more, as the Herons, Snipes, Rails, &c,
fly by night, the first continually screaming, the others in silence.

The arrivals and departures of birds form one of the best prognostics of the state
of the seasons, and Capt. Parry informs us of the anxiety with which the
Esquimaux await the appearance of the Snowy Longspurs ( ' Plectrophanes nivalis).
The Fishing Eagle announces, to the inhabitants of the borders of rivers in the
north, the period of the arrival of the fish ; and the note of the Carolina Nightjar
(Vociferator Cardinensis, N.W.) informs the farmer that the time for sowing
the corn is arrived. — Bibliotheque Universelle de Geneve, Jan. 1837.

BOTANY.

2. On Lythrum alternifolium, by M. Boreau. — Towards the close of last
century an amateur of Botany found, near Dijon, a Lythrum different from ' all
the then known species. A specimen of this plant, preserved in the herbarium
of M. Vallot, was transmitted to the late M. Persoon, who described it as
L. nummular icefolia (Syn., pi. 2.2. p. 8.). In 1830 MM. Lorey and Duret, at
that time preparing the Flore de la Cote d'Or, submitted the plant to M. De
Candolle, who described it under the name of L. alternifolium, pointing out
that it offered characters tending to relate it to E. hyssopifolium and E.
Grcefferi. This description was copied into theFlore de la Cote d'Or (2. 1. p. 348.
fig. 2), accompanied by a figure. Later M. Mutel did not hesitate to admit this
plant as a legitimate species, and he inserted it in his Flore Francaise (torn, i.,
p. 379). Up to that time, indeed, this plant not having been again met with,
no one had ever been able to solve the question proposed by M. Lorey, viz.,
whether this plant was not a mere sport of Nature.

It was therefore with great pleasure that in August 1835 I perceived on the
border of a stream, near Nevers, a plant reminding me of the species figured in
the Flore de la Cote d' Or ; but in attempting to gather this singular plant, I
found that it was attached, by its lower part, to a stalk of Lythrum salicaria !
The top of the stem having been cut, it had developed lateral buds, which,
instead of producing a continuous spike, had only formed a few axillary flowers.
In fact, in the normal state of L. salicaria the inflorescence is always intermixed
with a greyish pubescence ; the flowers have cordiform bracts, whose alternate
disposition is especially observable at the top of the spike. Thus, if we suppos*

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES. 273

the whorls more scattered upon a thinner and longer axis, we can easily under-
stand how the bracts, retaining their shape, should assume the appearance and
size of leaves, and that the flowers, in the midst of this development of herbaceous
parts, should become the largest and least numerous. This, in short, is the-
whole mystery, and this remarkable form is only due to a greater distension of
the parts of the inflorescence.

Lythrum alternifolium therefore ranks no longer as a species, or even as a
variety, since this form, which one may, so to speak, produce at pleasure, is the
result of mere chance. — Annales des Sciences Naturelles. Nov. 1830.

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

ZOOLOGY.
Temerity of the House Swallow (Hirundo urbica). — On passing, a few
weeks since, along a narrow road way, between a range of out-buildings and a
garden wall, I was surprised by the sudden passage of some dark body, immediately
over my head. I at first suspected it was a stone, but on quickly looking up,
found that it was a House * Swallow that had just passed me. As I stood
wondering at what could induce the bird to approach so close, I received another
visit of the same kind, and after this several more, the bird passing each time
within three or four inches of my hat. The next day, walking along the same
road, I received a like salutation, and then discovered that the Swallows had a
nest in the out-houses. This sudden darting at my head, with loud snaps of the
bill, evidently for the purpose of driving me from the nest, continued several
days ; and although a party of Swallows generally assembled in the air, above
my head, I found that only one pair were engaged in active service. Each day
they became more bold, and every attack was attended by a kind of scream
preceded by a loud chatter. I was never attacked as long as I kept a respectful
distance from the nest. About ten days or a fortnight after the first attack, I
resolved to peep in the nest, and effected this amid the screams and dartings of
the agitated owners. I found in it young birds fully fledged. On looking into
the nest the following day I found that the young birds were gone, but the
attacks of the parents were renewed as usual. This, however, was the last time,
for I have ever since been allowed to pass the spot unmolested. Since noticing
the foregoing fact I have experienced similar treatment from another pair of
House Swallows, but the attacks were not so violent as in the former instance,
amounting to nothing more than a slight chattering, and darting past me at the

274 CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

distance of a yard or two above my head. — Edwin Lankester, Campsall, near
Doncaster, July 19, 1837.

The Nest op the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo ispida, Linn.). — A friend of
mine while fishing on a small Trout-stream, near Louth, called the Crake, in the
early part of June," observed a Kingfisher, with a fish in its mouth, flying
several times near his hat with a whirring noise. He watched it until it entered
a hole in the bank, the entrance to which was strewed with fish bones. On
digging into the hole (which commenced low down in the bank, and ran upwards
in a slanting direction for about two feet), he found the nest, containing seven
young birds just hatched. The bottom of the nest was excessively thick, and
mixed up with small bones of the Stickleback. Its structure) excepting the
mixture of fish-bones, was not very unlike that of a Thrush. It crumbled tc
pieces on being touched, and I could procure no portion worth preserving. Near
the nest was another hole, which had all the appearance of having been the
Kingfisher's last year's residence, the bones at the entrance being dry and
crumbly ; but in this the parent bird again commenced laying, and on opening
the nest six eggs were found on the fragments of the structure. They were
white, and beautifully transparent, shewing the yolk through, which gave them
a pinkish hue at the larger end. I have now in my collection one of the eggs,
which, though so transparent, I was surprised to find thicker and stronger than
the generality of eggs, and rounder in its form, the circumference being two inches
and a half, the length eight-tenths of an inch. — R. P. Alington, Swinhope
House, Lincolnshire, July 15, 1837.

The Name " Garden Thrush" as applied to Turdus musicus, Auct. — In
The Analyst, No. xviii., I -find the name " Garden Thrush" proposed to be
substituted for Song Thrush. I should have given the name Garden Thrush to
the Missel Thrush. At least its habits here would warrant such an appellation.
I knew of five nests in gardens last year, and have already found one in a similar
situation this year, snowy as it is. — Thomas Allis, York, 3 Mo. 24, 1837.

The Nest of the Yellow Bunting Seven Feet prom the Ground. — On
the 29th of May, 1834, I found the nest of a Yellow Bunting at the extraordi-
nary elevation of seven feet from the ground. It was placed amongst the
branches of a Broom (Cytisus scoparius), which was quite naked at the bottom,
but which had a thick close head ; in this the nest was situated. — J. D. Salmon,
Thetford, Norfolk, June 14, 1837.

The Nest op a Blue Tit found inclosed in the Trunk op an Oak. — In
the course of the present week, two men engaged in sawing into planks an Oak
tree at Mr. Hunt's timber yard, near the canal basin, found in a hole in the
centre the nest of a Blue Tit, containing several eggs. The nest must have been
in this situation, it is supposed, for the last century, and when taken out was

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES. 275

quite wet. The surface of the tree was entirely sound, and there was no appear-
ance of a communication to this hidden cavity. — Gloucestershire Chronicle,
Jims 17-

Instance of the Wood Snipe (Scolopax rusticola) carrying its Young in
its Bill.— A rare fact occurred a short time since in this county. A boy fishing
disturbed a nest, the birds from which flew in different directions, one with a bird
in its bill. The boy followed the weakest of the brood, and discovered it to be a
young Wood Snipe, which is now in the possession of Mr. Burgoin, gamekeeper
to the Duke of Devonshire, at Chatsworth. The bird which the boy first saw
was one of the parents conveying its offspring from the impending danger, across
the river at Ashford. — Derby Mercury.

The Egyptian Goose, the Bluethroated Fantail, and the Wood Snipe's
Nest, found in Dorsetshire. — Mr. Knight tells me that two Egyptian Geese
were shot last year in Dorsetshire, and Mr. C. Henning has one of them. The
Bluethroated Fantail \_Pandicilla Suecica. — Ed.] has also been killed in the
same county, and is in the museum of Mr. R. A. Cox. A Woodcock's nest was
found in Middlemarsh Common in April 1837. Sir R. C. Hoare has a white
Woodcock, another dusky, and a third with white wings. — J. C. Dale, Glanvitte
Woottony Dorsetshire, June 19, 1837.

Utility of the Hedge Urchin.-— The Hedgehog is, in general, the object
of persecution, not only of idle boys, but is often obnoxious to the farmer and
gamekeeper, on account of its mischievous propensities. It is, in fact, one which
the agriculturist should endeavour to preserve. A garden in which a Hedgehog
is kept, will, in the course of a few nights, be entirely freed from Slugs ; and
that enemy to fruit trees, the Millepede, is always a favourite food with him.
An eminent professor, now living, has communicated the following circumstance.
He states that Hedgehogs prey on Snakes. He saw one seize its prey, crack its
bones at interval of half an inch or more, and then, placing itself at the tip of
the Snake's tail, begin to eat upwards till about half was consumed, when it
ceased from repletion, but during the night finished the remainder. The usual
aliment of the Hedgehog is insects, Worms, Slugs, and Snails, but it goes higher
in the scale of gastronomic enjoyment, devouring Frogs, Toads, and Mice. The
Snake experiment was made by Professor Buckland, as above described. The
fondness of the Hedgehog for insects, occasions it to be kept in many houses in
London, for the purpose of ridding the kitchens of the innumerable hosts of Cock-
roaches with which they are infested.— Gloucestershire Chronicle.

Instinct of Birds. — A curious and pleasing instance of the instinct of birds,
and their anxious affection for their offspring, was observed last week in Chelten-
ham. A gentleman who had discovered a Starling's nest, in which were several
young birds, being desirous to domesticate them, had the nest removed from its

No. 11, Vol. II. 2o

276 CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

situation, near Marie Hill, at a late hour in the evening, when the young birds
were brought down to his residence in the heart of the town, and placed in a
cage which was suspended in his garden. About three o'clock in the afternoon of
the following day, the female Starling was observed at the bars of the cage,
actively employed in feeding its young, which, by an instinct hardly inferior to
reason, it had thus succeeded in discovering. — Gloucestershire Chronicle.

Relationship of the Dipper (Cinclus) to the Ouzels (Merula). — Young
Garden Ouzels (Merula hortensis) are very similar in appearance to the Dipper,
the more so as their tails are not then full-grown, and as they frequently cock
their tails in the same manner as the Dipper. Their close relationship then
becomes evident, though, under other circumstances, the claims of the Dipper to
rank in the Thrush family has more than once been questioned. A Garden
Thrush, it is true, has not, to a casual observer, many points in common with
the Dipper, but the affinity is obvious through the Ouzels. The young of the
latter, in fact, if seen beside a rocky stream with their short tails cocked in the
manner of the Dipper, might, in the first instance, be mistaken for the latter
species, so great is their resemblance. Another point in which the Garden Ouzel
approaches the Dipper, is its partiality to water, the difference being, that it
prefers ditches and stagnant pools concealed by thick foliage to rocky and pebbly
rivulets, and, of course, that it never swims. — Ed.

Distribution of the Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlusj in England.— In
No. ix., for June (Vol. II., p. 164) of The Naturalist, the Editor informs us of
an instance of the recent occurrence of the Cirl Bunting in Yorkshire, and I have no
doubt but that he is right in supposing this to be the first specimen on record which
has been met with so far north. It is not, however, true that it has hitherto
been confined to Devonshire and the other counties on the southern coast. Many
years ago I obtained two specimens at East Garston, near Lamborne, Berkshire ;
they were male and female, and a nest with two eggs were procured at the same
place — the only instance I have known of the latter having been met with in
Britain. I still possess one of the eggs : the other I gave to my friend the Rev.
Nathaniel Constantine Strickland. It resembles, but is easily distinguished
from, the egg of the Yellow Bunting. I was directed to the birds by their
peculiar note, a sort of sharp chirp, but which I cannot describe, having only
heard it that once, so long ago. I had the birds preserved at Oxford. Since
thenj two or three years ago, I shot one out of a flock of Yellow Buntings, near
Lyme Regis, in Dorsetshire, and on the borders of Devonshire. This was in the
middle of winter. I looked for more, but could not procure any. It therefore
seems to associate with the Yellow Buntings as well as to resemble them. This
fact — which, as far as I am aware, has not been mentioned before — seems to
strengthen the supposition of Mr. Wood, that they may have been mistaken for

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES. 277

the common species, and I have no doubt but that such has frequently been the
case. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, June, 1837.

Cranes and Crabs. — On the Coast of Chili innumerable small Crabs live in
cylindrical excavations in the sand, and, as the tide approaches, watch for their
share of the booty brought by the waves, while they themselves are threatened
by the long-legged Cranes, which pursue with extraordinary eagerness the
Crustacea, and in general all marine animals. But the bird cannot get one of
these Crabs except by rapid flight, and even the diligent naturalist does not
obtain them without digging in the sand ; for the smallest trembling of the
ground under foot, even the shadow of a person approaching, warns the little
animal of its danger, and, with the rapidity of lightning, it starts into its hole.
Swarms of little fish purposely suffer themselves to be brought by every wave
far upon the beach, and seem to take pleasure in the sport, for they are so quick
and so attentive that you may attempt in vain to catch a single one, or to
intercept a number in their retreat with the receding wave. The grave Herons
alone contrive to deceive them by their fixed attitude, which, at a favourable
moment, is interrupted by an almost convulsive motion, and brings death to one
of the poor dupes. — Pes pig's Travels.

A Hive op Bees swarming three times in eleven Days. — Mr. J. Thack-
ray, of the Hill Top, near Bramham, has a hive of Bees which swarmed three
times within the short space of eleven days, namely, on June 3, 11, and 13. —
Doncaster Chronicle.

Remarkably large Trout. — A few days ago a Trout was caught in the
river Strid, by Mr. Scott, of Strid Cottage, near Bolton Abbey, weighing
eight pounds six ounces, and measuring two feet two inches in length, and fifteen
inches round. — Doncaster Chronicle, June 24.

On separating the Pigeon Family from Rasore*, and the Plover Family
from Grailatores. — I think Mr. Allis (p. 57) has very ably shown that the
Columbidce ought not to be retained in the order Rasores, and I would suggest,
that a portion of the Ckaradriadce be removed from the order Grailatores to the
Rasores, to supply the place of Columbidce. I must leave it to more scientific
persons than myself to define which genera are to be removed. I think there
eannot be a doubt that the habits of most of the species partake more of the
Rasorial than the Grallatorial order. Amongst them the Stone Thick-knee
((Edicnemus crepitans J is very conspicuous; for instead of resorting to low wet
grounds, it entirely confines itself to the most arid parts of the country, and
consequently cannot be considered a Wader. The same may be said of several
other species now included among the Ckaradriadce. — J. D. Salmon, Thetford,
Norfolk, June 14, 1837.

2o2

278 CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

BOTANY.

Backwardness of the late Spring. — With regard to the backwardness of
the Spring, I may remark, that Gentiana verna was only just coming into flower
at the beginning of June this year, and the rest of the larger Teesdale plants I
found, during a recent excursion, very backward.: — At York, last year, Caltha
palustris flowered on the 10th of April, about which time also did Ranunculus
ficaria, and in April R. aquatilis ; Oxalis acetosella, and Anemone nemorosa, on
the 4th of the same month. — E., York, July 19, 1837.

Derivation and Accentuation of Veronica. — I am sorry to find that none
of your correspondents have given in No. X. the derivation and accentuation of
Veronica. Withering has it Veronica ; Hooker Veronica. Is not the latter
correct ? e. g., Betonica livornica. Withering and others give various suppo-
sitions as to its derivation. E., York, July 19, 1837- [We have generally
heard the name pronounced Veronica. As to its derivation we are uncertain.
—Ed.]

A venerable Elm. — At Brignolle, near Toulon, is an old Elm under which
a dance was performed before Charles IX. of France, in 1564. Michel de
l'Hospital*, born in 1563, speaks of this tree as an object worthy the atten-
tion of travellers. — Athenceum.

Foliage of the Oak. — It is seldom that the Oak first appears in leaf so late
as in the present season. In a table of " Indications of Spring," observed by Ro-
bert Marsh am, Esq., at Sratton, in Norfolk, published in the Transactions of
the Royal Society, the earliest appearance of the Oak leaf, in a period of fifty
years, is stated to have been March 31, 1750; and its latest appearance dur-
ing the same period, May 20, 1799. It was somewhat later in the present year.
— Gloucestershire Chronicle.

Remarkably large Poplar. — A week or two ago, a Poplar tree, of 25 years
growth, was cut down at Wigginton, near York, the wood of which measured
sixty feet in length, and seven in diameter at the top or small end ; and the
solid wood weighed upwards of two tons. Several eminent wood-valuers have
stated, that the above extraordinary weight and dimensions are unprecedented
by anything that has yet come within their knowledge. — York Chronicle,
June 22.

MINERALOGY.

A Test for distinguishing Amber and Copal. — In perusing No. X. of
The Naturalist, for July, I noticed amongst the Correspondence a letter by Mr.
Levison (p. 211), on Amber, &c. That gentleman has omitted an important

* Th!» individual, the Athenceum informs us, was born in 1563, and Chancellor in 1560 .'—Ed.

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 279

and simple test, for distinguishing the substance, which is as follows : — Take a
specimen and rub it on a piece of cloth, so as to excite its latent electricity, upon
which it emits a powerful odour, somewhat resembling Camphor. This will be
found a more complete test than that mentioned by Mr. Levison. — If you will
insert this I shall feel much obliged. — A Mineralogist, 41, Strand, London,
July 14, 1837.

Insects in Copal. — When in London, a few days since, I called at most of
the institutions, and found them in a flourishing state. I also visited many pri-
vate collections of Natural History. It would be occupying too much of your
time to make particular mention of them, but I cannot resist describing a few of
the things I saw. In a shop in the Strand, nearly opposite Chandos Street,
there are a number of specimens of Copal containing insects. Moths, Spiders,
and Ants are enclosed within this transparent yellow substance, — forming a beau-
tiful contrast to the tombs which usually receive the inanimate bodies of all
things which have lived and moved. Instead of the gloom which surrounds the
last habitations of animated beings, here was brightness, and, instead of being
loathsome to look upon, there was something to admire and covet. There was
one thing which particularly struck me, namely, that the Moths, Spiders, and
Ants, although " quietly inurned " in their present magnificent sepulchres for
centuries, retain their forms and palpableness, and seem as if they were but the
other day doomed to be incarcerated in their present resinous receptacles. How
insignificant and bungling seem the vain efforts of man to embalm and preserve
the frail corpse of some departed friend, by saturating it in bitumen, and by
folding it in numerous filaments saturated with essential oils, as compared to
this manner of preserving animal bodies in a transparent, imperishable, and, when
polished, elegant substance ! 0 Nature, thou art profound and perfect, even in
what may appear fanciful in thy works ! — J. L. Levison, Doncaster, Jidy 20,1837.

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

A History of British Birds, indigenous and migratory : including their or-
ganization, habits, and relations ; remarks on classification and nomenclature ;
an account of the principal organs of birds, and observations relative to Practical
Ornithology. Illustrated by numerous engravings. By William MacGillivray,
A.M., F.R.S.E., M.W.S., &c, &c, &c. Vol. I. Rasores, Scrapers, or Gallina-
ceous Birds ; Gemitores, Cooers or Pigeons ; Deglubitores, Huskers, or Coniros-
tral Birds ; Vagatores, Wanderers, or Crows and allied genera. London : Scott,
Webster, and Geary. 1837- 8vo. pp. 631.

280 REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

Ip Mr. MacGillivray has faithfully performed all that is promised in the
above title, in this new treatise on British Ornithology, we shall truly have no
fault to find with him — no " Crows to pick." In some particulars it decidedly
has the advantage over other works on the same subject. We allude especially
to the minutely-detailed and accurate descriptions of the internal organization,
both of birds as a class, and of individual species. Our author points out and
regrets the total ignorance of at least one most estimable and able naturalist on
this subject — Mr. Swainson. But while, with Mr. MacGillivray, we admit
the importance to the scientific zoologist of a knowledge of Anatomy, we are not
disposed to go the length that he does on this subject. We can never, for
instance, consider internal structure, of itself, a sufficient guide wherewith to form
a system of Ornithology. Our author disclaims having added one to the numer-
ous systems already " in partial use," though on what grounds, is to us not quite
so obvious, since the arrangement, both of the larger and smaller divisions, is in
many particulars quite new. In order to prove that Anatomy is an insuffi-
cient basis for classification, however ably the investigation may be conducted,
we need only refer to the Regne Animal of the illustrious Cuvier, or to the
History now before us. As, however, Mr. M'G. has, according to his own state-
ment, only placed the birds in the most convenient order for description, it were
perhaps unfair to criticise minutely on this topic.

As regards nomenclature, the author is not averse to reform, and as effected a
few good alterations, and one or two others which may be deemed unnecessary.
He holds that single English names are the best, though in practice he appears to
have no particular rule in this respect — at all events, his laws are not like those
of the Medes and Persians, which alter not. In one respect we may safely
charge him with inconsistency ; for though in the abstract he abjures the plan
of supplying each genus and species with a separate English name, yet, in
another part, in order to justify the alteration of an English appellation, he
adduces as a reason the very system he had previously denounced as impracticable..

This work contains excellent descriptions of the habits of the birds included,
with occasional extracts from the letters of friends. The following is from the
pen of T. Durham Weir, Esq., of Boghead, Linlithgowshire : —

" The strong attachment which the feathered kind have to their offspring, is truly astonishing^
Although the Carrion Crow is one of the most cunning of birds, yet I have deceived him with the
young of the Rook. I once shot a female with all her brood, just as she was putting a part of a
bird into the mouth of one of them. Being anxious to get the male, I took a young one out of
the nest, and sent it with a boy to the rookery at Balbardie, to pick out four exactly of the same
size. In this he succeeded. Having put them into the nest, I went back again in the course of
two days, and shot him in the very act of feeding the young Rooks with grubs.

" Some naturalists assert, that when Crows carry off eggs, they break the shell, and thrust
their bills into them. Whether this be their general practice or not I cannot affirm ; but I can
vouch for one fact to the contrary, which came under my observation. I recollect when I was-

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 281

one day sitting at the side of an old wall, reading a book, a Carrion Crow flew over my head, with
an egg in its bill. I halloed, and down dropped the egg into the middle of the field. On going
\o take it up, I found, to my astonishment, that it was whole. It was the egg of the Common
Wild Duck.

" The Carrion Crow is very easily tamed, and is strongly attached to the person who brings
him up. I once kept one for two years and a half. It flew round about the neighbourhood, and
roosted every night on the trees of my shrubbery. At whatever distance he was, as soon as he
heard my voice he came to me. He was fond of being caressed, but should any one except my-
self stroke him on the head or back, he was sure to make the blood spring from their fingers. He
seemed to take a very great delight in pecking the heels of barefooted youths. The more terrified
they were, the more did his joy seem to increase. Even the heels of my pointers, when he was
in his merry mood, did not escape his art of ingeniously tormenting. His memory was astonish-
ing. One Monday morning, after being satiated with food, he picked up a Mole which was lying
in the orchard, and hopped with it into the garden. I kept out of his sight, and he seldom con-
cealed any thing when he thought you observed him. He covered it so nicely with earth, that,
after the most diligent search, I could not discover where he had put it. As his wings had been
cut to prevent him from flying over the wall into the garden, he made many a fruitless attempt
during the week to get in at the door. On Saturday evening, however, it having been left open,
I saw him hop to the very spot where the Mole had been so long hid, and, to my surprise, he
came out with it in the twinkling of an eye." — p. 5S7.

On the whole, we have every reason to be pleased with the full and generally
accurate manner in which the History before us is written. It contains much
that is new both in matter and manner, and if, in perusing the volume, a few
trifling blemishes or errors have met our eyes, they are not such as to lessen the
value of the work as a manual of native Ornithology. We are certain that
much labour has been bestowed on it, and it is a production which reflects no
small credit on the industry and ability of the Edinburgh naturalist.

We should have liked to have seen a wood-cut of each bird, in order that the
student might have been enabled to identify the various species at a glance ; and
could have wished that more care had been taken with the figures of some of
the heads. For the most part, however, the cuts and engravings are admirable.
The volume contains some observations on the external anatomy of the feathered
class. For a specimen of the manner in which he has treated this subject, we
refer to an article by the same writer " on the external apparatus of the wings of
birds," in our current volume, p. 13 (No. vn., for April).

A History of British Birds. By William Yarrell, F.L.S., Sec. Z.S. Il-
lustrated by a wood-cut of each species, and numerous vignettes. London : John
Van Voorst. Part I. July, 1837. 8vo. and Royal 8vo. pp. 48.

Having but just dismissed what we consider a valuable treatise on British
Ornithology, we might have been somewhat at a loss how to deal with the work
now under consideration, were it not that its whole style, both as regards letter-
press, wood-cuts, and paper and print, are so excellent, that we are compelled to
declare that this will probably be the most complete History of British Birds ever
offered to the public, and it is published at so moderate a price too, as to be within

282 OBITUARY.

the reach of every one. These are the first wood-cuts of birds we have seen
that equal those of Bewick, and not only that, but they surpass those of the
latter admirable artist. The descriptions are both concise, scientific, and popular,
and, as far as possible, original. Nine species are figured and described in this
Part ; and if succeeding numbers are equal to the first, this work will probably
even eclipse the Fishes and Quadrupeds, issued in the same series, and both of
which are now concluded.

Supplement to the Flora Metropolitana ; or, Botanical Rambles within thirty
miles of London : containing an index of both Latin and English names, time of
flowering, and colour of the pheenogamous plants enumerated in the Fauna ;
with many new and additional localities procured last summer ; and the height
of the principal hills, &c, round London. By Daniel Cooper, A.L.S., &c.
London: Highley. 1836. 12mo. pp. 36.

It may well be questioned whether it is fair to transmit to a reviewer the
supplement to a work, without the latter. We presume, however, that Mr.
Cooper imagined every one must of necessity possess his Flora, and acted accord-
ingly in the present instance. — Those who think well of the Flora, will of course
procure the Supplement — further we cannot say.

Journal of a Horticultural Tour through Germany, Belgium, and Part of
France, in the Autumn of 1835. By James Forbes, A.L.S., &c. London :
Ridgway and Sons. 1837- 8vo. pp. 164.

By the preface to this book, it appears, that the idea of the author s taking a
horticultural tour on the continent, originated with his munificent employer, the
Duke of Bedford. The work supplies as much, perhaps, as can be expected in
a rapid tour, namely, a brief account of the manner in which fruits and flowers
are cultivated abroad. The catalogue of Cactece at the end is not the least
valuable portion of the book.

OBITUARY.

The London and Edinburgh Philosophical Magazine for June, contains an
account of several naturalists who have recently departed from this world, but,
strangely enough, the period of the death of these individuals is in no instance
recorded. We make our extracts, with a few additions, as quoted in the Maga-
zine of Natural History for July : —

Mr. Edw. Donovan, F.L.S., author of works on British Birds, British Insects,
British Fishes, and on the insects of India and New Holland, all splendidly

OBITUARY. 283

illustrated. He wrote the articles " Conchology" and " Entomology" in Rees's
: Cyclopadia. Though extremely useful at the time when they were published,
his works perhaps exhibit more of the splendour of art than of any enlarged
views of science. He added some species to the previously existing knowledge
of detailed Zoology ; and it is painful to reflect that one who had laboured so
much in the cause of science should not have escaped the penury that too often
waits on age.

Henry Adolph Schradeb, professor of Botany at Gottingen, author of Spici-
legium Flora Germanicse, 1794, and Flora Germanica, vol. 1st, 1806, and
various essays on exotic plants. His Flora Germanica has a high reputation,
but it only extends through the class Triandria. There is an elaborate and very
useful list of the botanical writers of Germany at the commencement. The
Flora Britannica of Smith is spoken of in Germany as inferior only to the
Flora Germanica of Schrader.*

John Latham, M.D. — Although we have already published a brief account
of our venerable and amiable friend at p. 56 of the present volume, we feel
assured the following further particulars, from the pen of Dr. Boot, will be
perused with interest. He was one of the original members of the Lin-
nean Society, and for nearly half a century took the liveliest pleasure in
its prosperity and advancement. This venerable man devoted himself to
his favourite science of Ornithology, with undiminished interest, to the close
of his long life, which was extended to his ninety-seventh year. His
writings on Ornithology were very voluminous, and are essential to every
student ; for though his views are perhaps limited in some respects, com-
pared to those of more modern authorities, he made important use of the labours
of previous naturalists, and added many species to those formerly known. It
was a privilege of no ordinary kind, to one who had not attained by several
years even the moiety of the age of Dr. Latham, to see him a few years ago, at
our anniversary dinner, triumphant in body and mind over the assaults of time ;
and I remember looking upon him with reverence ; not exclusively that becom-
ing respect ever due from youth to age, whatever may be its intellectual charac-
teristics ; but that mingled feeling which partly arose from the impressive con-
sciousness that a life so protracted, and exhibiting so much calm assurance of
happiness, such serenity and cheerfulness of feeling, in a scene from which so
many of his early friends had gone for ever, bespoke a mind at peace with itself
and the world, and afforded a lesson of what true enjoyment lies beyond even
the Psalmist's limit to the age of man, when time appears to have forgotten the
good man's claim to a better state of existence ; and it was impossible not to

* We should be glad if any correspondent could favour us with the date of the demise of Dono-
van and Schradek. — Ed. Nat.

No. 11, Vol. II. 2p

*84 OBITUARY.

feel that his pursuits of Natural History had, perhaps, contributed largely to the
complacency and the elasticity of his almost patriarchal age.

William Elford Leach, M.D., F.R.S. — Few men, says Dr. Boot, have
ever devoted themselves to Zoology with greater zeal than Dr. Leach, or attained
at an early period of life a higher reputation, at home and abroad, as a profound
naturalist. He was one of the most laborious and successful, as well as one of
the most universal, cultivators of Zoology which this country has ever produced.
His discoveries in the different classes of the Vertebrata, especially birds, were
extensive ; but it was in Entomology and Malacology that his labours have been
most known, and his improvements of the greatest importance. His know-
ledge of the Crustacea was superior to that of any other naturalist of his time,
and his arrangement the best, until the work of Dr. Milne Edwards appeared,
two years ago. After a long suspension of his studies from ill-health, during
which, and up to the period of his death, he was attended by the most devoted
of sisters, he returned to his favourite occupation with his habitual ardour ; and
the letters he wrote to his scientific friends in this country exhibited the sama
devotion to the study of Nature which distinguished the brighter years of his
life. His principal work, The Natural History of the Mollusca of Great
Britain, in the possession of his friend, Mr. Bell, is not yet published.
His other works were : Malacostraca Podophthalma Britannia?, 4to., 1815 and
1816, not finished; Zoological Miscellany, 3 vols. 8vo., 1817; On the Genera
and Species of Proboscideous Insects, 8vo., 1817- He described the animalg
taken by Cranch in the expedition of Capt. Tuckey to the Congo ; and was tha
author of valuable articles in the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Edinburgh Encyclo-
paedia, Philosophical Transactions, Zoological Journal, Memoirs of the Wernerian
Society, Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles. Between 1810 and 1820 he
contributed seven papers to the Transactions of the Linnean Society : three on
insects ; a general arrangement of the Crustacea, Myriapoda, and Arachnides,
a very laborious work; two descriptive of ten new genera of Bats; one on
three new species of Glareola. He died in Italy, last year, of cholera.

Dr. B. continues : — Adam Afzaleus, Professor of Botany at Upsal, was, I
believe, the last of the pupils of Linn-eus, and distinguished, like all the pupils of
that great man, for his exact botanical knowledge. He contributed two papers to
the Transactions of the Linncean Society : " On the Botanical History of Trifo-
lium alpestre, T. medium, and T. pratense," in 1798. He resided in Sierra
Leone for several years, and published his principal work, Genera Plantarunt
Guineensium, in 1804 ; and several dissertations on the medicinal plants of that
country, besides some other works.

THE NATURALIST.

ROUGH MEMORANDA CONCERNING SUNDRY REPTILES, FISHES,
AND MOLUSCA, NATIVES OF THE COUNTY OF YORK.

By Peter Murray, M.D.

Viper. — I confidently believe two species of Viper to be natives. The Black
or English Viper, Coluber berus, and the Red, or Coluber chersea. The latter
has the lozenge-shaped marks along the back, and one heart-shaped on the head,
but is much more flat as to the conformation of the head, though more cylindrical
in the body than Coluber berus, which, when compared with any Snake of equal
length, strikes the observer at once as remarkably depressed in the form of its
body. A most material specific distinction between these two Vipers is that of
size ; Coluber berus occasionally exceeding 20 inches in length, whereas C. chersea
seldom, if ever, reaches beyond half that length.

The Red Viper was rather plentiful on the rough and wild banks of the river
Nidd, along Scotton Moor, before the late inclosure of the common ; and in the
very many walks which, during a residence of twenty years in the neighbour-
hood, I have taken over that picturesque and rugged ground, I never fell in with
the Black Viper, though often with the Red, and that in various stages of
growth ; although, it must be confessed, with none so very small and immature
as finally to decide the question.

The Red Viper is not inferior to its congener in venom, but may be considered
less dangerous upon the whole, from its inferiority in power of jaw, and conse-
quently less equal to bite through any strong thick covering, whether natural
or artificial.

I do not recollect any serious result occurring to any human being during my
abode at Knaresborough, from the bite of Coluber chersea, but I have occasionally
known injuries to Dogs, and once especially to a fine Harrier belonging to the
late lamented Charles Slingsby, Esq., which was bitten in one of the hind
legs, and became presently paraphlegiac, and died within a few hours.

As a const rast to Knaresborough, the large Black Viper is that most abundant
in the vicinity of Scarborough, and may be met with plentifully on the moors,
and on the wild and broken declivities of the cliffs, running down to the sea-
beach, particularly to the south of the town, from the Spa to Cayton Bay, where
the ground is seldom trodden except by the foot of the botanist or fossilist, and
where my path has never been crossed by the Red Viper, though ever and anon
by Coluber berus. In such encounters the luckless Viper always endeavoured

No. 12, Vol.11. 2q

286 ON SUNDRY REPTILES, FISHES, AND MOLTJSCA,

to glide away, never presuming to attack, and being utterly incapable of darting
even when assailed. I have killed several of very different sizes, but have never
seen one approaching in colour to C. chersea.

Sea Stickleback, Gasterosfeus spinachia. — Mr. Couch is assuredly correct
when he states this little fish to undergo various and rapid changes of colour
from the effects of certain passions. Those of fear and hunger are those only of
which I have witnessed the influence.

The G. spinachia swimming about in the deeper pools left by the receding of
the tide, is exceedingly voracious, and whenever it perceives and pursues any
small fishes, Crustacea or molusca, the variations in tint are immediate, and,
from my observation, rapidly returning to the original hue, but, altogether, most
amusing to the cautious gazer ; for if the fish but perceives that he is being thus
watched, he will forthwith dart away, still varying his hues, into the shelter of
some of the densely-interwoven Fieci. What can be the causes of such rapid
changes of colour in this fish ? It varies from a dark green to one of a far paler
hue, while the sides, nearly of a golden tint, become a clear yellow, or even of a
brownish colour, similar to that of the surrounding Fuci. Several other fishes
possess similar powers, as the Flounder, some of the Blennies, and two or three
of the fresh- water Sticklebacks, inter alia.

Many reptiles, especially Lizards, nearly rival the Cameleon, certainly in
mutability, if not in the quickness of such changes. May it not principally depend
upon the alterations which must take place in the excited state of the animal,
from the sudden impetus of blood into the very extreme vessels which, by
necessarily altering the density of the fine membranes furnished with these
vessels, render them wholly and immediately different as media of light, whether
transmitted or reflected. Even the size of the particles of such circulating
fluids will greatly influence the refrangibility ; and we well know that, under the
influence of any violent stimulus, mental or bodily, the larger globules of blood
will be powerfully and directly forced into the minutest branches of the vessels.
From the structure of those fishes which display such Cameleon-like powers, I
should believe this theory to be true, inasmuch as the membranes, though
highly vascular and sensitive, are of wonderful tenuity, and susceptible, there-
fore, of great and rapid changes, as optical media, from the sudden filling of
those blood-vessels by any violent stimulus applied to the heart or nervous
system.

Perhaps, also, the reflected light thrown from surrounding bodies upon those
delicate membranous tissues, may produce corresponding alterations in the colour
of an animal under peculiar circumstances, and hence will assume a tint very
similar to that of the surrounding medium.

The Gasterosteus spinachia builds a round-shaped nest of marine plants,

NATIVES OF YORKSHIRE. 287

usually of the lesser Fact, and those being attached to large twisted masses of
the same kind, almost render it in appearance a pensile, and wholly a natant,
nest, wherein the two kinds of spawn are deposited, while the male fish is
generally to be observed swimming around it, chiefly across the aperture, and
truly evinces no little parental affection and courage, slowly retiring when
molested or alarmed, and presently returning to his station like a trusty centinel.

As illustrating the causes of disease in marine animals, and, probably also
in consequence, that of the occasional unwholesome nature of those animals for
food, I would state, that the Common Oyster will sometimes, when it seems
sickly, flaccid in substance, and greenish and discoloured in appearance, exhibit
proofs of being impregnated with iodine, usually under the form of hydriodate
of soda. Can this arise from the Oyster having eaten largely of certain marine
plants containing considerable quantities of iodine, and thus producing an
unhealthy condition of the fluids, similar to that which takes place in man
from the excessive use of mercury or iodine ?

The Gasterosteus spinachia has been constituted, by Dr. Fleming, a distinct
genus, under the term of Spinachia, and with some reason, for it is very like
its congeners the Sticklebacks, there being no features of family likeness, except
those of voraciousness and pugnacity. In appearance, indeed, it more resem-
bles, though very different in structure, a Syngnathus, in those mailed sides and
that long and tubular snout.

Nereis Noctiluca is hardly more than the tenth of an inch long, and of the
thickness of a strong bristle ; it occurs plentifully, particularly late in autumn,
among the Sea-weeds, especially the lesser Algae, spangling the leaves, when
spread open, with countless sparks of a rich and brilliant blue fire. The
luminosity of this well-known though minute Molusca, is unquestionably de-
pendent upon the will of the animal, which, when disturbed or pursued, can
instantaneously extinguish its lamp, and presently rekindle it, and that even
if it be removed to a sheet of dry paper, where, however, it speedily dies ; but
among the Algce, especially if repeatedly moistened with Sea- water, this marine
glow-worm may be kept alive several days. For a very minute description of
this singular little creature, I would refer your readers to the monograph of
Adler in the third volume of the Amcenitates Academicce.

Scarborough, May 20, 1837.

2q2

288 ■

A COMMENTARY ON NUMBERS VII. AND VIII. OF
" THE NATURALIST."

Bv Edward Blyth.

The Lemurs' Mode of taking their Food. — Cm Specific Distinctions. — On the Fitchetand Ermine
Weasels. — The occurrence of Papilio podalirius in Britain.— On removing the Pigeon family
from the Rasores, and general Observations on Classification. — The Skua mentioned at p. 8*5,
probably L. Iiichardsonii, and not L. parasiticus. — Distribution of the Corn Bunting in Britain.
— Does the Locustell (or " Grasshopper Warbler") rvr* or hop 9 — The Difference between
Budytes flava and B. neglecta — Song of the Crossbill. — Occurrence of the Yellow-rimmed
Albatross near Gainsborough. — Hawking with the Golden Eagle, Erne, &c. — Missel Thrush
Singing on the Wing. — Blackcapt Fauvet darting into the Air after Insects. — Origin of the
name " Stock Pigeon."

As I highly approve of the suggestion of your correspondent H. E. H. (at
p. 89), and conceive that an occasional chapter devoted to retrospective com-
mentary would be productive of beneficial results, in eliciting a variety of
interesting particulars, which would otherwise be overlooked or imperfectly
estimated, I venture to avail myself of this as an apology for offering the
following observations, in compliance with the " hint " of your correspondent.

In reference, therefore, to a remark at p. 7, relative to the mode in which the
Lemurs take up their food, it may be mentioned, that an Ateles (or Spider-mon-
key), if presented with a saucer [of bread soaked in milk, invariably stoops, and
seemingly with some difficulty, or at least awkwardly, to take up pieces with
its mouth, which it thence transfers to one of its hands, never dipping the latter
into the mess ; a circumstance which I have repeatedly witnessed with a degree
of surprise.

To proceed to Mr. Rylands's paper (p. 20), I may take occasion to remark,
that I am by no means prepared to accede to a proposition for which he in-
cidentally contends, to the effect, that species must be necessarily identical,
merely because we happen to be unable to appreciate their distinctness. Re-
garding this question independently of the case of Pontia rapce and P. metra*
as it must be admitted, that every grade exists between the species that are
obviously distinct and such as are doubtfully so, it must therefore be conceived,
I presume, that the closest similarity does not of necessity imply specific
identity ; a consideration of momentous import to the zoologist, who would infer
the cotemporaneous deposition of geographically distant beds, on the plea of
the assumed identity of a small portion of their included fossils. At the same
time, in urging this, it would be absurd to undervalue the established datum

* Here, however, I must beg to differ from your correspondent, considering that the claims of
these to be separately recognized are far from being annulled by the occasional occurrence of
aberrant specimens, which it may be found difficult to refer correctly.

A COMMENTARY ON NOS. VII. AND VIII. OF " THE NATURALIST." 289

afforded by the ordinary limitation of forms within a restricted range of the
vertical series. Unless, indeed, we admit the possibility, and even the proba-
bility, of the absolute similitude of distinct species, or, in other words, of races
not descended from a common parentage, the question arises, Where are we to
fix the maximum of approximation of what are allowed to be distinct species ?
I think, however, that there is much reason to suspect that many closely-allied
original races have blended, their mixed offspring becoming mutually fertile in
proportion to the amount of affinity subsisting between the parents. The com-
parative sterility of mules betwixt the Horse and Ass, or between the Pheasant
and Fowl, I deem to be very far from deciding this important question. Let the
hybrid progeny of the Whitebreasted and Yellowbreasted Martins (between
which animals, I am informed by an anatomist of the highest authority, that
osteological distinctions exist), of the Mouflon and Argali Sheep, of the Mealy
and Rose Linnets of Britain, or the true Phasianus torquatm and Pk. Colchicus,
or even of the Japanese and Indian Peafowl, be brought to the test, and I think
that the result would then be more satisfactory. Surely it does not follow, that
because the male progeny of the Goldfinch and Canary should be mutually un-
prolific, the same would obtain with the mixed breed of Carduelis elegans and
C. caniceps, or with the hybrid offspring of the three closely-allied Jays of
Europe, Asia-Minor, and Japan. I do not say that even these would naturally
intermingle, if wild in the same locality ; but, as species approach so very nearly
as these do, there is of course no reason why some should not even more closely
resemble. The Greater and Common European Bullfinches accord exactly to a
feather, and as intimately in relative proportions; but they differ greatly in
size,* and intermediate examples have never been met with. The female of the
Japanese Bullfinch can only be told from that of Britain by the discordancy of
a single feather, the smallest wing tertiary, which in both the European species
is invariably tinged with red, in the females as well as in the males ; a character
not observable in that of Japan, which is besides, as can be seen only on com-
paring them together, of a rather different shade of brown upon the back. The
Himmalayan Pyrrhula erythrocephala, inhabiting an intermediate region, though
true to the type, is manifestly and obviously distinct, as the warmest advocates
for climatal variation will readily allow. To give one or two more instances.
Otus brachyotus of Europe and North America, when many specimens from
both continents are seen together, is observed to be constantly of a more rufous

* For instance, the wing of the Great Bullfinch (of course I allude not to the Cory thus enuclealor,
which has been improperly ranked in Pyrrhula) measures 3£ inches, that of the Common species
3 inches ; the tail of the former is 3 inches long, of the latter 2§ inches ; and the difference in
bulk corresponds to that of the linear dimensions. I have measured three specimens of the Great
Bullfinch, which agree precisely with one another.

290 A COMMENTARY ON NOS. VII. AND VIII. OF " THE NATURALIST."

tinge when from the latter country, although there is no other perceptible distinc-
tion ; the Magellanic specimens, however,' add to this diversity a decided differ-
ence of structure in the bill, wherefore these have been specified as 0. Magella-
nicus. In Strix flammea of North America and Europe, a difference of size is
superadded to a slight diversity of average colouring ; and it would be easy to
enumerate many more analogous examples. Had some of these, then, inhabited
the same district, it is not unlikely that they would have intermixed ; nor is it
improbable that their mutual offspring would have been freely prolific, so that
the race would have become effectually blended in time. It is true that many
naturalists, in the event of animals of a mixed race proving to be mutually fertile,
would hastily arrive at the conclusion that the parents were only varieties of the
same ; but the inference, I suspect, would be inconsistent with a presumed re-
sult, that a series of degrees of fertility would become apparent, corresponding to
those of physiological accordance, subsisting between the parents. Probandum
est, however, and it is not much to the credit of the present advanced state of
Zoology, that more experiments have not been instituted to decide this funda-
mental question.

It has always appeared to me, that the extreme irregularity in the amount of
resemblance which obtains throughout the species of every group, the utter ab-
sence of any approach to uniformity, in this particular — many specie?, as above
shewn, approximating each other so closely, that it is not only difficult, but
seemingly even impossible (in numerous instances) to know them apart — is
utterly irreconcileable with, and therefore of itself subversive of, any doctrine
which contends for, a rigid system of arrangement, such as the theory espoused by
Mr. Swainson, wherein every separate species, as well as natural group, of each
degree of value, is held to be a component of a regular quinary circle ; a notion
which I conceive to require a precisely even amount of variation between every
distinct species and correspondent group, the palpable non-existence of which it
is useless to attempt to explain upon the easy principle of our partial acquaint-
ance with original forms, seeing that the progress of discovery has only tended to
render more irregular the several divisions, and has increased the number of
anomalies in full proportion to that of the new species which it has brought under
review. I shall revert to this subject presently.

The Fitchet Weasel is much more common within a circuit of ten miles from
the metropolis than would be anticipated in so populous a neighbourhood. As
we advance further than this into the county of Surrey, it becomes much more
rare, and the Ermine Weasel considerably more abundant, a fact of which I am
positive, but which I am at present unable to explain, unless it be that it gives
the preference to furzy districts. It is called in some places the " furze-cat." I
have been credibly informed of an instance of a man seizing and pulling forth

A COMMENTARY ON NOS. VII. AND VIII. OF " THE NATURALIST." 2l)l

from a burrow what he supposed to be a Rabbit, but which proved, to his asto-
nishment, a Fitchet- Weasel ; it did not attempt to bite him, though he instantly
let it drop on discovering his mistake. The young of this species are thinly co-
vered at birth, with a whitish hair, which is succeeded by woolly fur of a uniform
dark brown colour, though exhibiting the usual pale markings upon the head.
They frequently develop their permanent teeth previously to the shedding of the
first set, continuing to exhibit a complete series for a few weeks.

Respecting the occurrence of Papilio podalirius in the New Forest (p. 38),
more stress ought surely to be laid on the circumstance, that many of our rarest
Lepidoptera, as Mancipium daplidice, Deilephila euphorbia, D. galii, D. lineata,
D. celerio, &c, have chiefly been met with along the line of our south coast ;
wherefore the question is at least fairly admissible, whether some of them should
not rather be considered as occasional stragglers, than as tx*uly indigenous to the
country ? It is certain that Acherontia atropos has been frequently met with far
out at sea, as I have myself observed with Macroglossa stellatarum, Cynthia car-
dui, Colias edusa, and numerous others, some of them of very small size. With
such facts before us, it seems at present that we have trivial arguments for the
contended indigenousness of Papilio podalirius, even granting that a very few
specimens have from time to time been captured within the realm of Britain. Is
either of Mr. Allis's specimens a female insect ? For it is needless to add that
the males are considerably the more erratic.

In Mr. Allis's extremely interesting paper on the incongruity of the compo-
nent groups of the Rasores (a view in which I heartily concur), it is stated that
" gallinaceous birds see at their birth," also, " (I believe without exception,) run
from their nest as soon as hatched," and " always pick up their own food as
soon as they run from the shell." Is Mr. A., however, prepared to assert this of
the Pterocles and allied genera (composing, I consider, an extremely distinct and
well-marked family), which are generally understood to be incapable of leaving
the nest for some time, being fed by the parent ? Another anomalous group is
presented by Hcemapodius and its various allies, birds of peculiar form, and
wanting the hind toe, and which are undoubtedly more distinct from the Tctrao-
nidcz, than this latter from the Pavonidce. The Struthionidce should certainly
not be admitted among the Rasores, as such a combination merges two obvious
and recognised divisions, to form one that is vague and comparatively indefin-
able ; a junction which could only have originated in abstract theoretical views,
based on deductions from insufficient, data. I think it must be confessed, how-
ever, that the difficulties of achieving a perfectly unobjectionable arrangement,
are insurmountable ; as there will always be anomalous groups, which refuse to
conform to any comprehensive division. Witness, for example, the Larks, the
Calamophilus, the Paradoxornis, the Menura, the Psophia, the Phcenicopterus,

2D2 A COMMENTARY ON NOS. VII. AND VIII. OP " THE NATURALIST."

the Pratincoles, the Sheathbill, &c. If sucli be admitted, confessedly as a mat-
ter of convenience, along with other genera, such an arrangement might, provi-
sionally, be adopted as at least possible ; but when the position assigned to
them is vaunted as equally satisfactory with those of genera concerning which
there is no difference of opinion, it behoves those who pursue the inductive me-
thod of investigation to analyze their claims, as Mr. Allis has so ably done
those of the Columbidce, to a place among the Rasores. For my part I greatly
admire that gentleman's method of procedure, vastly preferring the positive to the
imaginative, in matters of this kind ; for it rarely happens that a deviation in
any fundamental character, such as those on which Mr. Allis has founded his
conclusions, is unaccompanied by equivalent diversities to bear out the distinc-
tion.

To give an example ; and I select it on account of its having been so over-
looked. The crania of the Albatross and Petrels, on the one hand, and of the
Gulls and Terns on the other, present essential distinctions, such as those to
which Mr. Allis has alluded in the case of the Columbidce, and true Rasores ;
and to recur to another of the leading characters mentioned by that gentleman,
we find that the former lay, in every instance, a single white egg, whereas the
latter produce three, which are blotched with black on a coloured ground. Again,
the mode of flight, manner of progression on the ground, texture of plumage, and
a variety of other particulars, afford corresponding indications, which are surely
sufficient, taken collectively, to warrant their separation into two equivalent
divisions, of the rank of families. It would, indeed, be vain to endeavour to
point out analogous diversities between the Pavonidce and Tetraonidce, which
have been admitted as such. They might subsequently be brought together, as
a superior division, to be termed Longipennes, after Cuvier, which would be
subordinate to the higher group Natatores. The Yagers (Lestris) would apper-
tain to the same family as the Gulls, at least they are considerably more allied to
these than to the Albatrosses and Petrels ; though, at the same time, as they are
considerably less intimately connected with them than the Terns are, it becomes
necessary, in order to represent duly the subordinacy of characters, to institute a
minor supergeneric division among the Laridce, or what have been termed sub-
families, thus separating the Gulls and Terns from the Yagers. The Albatrosses
and Petrels being considered as a separate group, equivalent to the entire Laridce.
Of course, the next step is into genera and sub-genera, which latter I should
like to see specified in the following manner: — Larus-xema minuta, Slerna-
anous stolida, Sterna-rhyncops nigra, §c. ; these pertaining to the order and
suborder Natatores Longipennes, and family and subfamily Laridce Larince.

It is only thus, I conceive, by establishing a long series of successively subor-
dinate divisions, that any approach to a satisfactory arrangement is at all prac-

A COMMENTARY ON NOS. VII. AND VIII. OF " THE NATURALIST." 293

ticable. Wherever recognizable groups exist, let them be specified, without
any reference to abstract and preconceived theory ; in other words, let the indis-
criminate association of forms of different degrees of value be, as far as possible,
avoided, such as is flagrantly exhibited in the incongruous composition of the
quinarian order Rasores ; not but that Cuvier's natatorial divisions, it may be
added, of Longipennes, Totipalmi, Brachypterus, and Lamellirostres, are equally,
or even more distinct, than the three primary rasorial groups above denoted.

The immense divisions Insessores, Grallatores, &c, are decidedly over-compre-
hensive ; but would become free from every objection if resolved into groups of
secondary value, such as that above proposed to comprise the two families La-
ridce and Procellaridce. It is true that the advocates of the quinary system have
been compelled to adopt this plan in the case of the excessively numerous Inses-
sores ; but, with all deference to those who maintain this theory, it appears to
me, that the latter has vitiated the attempt at dismemberment. The Grallatores
are obviously referable to three very distinct sections, which are sufficiently indi-
cated by their eggs alone ; but the Insessores require a careful analysis, upon the
principle on which Mr. Allis has proceeded, and conducted without any bias or
prejudice in favour of arrangements hitherto proposed ; an analysis which shall
set forth their accordances and disagreements, without endeavouring to enhance
or depreciate the value of either, to strain consistency with pre-conceived theo-
retic views.

But to proceed with the retrospect of your two last numbers, without indulging
in any further digression. The species of Lestris mentioned at p. 86, is most
probably L. Richardsonii, L. parasiticus being extremely rare on the British,
coast.

The Corn Bunting (p. 90) is decidedly not a rare bird in the south of England,
though it is everywhere much less common than its congener, the Yellow Bunt-
ing. A principal reason that its nest is so seldom met with, arises from the fact
of its commonly building in Clover, or similar herbage, in the interior of a field,
away from the hedge, so that the site is removed from the track of nesting boys.

Your correspondent, Dr. Liverpool, is mentioned in the British Song Birds
as having kept the Locustell alive in confinement ; perhaps he will favour us with
information as to whether it constantly progresses on the ground by alternate
use of the feet ; all the authors affirm that it hops*

Mr. Hoy informs me that the principal, indeed the only, distinction which he

* We shall be very glad to hear fromDr.J Liverpool, or any other correspondent, on this point.
We have ascertained, from personal observation of the Locustell at large, that it frequently hops,
and we have no reason for believing that it ever adopts any other mode of progression on the
ground. We are, therefore, a little surprised at the opinion expressed by a zealous ornithologist

(Mr.* J. D. Hoy) in a foot-note at p. 78 of the present volume Ed.

No. 12. Vol. II. 2 r

294 A COMMENTARY ON NOS. VII. AND VIII. OF " THE NATURALIST."

perceived between the habits of Budytes flava and B. neglecta, consisted in the
latter shewing a decided partiality for watery situations, whereas the former
chiefly affects dry corn-fields and sheep-walks, which agrees with my own obser-
vation. I was rather surprised, therefore, to peruse Mr. Salmon's remarks on
the species, at p. 103.

The song of the Common Crossbill (p. 103) is unmusical and squeaking, ac-
companied by a Goldfinch-like swing of the body, and a louder call-note analogous
to that of the bird alluded to ; its ordinary chirp is a low and sharp chipp.

Respecting the occurrence of the Yellow-rimmed Albatross near Gainsbo-
rough (p. 104), it is much to be desired that some reader, who may possess the
opportunity, would endeavour to learn in whose possession the specimen now is?
and furnish you with an account of its dimensions, and all about it ;* for, at pre-
sent, I think that a writer on British birds is scarcely warranted in admitting
this species into his list of stragglers, should he receive no better authority for the
fact of its occurrence than the newspaper paragraph cited.

A notice of Capt. Green's trained Golden Eagle (p. 106) has appeared from
time to time in several of the papers. It was mentioned in the John Bull, for
November 13, 1836. The old Venetian traveller, Marco Polo, who visited
Tartary in 1269, relates that this species was there trained for the pursuit of
large game, in which it displayed all the docility of the Falcons. In the Zoolo-
gical Gardens the true Eagles prove to be far less untameable than the Ernes
(Halicetus), which latter require to be kept in awe by their attendants. Sir W«
Jardine mentions having had the Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon tame,
and even playful. Indeed, a White-headed Erne, long in the possession of Mr.
Leadbeater, was as fond and affectionate as a Cockatoo ; but this is less usual
in the species of Halicetus. At Uxbridge a Golden Eagle has actually hatched
and reared several broods of chickens, which is, perhaps, the most extraordinary
use an Eagle was ever put to. The Common Buzzard has been several times
known to do the same ; and the Buzzards are very nearly allied to the true
Eagles. I have myself handled young but fully-grown examples of the Osprey
and Cinereous Erne ; that is to say, I have partly opened their wings for the pur-
pose of investigation, without their offering to resent the liberty taken with them ;
though, as before related, the Ernes are apt to be indomitably savage, and it is
doubtful whether they could be trained to purposes of falconry.

A few days since I had the pleasure of both hearing and seeing a Missel
Thrush sing while on the wing (p. 106). My attention was aroused by hearing
the notes of the bird becoming louder at every stave, as if approaching, and look-
ing out, I soon perceived it flying low over. the Furze, taking a long curve, and

* Any correspondent doing this will receive our best thanks. — Ed.

A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &C. 2ft ?

at length approaching almost directly towards where I stood, when, seeing me
it abruptly turned, and became silent, but not till after I had repeatedly wit-
nessed the utterance of its loud song during flight. This species appears to be
rapidly increasing in all parts of Britain. I may further remark, that the above
mentioned individual was taking a very long flight, to judge from the distant
sound of its notes when I first heard them.

I have also noticed, lately, two Blackcap Fauvets darting upwards into the
air after insects, in precisely the manner of the Garden Fauvet, as detailed in
your British Song Birds. This habit is by no means usual in the Fauvet
genus.

I shall conclude these remarks by observing, that I am informed of several lo-
calities where the Stock-Pigeon breeds rather plentifully, resorting to what are
called " stocks " for this purpose ; in other words, to stunted leafy pollards, or
wild trunks, which it appears, where it has the choice, to prefer to any other
situation to build in. I have also known it, in two instances, select the hole of
an aged Ash-tree, but my own experience of this species is rather limited. It is
not a little curious to observe the variety of meanings which are attached to the
word " stock," or " stocks ;" the idea of " placing in," or " being placed in " them
is not more opposed than are the senses in which it is used by persons engaged in
rural occupations and pursuits ; by the gardener, the agriculturist, and the grazier ;
the first of whom employs it in at least three distinct significations, independently
of those alluded to in the latter instances ; besides all which, when we speak of
the original " stock " from whence aught is derived, we intend the word in still
another sense, and have erroneously supposed this to have been the meaning in
which it is applied to the species of wild Pigeon, the propriety of so designating
which has, therefore, been called in question.
North Brixton, Surrey,
May 11, 1837.

A BOTANICAL TOUR IN HEREFORDSHIRE, MONMOUTHSHIRE,
AND SOUTH WALES.

WITH INCIDENTAL NOTICES OF THE SCENERY, ANTIQUITIES, &C

By Edwin Lees, F. L. S., M. E. S. L.

(Continued from p. 259.)
We now took the nearest route to the Porth-yr-ogof, the cavern where the
river Mellte works for itself a sinuous passage through the limestone rock, amidst
the deepest gloom, for a space of about seven hundred yards, before it again

2 r2

*2iW5 A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, fc&

emerges, solemn and tamed, into the fair light of heaven. The summit ot the
rock where the river enters the cavern is about sixty feet above the level of the
water ; but the opening in the rock itself does not extend twenty feet in height,
and is about forty-five in breadth. It is to be observed that the stream, on enter-
ing, divides itself, one arm taking a winding course to the left, and forming in its
passage deep perforations and fathomless pools, and the other proceeding with a
wider current, leaving at first a space to trace its course, but at length filling up
the cavity with its waters. Besides these two main tunnels, there are several
lateral ones, which may be threaded, but all are so dark that candles are neces-
sary. I had felt inclined to have pilgrimaged through the entire cavern, having
understood from several authors that there was " a practicable passage " through it.
I soon found that this practicable passage was only one for a fish or a Duck, the
fact being, that where the river emerges no entrance or exit, but for an amphi-
bious being, can possibly be obtained. By fording the stream, and taking the
right-hand defile, of which it might not unaptly be said —

" Hinc via Tartarei quae fert Acherontis ad undas,"

I was able to advance rather more than 150 yards over very slippery rocks, po-
lished by the floods that frequently cover them, and which, excavating whirl-
holes, render progression a tedious affair ; for, of course, a slip would, as indeed I
experienced, leave one floundering in the dark. Beyond the distance stated, I
found there was no advance, the stone gradually sloping off in an inclined plane
down to a black deep pool, which I ascertained by poking down on hands and
knees till I felt the water. I then gave it up. This passage is, however, worth
exploring, as in one place the roof expands in gloomy obscurity into a rude but
lofty dome, a crevice in which, near the top, admits a trembling ray of
light, that timidly progresses about half-way down, and just serves faintly
to show the outline of a roof that would otherwise appear illimitable. It
is remarkable, that the coppice covering the external roof or bridge formed
by the embogueing river, is covered with stony debris, as if anciently over-
flowed with water, but whether this was occasioned by some extraordinary inun-
dation, or whether in fact the river itself did not originally flow there — though
now delving for itself a subterranean passage — I leave for more matured consi-
deration.

On. the smooth blue limestone slabs just before the mouth of the cave I found
a gelatinous plant belonging to the Algce Gloiocladecp, about the size of a human
ear. It exactly resembled a thick piece of glue soaked in water. Having been
able to meet with no certain account of it, I describe the plant. It appears to
belong to the genus Palmetto, in the Nostockinece, tribe 21 of the Algce, in Sir J.
W. Hooker's British Flora. Dark olive green or brown gelatinous Palmella,

A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &C. 297

frond convex, hemispherical, lessening in thickness from the centre to the cir-
cumference. Frond exceeding two inches in diameter, skin thick and slightly
rugose, substance beneath of the same dark olive-green hue, jelly-like, and semi-
transparent. Unattached upon the limestone slabs near the water, but not im-
mersed in it. I brought a specimen home with me wrapt in leaves, and placing
it in water preserved it for three weeks, but no hue was imparted to the water
in which it was kept. It finally dried up, preserving its outline on a sheet of
paper, to which I transferred it. This curious plant somewhat resembles, though
evidently distinct from, Palmella montana (Ulvamont, Eng. BoL, 2193), which
Lightfoot mentions as used by the Highlanders, who wash it, rub it between
their hands in water, and make a paste with it, with which they purge their
calves. In form it approaches the largest figure of Rivularia calcarea in Eng.
Bot., t. 1799, which Sir J. E. Smith calls a "singular production," reported by
several friends to have been found " about many water falls in North and South
Wales, Shropshire, &c." Smith describes this plant as belonging to a genus
*' destitute of an external cuticle," which the plant I found evidently has. He
also describes his R. calcarea as having sessile fronds, " round, generally clus-
tered or aggregate, each as big as a pea, or larger, but often united into an
uneven undeterminate mass- The external surface is of a rich dark green." My
Palmella, on the contrary, is of a dark glue colour, not aggregated, oval, or he-
mispherical, and more than two inches in diameter. The Rivularia is also stated
to be " impregnated with a calcareous sediment, which renders it hard, though
friable," while certainly there was no trace of any stalagmitic particles in my
plant, which I believe to have been before unnoticed.

Passing from the cavern to Curn Porth Farm, to obtain a draught of milk, I
noticed a singular old Elder-tree (Sambucus nigra), of larger dimensions than
any that ever previously came under my inspection. It had quite a venerable
aspect, hoary with Lichens, bearded with Polypody, and entirely hollow. Its
girth at the base was 14 feet, and 8 feet at two yards from the ground. I have
before hinted at the probability of the introduction of this tree into Britain by
the Romans, who long made South Wales a favourite seat of their arts and arms ;
and this singular old relic in the neighbourhood of an ancient Nidum, and not far
removed from a Roman way over the mountains, is in favour of my idea ; the
virtues and fame of the Elder having travelled hither from Greece, and been
acknowledged by learned compounders in all ages. Hence, even so late as
Evelyn's time, he has not scrupled in his Sylva to enlarge upon the " uses of
the Elder, either for sickness or wound." " The inner bark," he says, " applied
to any burning, takes out the fire immediately ; that, or, in season, the buds,
boiled in water-gruel for a breakfast, has effected wonders in a fever ; and the

298 A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &C.

decoction is admirable to assuage inflammations and tetrous humours, and espe-
cially the scorbut : but an extract, or theriaca, may be composed of the berries,
which is not only efficacious to eradicate this epidemical inconvenience, and
greatly to assist longevity (so famous is the story of Neander), but is a kind of
Catholicon against all infirmities whatever !" Who, then, believing this, would
be without an Elder-tree, or neglect paying his respects to it with the devotion
Boerhaave is said to have done ?*

The subdued light of dying day invested the upper cataract of the Mellte, as I
gazed upon its falling waters taking their seventy feet plunge into the naked glyn
beneath them. This waterfall has a greater volume than Cil Hepste, but ha3
altogether a different character, from not being overtopped on all sides by rocks,
and immersed in the gloom of embowering foliage. It must also be viewed from
above, for though I scrambled down the slate-rock into the chasm below, and thus
obtained a nearer view, the path (if path that can be called where there is none)
is not very alluring. Some distance further are the lower falls of the Mellte,
pleasing and romantic, and girdled with wood, through which their white foam is
conspicuous, but calling for no detailed description, especially as a long walk
remained to be effected back to Glyn Neath.

As we retraced our steps to Port nedd Vechan, we descended an exposed
heathy moor, and turned into a wood, shrouded in whose marshy intricacies
the Pryddin gushes a small spout-like cascade called Scwd Wladis, or the Lady's
Fall, near which the Cinclus aquations, or Dipper, is sure to be seen, with its
brown plumage and white breast. Amidst the wood, a short distance below the
fall, is a Logan or Rocking-stone, composed of the quartzose breccia found upon
the mountains above, whence this boulder must have heen rolled, to do its duty
as a stone of judgment in this secluded spot, Except the imperfect stone-circle
on Craig-y-Dinas, and the Logan here, I am not aware of any other druidical
remains in this vicinity. Higher up the Pryddin is another fall of that river,
called Yagwd Einon Gam, or the Crooked Waterfall, which the gloom of evening
did not now allow me to visit. On a former occasion a " Dim Saesriach " led me to
the foot of it by a villainous route, in which we forded the river perhaps a dozen
times. Rain having recently fallen, and the torrent rising over the slippery foot-
stones, my ardour was somewhat damped before arriving at the expected scene,
which, however, deserves inspection from the height of the gloomy rock, the
oblique direction of the upper sheet of water, and the spectral Oak that solemnly
frowns high over all.

Of the various water-falls in and about Glyn Neath, I feel inclined to award

* Evelyn's Silva, or a Discourse of Forest Trees, &c., fol., 4th Edit., 1706.

A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &C. 290

the palm to the Sgwd-yr-Hen-Rhyd, near Capel Colbren, about five miles over
the mountains in a northerly direction. It can scarcely be found without a
guide, the route lying over boggy moors and stony ravines, without a single
habitation occurring near at hand the whole distance, except at Pont Henrhyd,
just above the fall, where in the early morning I enjoyed, after a fatiguing walk,
a delicious breakfast of Welsh bread and butter and milk, and a rest from
the hot sunbeams. Pont Henrhyd is a romantic, two-arched ivy-girt bridge,
beneath which the little river Llech pours its stream at first so quietly, that no
one would imagine that fifty yards beyond it was likely to fling itself in thunder,
foam, and spray, down a precipice ninety feet in height, into the dark
excavation below. This, however, is the case. It first begins to murmur
among the stones — then chafes and frets into its rocky channel — slides impetu-
ously down an interposing ledge of black rock that comes athwart its course —
foams and rushes on in anger — and then, collecting its waters together with
sullen and still determination, leaps at one sudden bound into the deep gulf
below. But its future course is not lost in shade ; the glen into which it has
fallen is seen opening some distance beyond, and the shaggy wood, robing the
cliffs on the right, is relieved by a sparkling prospect of dales and hills, in noble
perspective, down the vale of Tawe, into which the Llech runs, almost if not
quite to the faint blue ocean. The fall may be descended to by a rough way
down the cliff, by making a circuit to the right, and here it appeared in real
grandeur. The perpendicular rock on either side of the descending water
horrid with wood and impending trees that seem tottering to their fall, the dark
aspect of the precipice, shaggy with waving Mosses and Conferva, and its
superior height disturbing the rush with no impending crag, the flickering Iris
on the water, and the seclusion of the glen, that yet partially reveals the
on-flowing stream still bounding amidst huge blocks of stone, and hoarsely
murmuring in the pauses of the louder dash of the cataract, conspire to leave a
forcible impression upon the mind, and to cause the wanderer to leave the spot
that has given rise to so many pleasing images very reluctantly. I the rather
commend this water-fall to the botanist, as the way to it lies by an extensive
and remarkable bog, called Gorselyn, where many interesting plants are located.
To save trouble and prevent digression, I have reserved my list of the Plants
I gathered in Glyn Neath for this place. Any botanist travelling there — and
the place is now much visited — can easily slip this number of The Naturalist
into his pocket, and identify the habitats I have given ; and if he can increase
the list with any thing more uncommon, no one will be more pleased than
myself. It is surely a locality worth searching, and pleasure and delight
must ensue.

300 A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &C.

Plants of Glyn Neath and its Vicinity,
(Not previously mentioned in this paper.f)
Trolliua Europceus. — In Gorsellyn Bog, on the Banwen Mountain.
Drosera rotundifolia. — In the same bog. Perhaps other Droserce may be

found here.
Hypericum androscemum. — On the woody descent to Sgwd-yr-Hen-Bhyd

Waterfall.
Stellaria uliginosa. — Watery spots about Pont Nedd Vechan.
Saxifraga tr {dactylites. — I gathered what appears to be a variety of this, with

entire root-leaves, on the rocks at Cil Hepste.
*Rubus affinis. — In great luxuriance between the great Mellte waterfall and

the old road to Brecon over the mountains. Also on boggy spots on

the Banwen.
R. idceus. — Very plentiful in bushy spots about the Hepste and Pyrddin

rivers.
*Comarum palustre. — Gorsellyn.
Geum rivale. — Plentiful within the dripping of Cil Hepste fall, and adorning

the spot with its gracefully drooping dark ruby flowers.
*Rosa scabriitscula. — Near Pont Nedd Vechan, and on the bank of the

Mellte near its upper water-fall.
*Rosa villosa. — Plentiful throughout Glyn Neath. I observed an apparent

variety with hooked prickles between Pont Nedd Vechan and Merthyr,

which may perhaps be R. sylvestris of Lindley.
AlchemiUa vulgaris. — Growing excessively large at the Porth-yr-ogof.
Sanguisorba officinalis. — Abundant in fields below the mountain Craig-y-Llyn

Vawr.
Gnaphalium dioicum. — Very abundant on a heath above the Logan stone,

near Tewd-y-gladis cascade.
* Cnicus pratensis. — Completely covering some wet meadows at the base of

Craig-y-Lllyn Vawr, and equally abundant above Ginon Gam fall on

the Pyrddin. Also on the Banwen, Breconshire.
*Prenanthes muralis. — On the side of Craig y Dinas.
*Hieracium Lawsoni. — In a rocky steep part of the road to Merthyr, before

the woods give place to the open moor.
Hieracium murarum. — On the Rock and other craggy places.
Lobelia Dortmanna. — In Llyn Vawr, a lake at the northern foot of the

f It may be well to mention, for the benefit of new subscribers, that the asterisk is placed
before species previously unrecorded, as far as Mr. Lkes is aware, in the spot in which he found
them, and at all events not included in Watson's New Botanical Guide*— Ei>.

A BOTANICAL TOUR THROUGH SOUTH WALES, &C. 30/

perpendicular rocks of the mountain Craig y Llyn Vawr, furrowed by

the action of the torrents that supply the lake.
Erica tetralix. — On the Banwen.
Menyanthes trifoliata. — Abundant on the Banwen, about Porth-yr-ogof, and

other boggy spots.
Pinguicula vulgaris. — Adorning the mossy rocks at the Cil Hepste Fall with

its singular deep blue flowers. Very plentiful also on Gorsellyn Bog.
Veronica montana. — Between the Lamb and Flag and Pont Nedd Vechan.
Digitalis purpurea, var. flor. alb. — A noble Foxglove with white flowers I

gathered by the side of the little cascade at Aberpergwm.
* Scutellaria minor. — On the mountainous boggy moor close to Cil Hepste

Farm.
Callitriche autumnalis. — Fringing almost the entire southern margin of Llyn

Vaur, both in and out of the water.
Juncus uliginosus. — Plentiful on the Banwen mountain.
Juncus squarrosus. — On the barren Craig y Llyn Vaur.
Narthecium ossifragum. — Very abundant in the boggy meadows near the

Mellte and Pyrddin, as well as on wet spots below Llyn Vaur, and on

the Banwen, where its rich golden clusters make a fine show when in

flower.
*Eliockaris pauciflora. — On the Banwen mountain.
*Eriophorum pubescens. — Abundant in Gorsellyn Bog, but confined to the

wettest and least accessible parts of it, where it grows in company with

the Globe-flower (Trollius EuropceusJ, amidst a forest of Reeds, Sedges,

&c, while E. angustifolum and E. polystachion keep on the more exposed

parts of the marsh, and on dryer spots.
E. vaginatum. — On the Banwen mountain in wet places.
Carex dioica. — Rather plentiful in wet spots on the Banwen, near Gorsellyn.
C. muricata. — In a marshy meadow below Llyn Vaur.
C. stellulata. — On the Banwen.
*C.fulva. — Boggy ground on the Banwen.
C. distans. — On Gorsellyn Bog.
C. vesicaria. — On the margin of Llyn Vaur.
C. ampullacea. — On the border of Gorsellyn Bog.
Polypodium phegopteris. — This delicate fern was plentiful on the rocky banks

of the Hepste river about both the falls.
P. dryopteriss — Equally abundant below Cil Hepste.
P. calcareum. — Among copse wood half way up the rock below Sgwd-yr-

Hen-Rhyd.
Aspidium lobatum.*— Between Pont Nedd Vechan and Cil Hepste.
No. 12, Vol.11. 2 s

302 ON SCIENTIFIC NOMENCLATURE.

A. oreopteris. — On a bank in a wet field below Llyn Vaur.

A. spinulosum. — In the woods at Pont Nedd Vechan.

Cistopteris fragilis. — Abundant on the rocks above Craig-y-Dinas.

Asplenium viride. — Beautifully adorning the rocks within reach of the spray
of Sgwd-yr-Hen-Rhyd and Cil Hepste Falls.

Equisetum sylvaticum.~- 'Between the Mellte river and Schwd-y-gladis.

A botanist is of course always anxious to seize a rare plant, but the notifi-
cation of such a capture, especially in the case of doubtful species, is very
tantalizing to a traveller who may follow in his steps. I have, therefore, aimed
at distinguishing plants that may be found again in the localities named, thus
assisting the inquiring student, rather than at investing doubt in the robe of
rarity, thus leaving room for future correction, and engendering perpetual dis-
appointment. That further investigation of this district may probablv bring to
light " fairer flowers " than it has yet been my fortune to gather, no one is more
aware than myself. Such at a future time I may record, and in the interim
wish a successful campaign to all brother botanists.

ON SCIENTIFIC NOMENCLATURE AND CLASSIFICATION, ILLUS-
TRATED BY AN ARRANGEMENT OF THE BRITISH FALCONIDjE.

By R. H. Sweeting, Surgeon.

The practice of using Greek words for the generic, and Latin for the specific
names of birds and other animals, did not originate with Mr. Any-one (see
p. 150), but was the invariable plan — whenever admissible — of the illustrious
Baron Cuvieb. The following are specimens, taken from his Regne Animal : —
Pernis aphorus, Caryocatactes nucifraga* Machetes pugnax. Classical names
for birds, &c, whether Greek or Latin, or Latin and Greek, ought, if truly
appropriate, to be considered equally admissible. Where both languages are
employed to designate species, I am quite of the opinion that the Greek should
take precedence of the Latin.

I have been a very humble student of the delightful Book of Nature (particu-
larly as regards the birds of the British Islands) for many years past. I will,
however, only at present trouble you with my notions on the names and most
appropriate classification of one family, to which I have given my most parti-

* We very much question whether our correspondent ever met with the name Caryocatactes
nucifraga in any edition of the Regne Animal : as far as we are aware, the only author who uses
it is Nilsson, in the Ornithologia Suecica.— Ed.

ON SCIENTIFIC NOMENCLATURE. 303

cular attention, namely, the Falconidce, or Falcon family. The arrangements
as nearly as possible according to the true natural affinities, and is the only
really scientific one I ever saw. It was adopted by, and, I believe, originated
with, Mr. Vigors [Now N. A. Vigors, Esq., M.P., D.C.L., F.R.S., &c— Ed.],
in some admirable papers by that distinguished naturalist in the Zoological
Journal. *

Rock Goshawk, Astur palumbarius.

Sparrow Hawk, Accipiter fringillarius: •

Common Merlin, JEsalon ccesius.

Kestril Falcon, Falco tinnunculus.

Orange-legged Falcon, Falco rufipee.

Hobby Falcon, Falco subbuteo.

Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus.

Jer Falcon, Falco Islandicus.

Golden Eagle, Chrysaetus aquilinus.i fj\ e., Aquiline Golden-Eagle f — Why
not Aquila aurea, of our worthy countryman Willughby ? — Ed.]

Common Ossifrage, Haliaetus albicilla.

Common Osprey, Ichthyaetus piscivorus.%

Common Kite, Milvusfurcatus.

[White-headed Forktail, Elanus leucocephalus. — Ed.}

Honey Buzzard, Pernis apivorus.

Rough-legged Buzzard, Buteo pennatus.

Common Buzzard, Buteo vulgaris.

Marsh Harrier, Circus rufus.

Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus.

* We are well acquainted with the excellent article of Dr. Vigors in the Zool. Journ. Vol.
p. 368), but we must confess ourselves at a loss to perceive much resemblance between either;1! >
nomenclature on arrangement adopted by Dr. V. and that presented to the readers of The
Naturalist by our correspondent. — Ed.

f The above [generic] name for the Golden Eagle, I consider the most appropriate that can
be given. The adults (two magnificent specimens of which I lately inspected in the Zoological
Gardens, with special reference to the propriety of that name), when in full plumage, are of
dark brown, mixed with a fine rich tawny, as nearly as possible the colour of gold when slightly
alloyed with copper ; and as it is the only truly typical species we possess, it follows, as a thing
of course, that it is the most aquiline of the group, and, in my opinion at least, fully justifies its-
claim to the above appellation. [That the Golden Eagle is typical of its genus we do not deny,

nor yet do we oppose the claims of the genus itself to typicality as far as regards the subfamily to
which it belongs ; but assuredly neither of these circumstances have any thing whatever to do
with the specific name of the bird. — Ed.]

X Here the fish-eating is given both as a general and specific character, which is decidedly
obj ectionable. — Ed.

2s2

304 ON SCIENTIFIC NOMENCLATURE.

Ash-coloured Harrier, Circus cineracem.

A remark or two on the above names and arrangement, and I have done.
First as to the arrangement : I have seen the Buzzards placed between the
Hawks and Falcons, which I take to be unnatural, and, consequently, wrong.
Why ? because the Buzzards are among the ignoble, or the irreclaimable, and
the Hawks and Falcons are the noble or reclaimable birds of prey QThe general
habits, form, and structure, likewise confirm the propriety of Mr. Sweeting's
arrangement. — Ed.]. The Buzzards should, therefore, stand as above, between the
Kites and Harriers. It will then be found, that, according to the quinary or
circular system, the Goshawk being at the top of the list, and the Buzzard at
or near the bottom, they will approach sufficiently near to each other, both as
regards their configuration and habits.

As to the names, they are mostly such as have been conferred by various
eminent naturalists, and are generally received and approved. Those which I
believe are new, and perhaps unscientific, are of my own construction, and are
in a private list which I wrote out some time since for my own amusement.
As I consider them appropriate, perhaps you will allow me to say a few words
respecting them.

The tarsi and toes of the Merlin are, in proportion to his size, remarkably
longer and more slender than those of the Falcons (FalcoJ, in which respect it
approaches the Sparrow Hawk. I have therefore placed it between that bird
and the Falcons. If Halia'e'tus is applicable to the Ossifrage, as possessing
certain generic distinctions, that or any other similar name is totally inapplicable
to the Osprey ; for if we allow that its beak resembles that of the Ossifrage, in
the conformation of its feet, and above all of its talons, it differs widely, not
only from that bird, but also from all the rest of the family, and is, therefore,
entitled to a peculiar generic appellation. Should any hypercritic object to my
proposed name by saying that it implies half a fish, I reply that, on the same
principle, Haliaetus implies half a sea, either of which objections would be too
absurd for ridicule. Falco is a much better name for the Falcons than any
Greek word can be, as it implies at once their grand characteristics, as regards
both beak and talons.

The term lagopus, as applied to a bird, signifies, or ought to signify, that not
only the tarsi, but also the toes, even to the claws, are covered with hair- like
feathers, as in the Red Grous or the Ptarmigan, which is not the case in any
of the Falcon family ; and as I had seen the name applied to a foreign species,
namely, the Booted Falcon (F. pennatusj, I thought it would equally suit the
Rough-legged Buzzard. Pennipes is, I conceive, still better.

The specific designation Britannicus, as applied to the Red Grous, which I

SOME ACCOUNT OF GLANVlLLE's WOOTTON. 305

observe in Mr. Morris's list (p. 126), and which I consider truly appropriate, I
believe originated with myself, as I proposed its adoption in a letter I wrote to
Mr. Loudon two years ago.

Charmoutk, Dorsetshire, July 18, 1837.

[If our correspondent's suggestion was only made in a private letter to Mr.
Loudon, it was little likely ever to meet the ears of the ornithological world.
Lagopus Britannicus was employed for the first time in The Analyst, No. xiv.,
for Jan. 1836 (Vol. III., p. 206), in a list of British birds which Mr. Sweeting
appears not to have seen. — Ed.]

SOME ACCOUNT OF GLANVILLE'S WOOTTON, THE RESIDENCE
OF J. C. DALE, ESQ., A.M., F.LS.

By the Rev. F. Orpen Morris, B.A.

I purpose on the present occasion sending you a few particulars respecting
Glanville'sWootton, the residence of my hospitable and truly valued and esteemed
friend James Charles Dale, Esq. He reminds me of the sentiment so feel-
ingly expressed in Percy's Reliques : —

" 111 sing you a good old song that was made by a good old pate,

Of a fine old English gentleman who had an old estate;

And who kept up his old mansion at a bountiful old rate,

With a good old porter to relieve the old poor at his gate."

For many years I have now had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and
every succeeding year has only increased my feeling of very great regard,
which he deserves at the hands of all who know him. Glanville's Wootton
is a small country village, in the county of Dorset, in a retired and very
lovely situation, about midway between Sherborne and Dorchester, a short
distance from the high road between those two towns. Mr. Dale is the
squire of the parish, and his house is situated at the extremity of the vil-
lage, and indeed of the parish, but completely separated from the former by
plantations and grounds. Except in the summer season, when he generally
makes an entomological tour (for he thinks nothing of a trip to Scotland, or the
Lakes, in quest of a rare Butterfly), he is to be found at home, and I will
answer for a hospitable reception for any one who may be disposed to visit and
inspect his superb collections. He has one room occupied entirely by cabinets
of British insects, stuffed birds, and the most complete private entomological
library in England. He has, if I recollect right, about one hundred and twenty
drawers, well filled with the insects of our islands, to a number that I am almost

306 SOME ACCOUNT OF GLANflLLE's WOOTTON".

afraid of mentioning, through fear of not being quite correct. They are all
scientifically arranged, according to the excellent classification of Mr. Curtis,
author of British Entomology (now fast approaching its completion), to whom
Mr. Dale has always been a trusty, true and valuable friend, despite the malig-
nant and narrow-minded opposition with which Mr. Curtis has been assailed.

It would be an endless task to enumerate the rarities which enrich Mr. Dale's
cabinets. His brilliant discoveries in the genus Stylops are well known, and I
will only repeat what I said before, that any person, whether entomologist or
not, will, I am sure, receive a hearty welcome, and have the gratification of in-
specting the collection which he has been upwards of twenty years amas-
sing, and in the completion of which he has spared neither time, trouble, nor
expense.

Mr. Dale's family is ancient. In earlier times they resided in the neighbour-
ing county of Hampshire, but for a considerable period in Dorsetshire. In front
of the house stands a very large evergreen Oak, now fast going to decay, which
is said to be one of the oldest and most remarkable trees of the kind in the king-
dom.

The neighbourhood of Glanville's Wootton is well wooded, and an entomologist,
merely passing through it, would expect that it was a good locality for insects ;
but such is not the case ; Mr. Dale has had to travel far for most of his speci-
mens, and though he has well explored his own neighbourhood, yet he has met with
but indifferent success. He used to take Papilio machaon about twenty years
ago, on a rather " high and dry " hill, and elsewhere, but he has never seen it
since, which is very remarkable, as he did not take all the specimens he saw,
and the fly continues to appear every year in the fenny counties in which it is
found. On the Mintern or Telegraph Hills, near Glanville's Wootton, Whortle-
berries grow, on which Mr. Dale has taken Phytomeira cznea ; P. straminea
he has captured in his garden, and also Plusia, orichalcea, formerly abundant on
the Honey-suckle. Lyccena acis or L. cymon was at one time taken, in great
numbers, on the same hill with P. machaon, but is now only occasionally met
with, and in the low grounds.

There is a Roman encampment in the vicinity of Mr. Dale's residence, with two
brick arches, which was, however, supposed to be of modern construction ; and
from the summit of the hill, near these antiquarian remains, there is a most
magnificent and extensive view.

A very curious Snipe of an unknown species was shot some years ago near
Glanville's Wootton, and the Lesser Tern has been picked up dead. Mr. Dale
has a brood of Pheasants, of which only one now remains — " sola superstes " —
twelve years old, a female in the male's plumage. They used to come to the
windows every winter during the hard weather, toJ>e fed, and would perch on
the window seat, if you tapped on the glass.

ON THE FLIGHT OF GULLS. 307

Mr. Dale may truly be said to be the great patron of Entomology in Eng-
land ; his fortune enables him to visit all parts of the kingdom, with the view of
procuring the richest treasures, and I have known many instances of his gene-
rosity being liberally exercised towards entomologists in distress.

I have been induced to draw the attention of your readers generally, but more
particularly those who take an interest in the science of Entomology, to the ex-
tensive and richly-stored cabinets of Mr. Dale, feeling assured that his kindness
and liberality will at all times prompt him to render assistance to the ento-
mologist in the prosecution of his studies, by giving every facility for an inspec-
tion of his admirably-arranged collection.
Lendal, York, 1836.

ON THE FLIGHT OF GULLS.
By Mr. W. H. Benshed.

It is the custom with many farmers in the neighbourhood of Tonbridge,
Yalding, and several other places in their vicinity, to manure their land with
Sprats, which are brought from the sea in barges. In a few days the Gulls
visit the fields, and it is necessary to have persons constantly upon the spot, to
drive them off, or the greater part of the fish would be carried away. The course
of their flight is about N. E., and they pass regularly in parties from the sea in
the morning, and back again in the evening, going nearly over Maidstone in
their passage to and from their food. Their discovering the fish at so great a dis-
tance is very remarkable. Can it be by their great powers of smelling ? The
fish soon putrify, and the effluvium is very great ; but I have generally supposed
that a few individuals first follow the course of the river, and, having ascertained
the spot where the fish are deposited, they afterwards make a short cut of the
distance to the sea. It is very amusing to watch their moming and evening
flight, as they vary their plans, according to the wind and weather. If they
have a strong head- wind to contend with, they separate and wheel about, beat-
ing upwards, and occasionally sweeping downwards to within a few feet of the
earth, then, mounting on a sudden gust, seem to hang poised in the air, but, with
a slight quivering motion of the wings, they again dash forward. In fine calm
weather they fly like the first figure on the next page, and I was once particularly
struck with a manoeuvre of these birds. It was on a still afternoon in December,
the clouds were remarkably high, and

308 THE PINE-APPLE.

" Spotless as snow, and countless as they're fair,
Scattered immensely wide from east to west,
The beauteous semblance of a flock at rest."

On looking upwards I observed a large detachment of Gulls wheeling in large
circles, and as they wheeled they were slowly swinging onwards to the sea.
Watching them for ten minutes they ceased flying in circles, and arranged them-
selves in the figure of a ~Z^^ an(^» slowly waveing their

wings, were soon lost to my sight ; but another detachment had arrived over my
head, and breaking up their straight flight, commenced the beautiful figure of
soaring in circles. After a short time they followed the example of their com-
panions, and vanished in the distance. I watched four successive flocks, and
each went through the same manoeuvre. There was a gentle current of air
where these birds were flying, from the south-west, and it struck me that the
flight in a line was upon an inclined plane, the birds (if I may so express it)
were sliding onwards, and consequently falling towards the earth. On arriving
at certain points of their journey, they arose by circling in the air, and the course
of their flight may be represented by this diagram.

1, 3, 5 inclined plane 2,4, 6 figures described by raising themselves in circles to a higher point.

Should this suggestion be worthy of your consideration, you will oblige me by
its insertion ; and I will endeavour to procure you some more observations
which now and then fall under my notice.

Maidstone, July 8, 1837.

The Pine Apple. — It has been discovered that the leaf of the Pine apple
possesses a fibre which gives every promise of being a valuable article both in
manufacture and commerce. It far exceeds other threads in strength and fine-
ness, and possesses the valuable quality of receiving and retaining dye, while
colouring matter invariable peels off flax. The cost of rearing this plant in
the West Indies (no idea is entertained of making it an English article) is so
very small, that the fibre could be delivered in Englanfl, at the expense of 4d.
per lb., of course exclusively of duty ; while from two to three acres of land are
sufficient to yield a ton of the fibre. — Brighton Herald.

309

CORRESPONDENCE.

The difference between the Wood of Trees which have died, and that of
those which have been felled.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Dear Sir, — Your correspondent, the Rev. F. O.Morris, inquires : — Is there any
difference for purposes of use between the wood of trees which have died, and those
which have fallen under the axe ? On putting this question to a practical man, a
carpenter, he replied, that the wood of trees which have died is rough, and does not
"work up so well" as those felled by the axe ; the wood next the bark being roughest.
He was not aware that there was any difference in the duration and strength
of the timber, provided both were sound. This is the answer that might have
been expected from a previous knowledge of the functions of the wood of trees.
The wood of trees is distinguished by botanists into two kinds ; the central
wood deposited in previous years' growth and containing the peculiar secretion
of the tree, called duramen, or heart wood, and the external layers of wood,
deposited in the last years of the growth of the trees, and not yet filled with
the consolidating secretions, called alburnum, or sap-wood. The largest portion
of the nutritive sap of the tree ascends to the leaves through the alburnum, only
a small quantity being more or less diffused through the duramen. When a
tree dies, it generally arises from the stoppage or vitiation of the sap, and, con-
sequently, we find that the smaller branches, or those composed entirely of sap-
wood, suffer most, and are easily broken. As we approach nearer the stem the
branches become stronger in proportion to the duramen they contain, and the
wood of the trunk consisting chiefly, in timber trees, of duramen, appears to
suffer very little. The sap-wood, of course, would suffer more or less according
to its age, but the heart-wood, being almost entirely independent of the sap,
could not suffer from its suspension or vitiation.

The Distinctions between Quercus pedunculata and Q. sessiliflora.

Mr. Davis, in his interesting paper on the decrease of the Oak, in your
Naturalist of last month, has not alluded to a circumstance that has, probably,
had some influence in reducing the number of our Oak-forests. Perhaps you will
allow me to draw the attention of your readers to it. There are two species of
Oak indigenous in Britain, Quercus peduncidata and Quercus sessiliflora; the
former is known by its long flower-stalks, and short leaf-stalks ; the latter by its
short flower-stalks and longer leaf-stalks. Q. pedunculata is a slow-growing
tree, with bright green leaves. Q. sessiliflora is much more rapid in its growth,

Fo. 12, Vol. II. 2t

3 10 CORRESPONDENCE.

has a darker and more permanent foliage, and is a handsomer tree, the wood is
smoother, the fibres are less tortuous, and the medullary rays are further apart than
in Q. pedunculated. From some prejudice or misrepresentation, the former tree
alone is supposed to afford good timber, and thus the handsomer, quicker-growing
Oak is seldom planted. I am not aware of the precise difference in their rate
of growth, but I have the authority of Professor Lindley for stating that it is
very great. Were this fact generally known it might be an inducement for
planters to grow this species of Oak.

I remain, Dear Sir,

Your obedient servant,
Campsall, near Doncaster, Edwin Lankester.

July 19, 1837.

On the Turnip Fly.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir, — I beg leaTe to suggest, through your pages, to such of your readers as
may have time and opportunity, the propriety of watching the habits, &c, of the
" Turnip Fly" in their various neighbourhoods, as I begin to suspect that there
are at least three species of insects which have a hand in the destruction of our
Turnip crops ; each, however, being confined to its own locality, and not fre-
quenting the districts infested by the other. One of these is Athalia spinarum,
on which there is a paper by my brother, the Rev. F. 0.- Morris, at p. 180 of
Vol. I. This, I think, is the only one known in the south of England. The
next is, I believe, an Aphis, but what species I have yet to be informed, as I
have never myself seen it. It was mentioned to me by Mr. C. Storer, of
Hawksworth, Nottinghamshire, who says that the Turnips in that neighbour-
hood were infested by a small fly which, from his discription, I take to be an
Aphis. He says the leaves turned yellow, no doubt from their juices being
extracted by these insects. The rain did not appear to affect them, as they
were chiefly on the underside of the leaf. He observed them one evening, late
in September, in immense swarms in the air, near his residence ; in such num-
bers indeed were they, that they might be taken in handsful from the windows
on which some few (! ) of them settled. He did not at all know the larva of
Athalia spinarum on my describing it ; so that I imagine the Turnip Fly of that
district must be a very different insect from that of the South of England. The
third is a Haltica, but how it commits its ravages I do not know, unless it be in
the early stages of the growth of the seed, or on the seed itself before germina-
tion ; it could, I imagine, do but little injury to the full-grown plant. I should
be glad if any of your correspondents would give me their experience on the

CORRESPONDENCE. 311

subject, as any new facts must be interesting. Also whether there are an y reme-
dies yet known for their destructive ravages.

I am, Sir, yours, &c
Charmouth, Dorsetshire, Beverley R. Morris.

July 10, 1837-

Distribution op the Corn Bunting in England.
To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Sir,— In the May number of The Naturalist Dr. Liverpool wishes any
correspondents of the periodical, according to their observations, to corroborate
or oppose his opinion respecting the distribution of the Bunting (Emberiza,
miliaria).* The fact is, that this bird is very locally and unequally dispersed.
In some districts it is sufficiently abundant, while in others you will not see one.
In the neighbourhood of the downs in Berkshire, near Lambourne, in the heart
of the county, they are very plentiful. I have also seen a good many in Dor-
setshire, near Lyme Regis, and occasionally near here, but it is only partially
distributed in these parts. I think it may be said chiefly to frequent such
farms as furnish in plenty the food from which it derives its name. I am pretty
certain that they migrate occasionally, and perhaps periodically, from one part
of the country to another. This may account, in some degree, for the opinion
as to their scarcity, as they may have been missed when they were out visiting.

I remain, Sir,

Your obedient servant,
Doncaster, May % 1837. F. Orpen Morris.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Sir, — In reply to the observations of Dr. Liverpool, at p. 80 of the present
volume, I send the following note. The Corn Bunting is by no means so com-
mon as the Yellow Bunting in the neighbourhood of Charmouth, in the south of
Dorsetshire. The number of Corn Buntings in any given space in that locality
certainly falls very far short of that of the Yellow Buntings, though I have never
considered it a rare bird, plenty of specimens, being at all times procurable.
It is, I understand, often passed off on the uninitiated in the London markets as
a Lark, so that I suppose it must be tolerably common in the districts which
supply the poulterers of the metropolis with those birds.

1 am, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

Trinity College, Dublin, Beverley R. Morris.

May 15, 1837.

* See also a reply to the same query by Mr. Blytii, in his " Commentary on Nos. vii. and viii.
of The Naturalist," in our current number.— En.

2t2

312 CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.
My Dear Sir, — In reply to Dr. Liverpool, the Corn Bunting is most cer-
tainly very abundant in this and the adjoining county (Suffolk), evidently
preferring the more open fields to places where the enclosures are small and the
hedges tall. In this district it is as numerous as the Yellow Bunting ; and
several may be seen in a walk of a few miles round the town, perched upon the
top-most twigs of the fences adjoining the road. The nest is usually placed
among Corn, Clover, or Trefoil, and it is only when the two latter are cut that
we find it. The Bunting is certainly very late in its nidification. I have not
yet seen a single nest this season.

I remain, my dear Sir,

Yours very truly,
Thetfyrd, Norfolk, J. D. Salmon.

June 14, 1837.

[We shall be glad to receive further communications on this subject. — Ed,

Some Account of a Wasp's Nest taken near Campsall Hall.
To the Editor of the Naturalist.

My Dear Sir, — During the past week my attention was directed to the
existence of a Wasp's nest in a very peculiar situation. It had been discovered
by a labourer, and from the situation of the nest, and the appearance of the
insects, it was supposed to be a different species from the Common Wasp (Vespa
vulgaris). The nest was attached to the branch of a dead bough, near the lake at
Campsall Hall. It was nearly of a spherical shape,[and measured about 12 inches
in circumference. It was appended to the bough by its base ; there was an orifice
in it, at the most dependent part, about an inch in diameter, and it was situate
three or four inches from the ground. The external portion of the nest consisted
of four or five layers of fibrous matter, agglutinated with some wax-like substance.
The fibres were not so coarse as those of the covering of the nest of the
Common Wasp. Internally the combs consisted of three circular tiers, arranged
horizontally ; the lower-most of these was the smallest. Each tier was attached
to the one above it by a single pedicle extending from its centre. The hexagonal
cells of the combs diminished in size towards the circumference of each tier.
The cells, in number 500 or 600, were filled with young in different stages of
growth. Those most external were in the larva state, and the cells were open
below. The centre cells were closed over with a paper-like substance, and each
contained a Wasp in its pupa state. The external appearance of these cells
resembled a petrified bunch of grapes.

The nest was taken by introducing under the orifice a squib of moistened gun-

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

313

powder ;* the smoke stupified the insects, and the nest was easily obtained. On
examining the captured insects, they were found to correspond to the Linnsean
character of Vespa sexcinctus, and also with the plate of the same insect given by
Donovan. It likewise agrees with the description of Vespa Britannica of Leach,
which in Stewart's Elements of Natural History, is said to be common in Scot-
land, but rare in England. V. sexcinctus is not given as a British insect in this
work. Perhaps some of the readers of The Naturalist may be able to inform
me what species of Wasp this really is.

I am, my dear Sir,

Yours very sincerely,
Campsall, Aug. 11, 1837. Edwin Lankester.

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

Mistake in a Review of Hewitson's <: British Oology."
To the Editor of the Naturalist.

My Dear Sir, — I was much gratified with the perusal of the May number of
The Naturalist, and I fully intended ere this to have offered a few remarks upon
it, but unavoidable engagements have prevented me from availing myself of an
earlier opportunity. I have not yet received the number for the present month,
as it was " not out "t when the monthly periodicals came down on the first ; but
I find, by the advertisement of it in the Magazine of Natural History, that it
promises to be as interesting as the last numbers. I quite agree with H. E. H.
(p. 88), that a chapter of criticism will be a valuable addition to the pages of
The Naturalist, and consider such a chapter one of the essentials of a periodical,
provided all personalities are excluded in the criticisms.

In the review of Hewitson's British Oology (p. 112), No. xxx. and xxxi., the
three figures of plate 118 are described as belonging to Sylvia loquax, whereas
the two last figures represent those of S. sibilatrix, as will be seen on reference
to the letter-press annexed. The eggs of S. loquax do not, according to my
experience, vary very materially; that figured by Mr. Hewiison is a beautiful
representation, and very characteristic. My specimens are very similar. I
should like to have seen an additional figure of the egg of S. sibilatrix. Several

We beg to caution our readers against this most dangerous method of taking the nest, a method
which has lately caused two very serious accidents in our neighbourhood. In one instance the in-
dividual— a near relative of the Editor's — received so violent art injury that the hand_was obliged
to be amputated next day ; in the other the whole arm was sacrificed. In both cases the vessel
containing the gun-powder burst in the hands of the operators Ed.

f Our numbers are invariably in town several days before the first of each month.— Ed.

311 T.'*) '/? CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

of my specimens have a beautiful zone surrounding the larger end, much more

clearly defined than in the first figure of the plate, resembling the eggs of the

Red-backed Shrike, but considerably darker.

I remain, my dear Sir,

Yours ever truly,
Thetford, Norfolk, J. D. Salmon.

June 14, 1837.

Classification of the Falcon family by the Length of the Primaries of

the Wing.
To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Sir,' — I believe Dr. Vigors distinguishes the different groups of Falcons by the
comparative length of the quill feathers of the wing. In the Ash-coloured
Falcon, however, the female (the Ringtail of old authors) has the fourth feather
the longest, and the male the third feather. This is a very important fact, and
one which appears to have been hitherto overlooked.* It was first pointed out to
me by Mr. R. H. Sweeting.

Origin of the Name Fringilla ccelebs.

In Rennie's edition of Montagu's Ornithological Dictionary the specific name
of the Chaff Finch (cozlebs, or bachelor) is said to be very appropriate, as pro-
bably given to it from the neatness ot its nest, &c. This does not appear to me
to be the origin of the name. Many birds build quite as neat nests as the Chaff
Finch. The name, I think, was bestowed in consequence of large flocks of these
birds, of separate sexes, collecting together in winter, and not uniting again till
milder weather arrives. t This is more the case in some winters than in others,
and is chiefly noticed in severe seasons. I have seen immense flocks of females
with scarcely a male among them, and vice versd.

The Name " Ivy Wren," as applied to Anorthura troglodytes.
I wish to ask you, Mr. Editor, why you give the name Ivy Wren to Anorthura
troglodytes ? I think you yourself allow that it only occasionally builds in Ivy,
and / have never found its nest but in holes or hollows in mossy banks — whence
the name troglodytes, as I explained in a former number. I believe you also
allow that the specific term should represent some peculiar characteristic of the
species. This is not conveyed by the name Ivy Wren.

I remain, Sir,

Your obedient servant,
Dpncaster, April 3, 1837. Francis Orpen Morris.

* Has our correspondent noticed this circumstance in more than one instance ?— E».
t This unquestionably is the reason.— En.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 315

£We picked up the name Ivy Wren from a list of British birds published in
The Analyst, Vol. III., p. 199. If peculiar or exclusive specific names could
be procured for every animal under the sun, we should be very glad to adopt
them. But as it is scarce possible to find such a designation for any one living
creature, we must be content with the best we can get. As regards the nidi-
fication of the Ivy Wren, we have met with its nest in almost every locality
besides " holes or hollows in mossy banks." — Ed.]

PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Mr. Yarrell, Sec, in the chair. — A letter was read from Mr. Abbott, of
Trebizond, in Persia, announcing a present of several skins of rare birds from that
country; as also from Mr. Cumming, from Manilla, with 54 species and 151
specimens of birds. — Mr. Martin read a paper on the Proboscis Monkey (Simia
nasalisj, describing a singular formation of the nose, differing slightly from that
of S. recurvus. Mr. Gould resumed his description of the birds brought over by
Mr. Darwin, amongst which were several Wrens, Woodpeckers, and Gulls, and
two Galactes. He also exhibited a common British Pied Wagtail, which had
been hitherto undescribed, or inaccurately defined by naturalists, and which he
named Motacilla Yarrellii, probably because Mr. Yarrell is now Secretary to
the Zoological Society !

Jidy 6. — Viscount Gage, V. P., in the chair. The most interesting donations
during the past month were, — two Sloth Bears, from J. Walkinshaw, Esq. ; two
Thibet Watch Dogs, from P. S. Coxe, Esq. ; and two yellow Parrokeet Macaws,
from the Hon. Miss Bentinck. The sum of £l00 has been awarded by the
Council for the purchase of zoological works for the library, which has hitherto
been very deficient, and the contributions of members were also requested.

Aug. 8. — Mr. R. Owen, F. R. S., in the chair. — A letter was read from Mr.
Harvey, of Teignmouth, accompanying some preserved Radiata and fish from
the Devonshire coast, the former including a Comagilla, Tubularia indivisa^
Caryophilla, &c. — Mr. Ogleby £Qu. Ogilby ? — Ed.] described two new species
of his genus Ckemas, which now includes four species. — Mr. Gould introduced
several new species of birds from Mr. Darwin's collection, among which was a
Raven from California, named, from the beauty of its appearance and hue, Cor-
vus spkndens, a new Ortyx, and another species of the Dendrocela, or Wan-

31G PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

dering-crow of authors, so called from its restless disposition, differing especially
from the Magpie, in having more arboreal feet, shorter tarsi, &c.

BOTANICAL SOCIETY.

July 6. — J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R. S., Pres., in the chair. — Mr. Hopkins con-
cluded his paper " on vegetable fermentation, and on the products resulting
therefrom." — A discussion took place on some points in Vegetable Physiology,
and on the phenomenon of " a tree growing within a tree." — Mr. Chatterlev,
the Secretary, described a new variety of Stachys syhestris, recently discovered
by him near London. The whole plant differed from the well-known species of
that name, not only in having white flowers, but also in scent, and in the vil-
lous character of its leaves. — Mr. Gray remarked that the Royal Fern (Osmunda
regalisj, hitherto supposed not to exist within twenty miles of London, was last
week found by him on Putney Common. A variety of donations of books and
specimens were announced, after which the President adjourned the Society till
August.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

July 4. — The following medals were awarded : — a large silver medal to Mrs.
Lawrence, F. H. S., for Gesnera faucialis : silver Knightian medals to Mr.
Fairburn, of Clapham, for Heaths ; to James Bateman, Esq., F. H. S., for
various Orchidaceous plants ; to Mr. S. Hooker, F. H. S., for Roses ; to Mr.
Errington, gardener to Sir P. Egerton, Bart., F. H. S., for Royal George
Peaches ; to Mr. J. Stewart, gardener to Lord Ashburton, F. H. S., for white
Magdalen Peaches, and Keen's seedling Strawberries ; and a silver Banksian
medal to W. Leveson Gower, Esq., F. H. S., for double yellow Roses. Besides
the above was a beautiful show of specimens of Lychnis bungeana, Crinum ama-
bile, Eutoca viscida, Combretum purpureum, Irises, Pelargoniums, &c. The Earl
of Arran, and six other gentlemen, were elected Fellows.

July 18. — Medals were awarded to Mr. Errington, for Nectarines; to Mr.
Flanagan, gardener to Sir Thomas Hare, Bart., F. H. S. ; and to Mr. Durns-
ford, gardener to Baron Dimsdale, F.H.S., for a specimen of Catasetum luridum.
— There were also some well-preserved apples ; one, the growth of the year 1835,
and received by the Society from Lord W. Fitzroy, F. H. S. — Six candidates
were elected Fellows.

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Aug. 7. — Mr. Bowerbank showed strange proofs in cork and timber of the
ravages of a species of Dermestes, and recommended oil of almonds for their ex-

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. SIT

termination. — Mr. Bainbridge exhibited a small Moth which had been very-
injurious to Apple-trees in the neighbourhood of Lambeth, in many cases the
leaves having been destroyed altogether. The cocoons are formed on the
leaves, which soon become covered with webs so strong, that in many cases the
young leaves cannot burst through ; but the larger leaves of Apple trees escape,,
and Pear trees are but rarely attacked. — Mr. Westwood detailed an entomolo-
gical visit lately made to Paris, and, amongst other subjects, introduced to notice
a disease with which Silk-worms have been very extensively attacked in France,,
called Muscadine. The malady is a parasite, which gradually envelops the
whole body in a white Fungus, and destroys the Silk-worm, the mischief being
produced by the explosion of a Fungus which is taken in by the spiracles or
pores of the skin, as has been proved by M. Adouin, who has inoculated se-
veral Worms and Beetles with it. There was also a specimen of the Scolytus
pigmceus, an insect which attacks the Oak, and which has latterly proved so-
destructive that 80,000 trees in the Bois de Vincennes have been cut down
through its attacks. Mr. Westwood, in conclusion, made some remarks on the
progress of Entomology in France, which he stated to be in advance of this coun-
try, there being more working collectors, and the collection at the Jardin des-
Plantes being superior to that of the British Museum ; M. Adouin having like-
wise just completed a course of fifty lectures on Entomology. With this esta-
blishment also are connected five persons devoted to Entomology, whilst in the-
British Museum there is only one.

EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

ZOOLOGY.

I. On the Migrations of North American Birds. — We now present our
readers with such portions of the Rev. Mr, Bachman's instructive paper as--
we were compelled to omit last month.

A great number of American birds of passage do not at all traverse Carolina,
but proceed to the West Indies across the Gulf of Mexico. Others follow the
direction of the Alleghanies, and thus pass to Mexico, or even to still more
southerly countries.

It has been supposed, that some migratory birds, in quitting the United States,
may pass the tropics, and find, towards the south pole, climates analogous to
those which they have quitted in the north, which enable them to build a
second time. Such is known to be the case with the Stork of Europe, which
rears a second brood in Africa.

No. 12, Vol. II. 2 v

318 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

Swallows have been said to retire in winter into holes in the banks of rivers,
and there to remain benumbed. But John Hunter has clearly proved that the
anatomical structure of these birds prevents the possibility of their long existing
in a frozen state. Moreover, Swallows, like other birds, may be traced in their
migrations, as is now well known.

When the period of departure arrives, birds testify an irresistible restlessness.
The Canada Geese* (Anser Canadensis), tamed by the author at Charleston,
attempted every spring to obey their instinct. Although deprived of a joint of
the wing, they endeavoured to fly, and if they were set at liberty for a moment,
they escaped towards the north by running, as if they would undertake so long
a journey on foot ! A well-authenticated fact is mentioned by Wilson, of a
tamed Goose which escaped from Long-Island in spring, and returned to it in
autumn with three young ones, which remained with her. Goldwings, Orioles,
&c, carried while young from the north, and set at liberty in spring, fly in the
direction of the pole, as if guided by the compass. — Bib. Univ. de Geneve.

2. The Reptiles of Barbaby. — The reptiles which I have studied, says M.
Geevais, come from Morocco and the province of Algiers. For those of the one I
am indebted to M. Fortune Eydoux, who visited Tangier when he was princi-
pal surgeon to the frigate Victoria. The others were taken in the neighbour-
hood of Algiers, by M. le docteur Marloy. I have likewise seen several from
Bona and Oran ; these last were sent to the Paris Museum, by MM. Bravais,
Gerard, Guyon, and Stenheil. The species which furnished the researches
of the various individuals I shall have to quote, amount to only twenty-seven ;
but, though few in number, they sufficed to impart a tolerably complete idea of
the Erpetology of Barbary. The reptiles of this country differ little from those
of the other parts of the shores of the Mediterranean ; but one circumstance
deserves notice, namely, that the number of species common to Spain and the
Morea which were found in Barbary, is unquestionably greater than that of the
Egyptian species. I do not insist on this observation, which is limited to geo-
graphic researches on another genus : indeed the acquaintance of naturalists with
the productions of these interesting countries is so little advanced that all gene-
ralisations which might at present be attempted, would undoubtedly be pre-
mature. On the Erpetology of North Africa we have but the information col-
lected by MM. Geofproy, Savigny, Ruppel, &c, for Egypt ; and by Shaw
and Poiret for Barbary. Vandelli has studied the reptiles of a part of Spain ;
Wagler has also described a few, but, by a singular mistake, has given them
as inhabiting Brazil ; Michaelis has observed them still more recently. M.

* These birds are not, strictly speaking, British ; but they are met with in a half-wild state io
many noblemen's and gentlemen's parks in various parts of England,— Ed.

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 319

Duoks has furnished excellent descriptions of many species from the south of
France. Prince Bonaparte has studied those of Italy, on which Mktaxa is at
present engaged. And MM. Bibbon and Boby have recently published the
names of thirty-one species, some of which, obtained from the Morea, are new.
Other accounts also exist on the reptiles of the same countries, but they are for
the most part scattered through various works, and have not special reference to
erpetological geography.

The following are the twenty-seven reptiles mentioned by M. Gervais as oc-
curring in Barbary : —

Testudo marginata, Schceff. ; T. ibera, Pall.; Emys leprosy Schweig. ;
Gecko fascicularis, Daud. ; G. verruculatus, Cu v.; Gymnod-xciylus Maurita-
nicus, Dum. and Bibb. ; Chameleo vulgaris, Linn. ; Uromastyx acanthinurus,
Bell ; Lacerta viridis ; L. agilis ; Algira Barbarica ; Lerista Dumerilii,
Cocteau; Scincus ocellatus ; S. cyprius, Cuv. ; Seps tridactylus, Daud. ; An-
guisfragilis, Linn; ; A. punctatissimus, Bibb, and Boby ; Pseudopus serpen-
tinus, Mebb. ; Amphisbcena cinerea, Vandelli ; A. elegans. Gebv. ; Coluber
Agassizii ; C. hippocrepis, Linn. ; C. Austriacus, Linn. ; C. viperinus, Linn. ;
C. Msculapii, Lacep. ; Bufo\Arabicus, Cbestz. ; Triton Poireti, Gerv. — An-
nates des Sciences Naturelles.

3. On the Lammer Geyer (Gypaetus barbatus). — These birds, observes
Mr. Hodgson, of Nepaul, which appear to be sufficiently common in the western
portion of the vast chain of the Himalayas, are also found, though more rarely,
on the eastern side, in Nepaul. They live either separate or in flocks, and
assemble wherever there is a good repast to be had, without fearing even the
neighbourhood of man. The author considers them as belonging to the Gypacte
des Alpes, and the Vautour barbu of Africa. In fact they agree in size ; and
although the assertion of Bishop Hebeb, that the Himalayan bird measures
twenty feet from wing to wing, must be rejected as a popular exaggeration, yet
it appears, by the observations of the author, that the length is often ten and
even eleven feet. Its form is more that of a Vulture than of an Eagle. The
bill is horn-coloured, straight, and very strong ; the nostrils are covered with
stiff black bristles, directed forwards ; two bunches of similar bristles, at the
base of the lower mandible, give this bird its provincial name. The head and
neck are entirely covered with short, straight, pointed feathers, which are of a
light tawny brown color, with a yellowish tinge. The wings are as long as the
tail, the feathers being dark, with a white stripe in the centre. The legs are
short, the tarsi very short, and entirely covered with feathers ; the talons, inter-
mediate between those of the Vultures and the Falcons, are lead-colored. It
has not, like the Lammer Geyer, a white band round the head, but there is no
great importance in such a character, and Mr. Hodgson's description seems to

2u 2

3*20 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

confirm his opinion as to the identity of the species. — Bibliotheque Universelle dt
Geneve.

4. Propagation of Spiders. — In some recent Nos. of the Atinales des Sci-
ences Naturelles, M. Duges, of Montpellier, has published extremely interesting
papers on Spiders ; from one of them we extract the following : —

The eggs of Spiders are placed in cocoons which vary much in form and struc-
ture. They are generally round, and surrounded by an irregular web ; they are
sometimes flattened in the shape of a disc. Those of one species of Epeira
(Epeire soyeuse), says M. Duges, resemble the Gourds vulgarly called bonnet-
de-pretre (priest's-pate). But those of the Araignee labyrinthe and the Epeire
fasciee require a more detailed description. Both are often found suspended in
the midst of tall plants ; that of the former consists of a large apartment formed
of rather compact taffety, with openings pierced for the passage of the mother,
who generally watches her treasure, but abandons it at the slightest alarm.* In
this apartment is suspended, by a dozen pillars, a smaller chamber filled with
down, in which is situate the papyraceous bag containing eggs of the size of a
grain of Millet, and less numerous than in many other species. The cocoon of
the Epeire fasciee is frequently met with in the middle of France, and every one
living there must have noticed this beautiful ball, of the size of a Partridge's egg,
the shape of a small truncated pear, and of a pale yellow color, intersected with
thin black longitudinal bands. The interior is of the consistency of parchment,
and has a lid above the truncature. In the centre, and upon the finest web, is
placed a small groove of hair, itself a lid, and filled with many hundreds of round
-eggs, of a beautiful orange yellow.

M. Duges mentions many analogous facts, and notices various means of pre-
servation employed by the mother, when he terminates his essay by some remarks
on the instinct which actuates her, observing, that this instinct is not always so blind
as one might suppose, and that the insect sometimes testifies a kind of intelli-
gence. In the majority of instances, however, it is a wholly mechanical impulse
which moves it. Hence it is that one may deceive the instinct of Dolomedes
and Lycosa, whose custom is to carry their groups of eggs with them. One may
substitute for this group a ball of cotton, which will generally be adopted, and
protected with as much care as a true cocoon, by the female who has been de-
prived of her own offspring. It is true, however, that if she has the choice she
generally discovers her error, and does not allow herself to be deceived a second
time.

* We question whether this is a correct expression. At the approach of a human form the in-
sect would doubtless disappear with all speed ; but where there is any chance of a successful
defence being maintained on the part of the parent inBect, we believe she will not be found to
desert her charge. — Ed.

•EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 321

BOTANY.

5. — Organography of the Cistacece. — A learned and able paper on this
order of plants, recently published by M. Edouard Spach, commences in the
following words : —

A new treatise on a group composed chiefly of species indigenous to France,
will doubtless appear superfluous to many ; nevertheless, judging even by the
most recent works, the pretended characters of the Cistacece depend only on ex-
tremely vague and superficial notions. I flatter myself I have supplied this gap
by a comparative examination of even the most minute details of nearly all the
known Cistacece, as well as of many new species — a method, indeed, little
expeditious, but replete with means for proving the worthlessness of theoretical
classifications, founded on partial observations.

The order Cistacece consists, according to the majority of botanists of the pre-
sent day, of the genera Cistus, Helianthemum, Hudsonia and Lechea. It is
to the species comprised in these four genera that the researches the results of
which I am about to lay before the reader almost exclusively relate. Altoge-
ther I have reason to believe, that a revision of several of the neighbouring orders,
especially Portulacece, Bixinacece, Tiliacece, and Flacourtiacece, would probably
enrich the first with a number of plants now erroneously classed among the
others.

I shall not dwell at all on the duration, bearing, leaves, and inflorescence of
the Cistacece, having but little to add to what is already known on this subject.

The vegetation of the Cisti with deciduous leaves, offers a peculiarity which I
cannot pass over in silence. In these plants the leaves developed on the young
shoots, during the early months of fine weather, generally fall in the course of
the summer, when new branches proceed from their axillae. The leaves which
grow on these stalks are almost invariably of a very different shape from those
of the primary shoots, and entirely alter the appearance of the plant. The in-
florescence varies greatly in many species ; so that characters drawn from the
number and disposition of the flowers, would in many cases be wholly worth-
less.— Annales des Sciences Naturelles.

GEOLOGY.

6. — On the Fossil Bones found near the Jamna, in India. — We have
already frequently laid before our readers the active researches which the dis-
covery of important fossils has caused in many places in the immense English
empire in the Indies. We shall report the new facts which transpire on this
subject, and which are interesting both to the geologist and the zoologist.

The works undertaken to facilitate the navigation of the Jamna, have led to the
discovery of numbers of fossil bones, in different states of transformation. Some

322 MISCELLANY.

are pulverulents, the interstices being filled with the concrete and conglomerated
chalk of the river ; others are enveloped in a layer of spar ; others, lastly, entirely
fossilized, are of a blackish brown, shining, heavy, brittle, of a conchoidal frac-
ture, and retaining but little of the phosphate in their composition. These last are
almost converted into hydrate of oxide of iron. The hard enamel of the teeth
resists this transformation a .longer time, and its whiteness contrasts with the
coloured mass in which it is enveloped. The specific weight of these osseolites —
if they may be so termed — is 4.5, and their composition is as follows : —

Phosphate and carbonate of lime 17.5

Water 6.0

Red oxide of iron 76.5

100

The engineer Dean, to whom the discovery of these fossils is owing, thought
he had found some human bones, but the anatomists of Calcutta demonstrated
his error, and that which he had mistaken for the neck of the femur of a man,
appeared to be the outside of a large Stag's horn !

Independently of numbers of remains of Elephants, teeth, remarkably well-
preserved, and easily recognized by the ridges and other lines on their crowns,
were found among the bones of a fossil Hippopotamus. This animal has always
been regarded as a stranger in India. It is therefore an interesting discovery
among the fossil remains of animals evidently originally belonging to the country.
The bones considered by Mr. Dean as belonging to the Camel — which would
likewise have been an important discovery — have been determined to appertain
to an animal of the Ox family.

The other bones belong to several species of Stags, Antelopes, Oxen, Horses,
Pigs, Rats, &c, with teeth and vertebrae of Saurians, and, lastly, a curious specimen
resembling a cervical vertebra of the Giraffe. — Bibliothcque' Universelle de
Geneve.

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

ZOOLOGY.

Ornithological Notes. — I found the eggs of the Thrush ( Tardus musicus)
and Blackbird ( T. merula) on the 4th of April, 1836. The Hooded Crow
(Corvus comix) sitting on the 10th. The Sand Swallow (Hirundo riparia)
appeared on the 11th. Migratory songsters arrived generally on the 12th, a few
on the 6th. In the present year they did not appear so early, but probably I

MISCELLANY. 323

may have overlooked them, as they do not begin to sing until some time after
their arrival. Saw the last Woodcock on the 16th of April, 1836. Notioed the
first early in October, 1835 ; this year I saw only three, all in the beginning of
October. The Longeared Owl (Strix otus) sitting on three eggs in a Magpie's
nest, placed in a Scotch Fir, May 2, 1836. Swifts arrived May 15, 1836.
Young Partridges hatched under a hen, July 1, 1836. Saw the first flock of
Stone Thicknees* ((Edicnemus crepitans J, Oct. 6, 1836. Swallows gone, Oct. 15,
1836. Swallows came generally on the 22nd of April, 1837. The Longeared
Owl sitting in a Scotch Fir on three eggs, April 23, 1837. Saw the last flight
of Fieldfares, April 23, 1837- The migratory songsters were sitting in the last
week in May. Kingfisher sitting in the early part of June. — R. P. Alington,
Swinhope House, Lincolnshire, July 15, 1837.

Egg of the Ortolan Bunting. — I find, by Mr. Hewitson's illustrations of
the eggs of the Ortolan Bunting, that they resemble more closely those of the
other Buntings than I was previously aware of. My specimens all correspond
in their markings with the last figure of the plate. — J. D. Salmon, Tketford,
Norfolk, June 14, 1837.

New Fox from Algiers. — The new Fox brought from Algiers by M. Bodi-
chon, and presented by him to the Menagerie at the Jardin du Roi of Paris,
is ten months old, and not so large as the Common Fox, which it resembles in
its fur, but it is redder on the chine and flanks ; the throat, lips, breast, belly,
and inside of the thighs, are all of the most silvery white. The tail, nearly as
long as the body, is ornamented with a half circle of black hairs, and terminated
by a plume of white. Its head and muzzle are elongated, the skull is more
flattened, the neck thinner, and the ears are wider, longer, nearer to each other,
and placed more on the top of the head, like those of a mule, rather than those
of the Fox of northern climates. It looks like a young Dog, emits a fetid
odour when fed on living prey, and in that case drinks but little ; when fed on
vegetables it is docile and obedient, although ten days of a contrary diet restore
it to its natural ferocity. It, however, never entirely loses its taste for poultry ;
and if it does not eat Fowls which stray near it, it hunts them and kills them,
hiding them afterwards. — Athenceum, July 8.

The Craterince Indigenous to Britain. — No Martins (Hirundo urbica)
have returned this season (1837) to their nests over our front door, but there
have been several Craterince. crawling about the door and sides of the house
adjoining, which proves that the Craterince remain here, and are truly British.—
J. C. Dale, Glanvitte's Wootton, Dorsetshire, Aug. 4, 1837.

* This, at least, we take to be the species designated by our correspondent as the " Whistling
Plover," under which name it certainly would not be known to the majority of our readers.— Er>.

324 MISCELLANY,

The Cinereous Sea-eagle a Straggler in Yorkshire.— The Cinereous Sea-
eagle (Falco albicilla), though unknown on our coast, has been a straggler into
Yorkshire. An individual was shot at Heywra Park, belonging to Sir W. A.
Ingilby, of Ripley Castle, in this county, and was presented by that gen-
tleman to the Scarborough Museum. — Patrick Hawkridge, Scarborough, Aug.
7, 1837.

Collection of Shells purchased, by the British Museum, op W. J. Bro-
derip, Esq. — A grant of £ 1,575 has been voted by the House of Commons to
enable the trustees of the British Museum to purchase the collection of shells
belonging to W. J. Broderip, Esq., offered by him at the price of 1,500 guineas,
and valued by Messrs. Turner and Sowerby at £\,6±0 2s. 6d. Mr. Gray
says : — " The collection consists of nearly 3,000 specimens, and contains about
200 species, or very distinct varieties, that are altogether wanting in the already
extensive collection of the British Museum. Such is the beauty of the specimens,
in consequence of the great attention paid by Mr. Broderip to the purchase of
none but the finest that could be procured, and so remarkable are the deviations
in form and colouring in the several series of the more variable species, that
nearly every individual specimen of the remaining portion will also be valuable
to our collection, either in replacing a much inferior specimen, or as rendering
more complete the series which we already possess. The duplicates to be
displaced will be few, and will, for the reasons above given, be taken in every
instance from our present collection, and not from among the specimens in the
new acquisition. A very large proportion of the species contained in this col-
lection, and wanting in the British Museum, are among the rarest shells that
are known to exist, and many are absolutely unique. — Magazine of Zoology and
Botany, No. ix., Aug. 1837-

Comparative Insensibility of Fishes and Insects. — People are apt to
reprobate the cruelty of the angler's sport, and that of the entomologist in trans-
fixing a live insect on a pin. But in fact the organisation of these creatures is
so low, that they really feel little, if at all, an injury which would cause terrific
pain to a bird, a quadruped, or a man. It is well known that animals cannot
eat when in pain ; but the Pike will carry off a large hook and retain it in its
stomach several months, apparently without suffering in the least from the
intrusion. Nay, they will chase other fish almost the moment they hav»
broken the fishing-line. As regards the insects, they bear worse matters yet
more heroically. The other evening we entered a boat-house the sides and roof
of which were covered with Old-lady Moths (Phalcena maura, Linn.). We
transfixed a number of these to the wall with pins, without their offering the
slightest resistance. It is true that even a slight touch of their wings would
immediately cause them to flutter with all their might, and then it was difficult

MISCELLANY. 325

to pacify them ; but it was sufficiently obvious that the pins occasioned them no
kind of inconvenience. It may here be remarked, by the way, that the circum-
stance of so many Old-lady Moths being congregated in one small boat-house is
somewhat remarkable.

To return once more to the fishes. That the Common Eel, considered so
great a delicacy for the table, feels when the cook is making fruitless attempts to
destroy its life, is not to be questioned ; and even the old excuse, that " they are
accustomed to it," will scarcely suffice to prevent our pitying their condition.
But, on the other hand, this same Eel must indeed be a devoted creature if, in
its protracted writhings, it feels as sensibly as an animal higher in the scale of
organization would do. Apparently, the slightest touch causes great pain to a
Worm, and we have often considered the part this poor animal is caused to play
in angling the most exceptionable feature of that pastime. But this writhing
may actually arise only from a desire to escape from confinement ; and, be this as
it may, those who stigmatise the angler or the entomologist as cruel, must bear
in mind the axiom of Anatomy, that nervous sensibility diminishes in proportion
as we descend in the scale of animal life.

Therefore, although we are far, very far indeed, from countenancing the school-
boy's indecent propensity to twirl Cockchafers on a string, let his parents
cease to tell him, as heretofore, that the insect with the pin through its body feels
as intensely as the boy himself would do were a sword thrust through his hand.

"We have introduced these few observations not so much with the view of
apologizing for the supposed cruelty of men often really benevolent, as in order
to correct a widely-spread popular error. — Ed.

The Yellow Breasted Warbler (Sylvia hippolais). — It is somewhat singu-
lar that this species, which inhabits the gardens and hedge-rows of those portions
of the coasts of France and Holland immediately opposite our own, should not,
like the rest of its congeners, more diminitive in size, have occasionally strayed
across the Channel, and enlivened our glens and groves with its rich and charm-
ing song, which is far superior to that of either of the three other species of the
group. Those who have not had an opportunity of listening to the song of this
little tenant of the grove, can scarcely form an idea of its power and melody, in
which respects it is only equalled by those of the Blackcap and Nightingale. —
Gould's Birds of Europe.

Singular Growth of the Teeth of a Babbit. — One of those curious cases
of lusus naturae to which quadrupeds as well as birds are liable — perhaps as
great a monstrosity or defect as a celebrated " naturalist " supposed had taken
place in the mandibles of the Crossbills — is now in the possession of my brother.
In the year 1826 he shot a Rabbit in which the singular form and extraordinary
length of the front teeth in both jaws would seem to have altogether incapa-

No. 12, Vol. II. 2x

326 MISCELLANY.

citated the animal from obtaining its natural food. Notwithstanding, the Rabbit
•was healthy, in good condition, and full-grown.

The front teeth in the lower jaw, curving upwards, project considerably beyond
the upper teeth, and measure little short of an inch in length. The upper, as
soon as they leave the gum, begin to bend inward ; one does not much exceed
the usual length of those teeth, but the other, on reaching the lower jaw, turns
round, and, forming a complete circle, passes into the bone of the upper jaw,
and, running down it again, protrudes near the origin of the tooth. This tooth
measures the extraordinary length of nearly three inches. The bore of the
upper jaw is not broken or much mis-shapen by the passage of the tooth within
it, though certainly longer than is usually the case in the skull of a Rabbit. —
R. P. Alington, Swinhope House, Lincolnshire, July 15, 1837-

The Fieldfare Thrush (Turdus pilaris) breeding in Scotland. — For
several years past Fieldfares have bred in Scotland, a circumstance, I believe,
altogether unheard of amongst old observers of Nature. In the spring of 1835,
while walking in the park of Mr. Scott, of Gala, in Selkirkshire, I was surprised
on seeing, so late in the season, a large flock of Fieldfares chattering from tree to
tree; when a gentleman who was with me, and who is remarkable for his acute
observations on the habits of birds, asked me if I had ever seen their nests ;
offering to show me several within a very short distance. I gladly availed my-
self of this opportunity of seeing what was to me a new object, but which my
friend had observed in that district for two or three years preceding. The nests
were all placed in the clefts of trees, often at a considerable height from the
ground, and very different from the situation spoken of by the poet who, in
describing the blanched bones of the battle field, makes the human skull a fitting
hollow for the Fieldfare's nest.

MISCELLANY. 327

It is a fine object to observe the female of this large bird eeated fearlessly on her
nest, her long tail projecting upwards, and her great and mild black eye watching
confidently the movements of those at hand. We stood for several minutes in
admiration of one in the cleft of a low dwarf Apple-tree in the garden ; and,
being desirous of seeing the nest and eggs, it was not without almost pushing her
off her nest that I could induce her to quit it for a few minutes, to gratify my
curiosity.

I have since seen a nest of the same bird in Kent ; but in the districts where
the large Mistletoe Thrush is found, it requires some care to distinguish between
the two ; for both birds build, in the same situations, a grassy nest ; and it is
only on the wing, or in the hand, that the female can be readily distinguished.
The plumage of the male birds, as well as their mode of flight and note, is suffi-
ciently distinct. — George Fairholme, in the Magazine of Natural History,
No. VII., N. S., July, 1837.

Mortality among Birds. — In your number for June (p. 163), I noticed an
extract from a Lausanne journal, giving an account of a singular mortality among
the feathered tribes in the neighbourhood of Soleure. The following somewhat
similar occurrence took place probably about the same time. Whilst botanizing
on the 3rd and 4th of June, at Middleton Teesdale, Durham, I observed in
various places, amongst the Ling on the Moors, a considerable number of dead
moorfowl, one or two of which were still warm, remarkably full in the crop, and
apparently in a good and healthy state, which they of course would not have
been had they died of hunger, or the inclemency of the late winter. The
guide attributed it to a Worm, a disease to which he said they were liable. I
did not dissect any of them,and therefore cannot confirm or disprove his assertions.
The birds had been particularly sluggish on the wing, but at the time I was
there they were very swift, and often saluted us with their sudden rise and crow
as we brushed through the heather. The mortality appears to have been con-
fined to the higher districts, as I am unable to learn that anything of the kind
has occurred in the lower. Some have attributed it to a deficiency of sand,
owing to the long continuance of snow on the mountains. — E., York, Aug. 8, 1837.

Robin Redbreast ( 'Rubecula familiaris ) with white Wings. — The seventh
number of your work, for April (p. 53), contains an account of a singular mal-
formation in the mandibles of the Redbreast (Rubecula familiaris). Perhaps
the case alluded to is unique ; but the Redbreast is a species much, liable to
variation. I have seen them nearly white. Last summer (1836) I observed
one in this parish which had the primaries in both wings snow-white. I lost
sight of it during the winter, but have again seen it several times during the
summer. — R. P. Alington, Swinhope House, Lincolnshire, July 15, 1837.
[The bird mentioned by our correspondent was singularly fortunate in remaining

2x2

828 MISCELLANY.

so long unmolested, as in general all the guns in the neighbourhood are in full
chase in these cases. We have seen and heard of many partially white varieties
of the Robin Redbreast, and have been told of one which had the whole plumage
entirely so. — Ed.]

The Siskin breeding in Scotland. — Our esteemed correspondent, Mr. Wil-
liam Drew, of Paisley, has favored us with the following notice respecting this
bird: — I have remarked the account of the Siskin contained in your journal of
this month. Undoubted as the circumstance of its breeding in Scotland must
now be, from the respectable authority of Mr. Weir, yet I do not think it amiss
so far to corroborate his observations. Early in June, 1833, at which time I
resided at Inverary, I went out one morning to fish, and, according to my usual
practice, I carried a light gun with me. I was rather surprised, at that season,
to see a pair of Siskins among some Furze bushes, on the shore of Lochfine, and
the birds being close together, I killed both. On dissecting the female, an egg
was found ready for exclusion, and I never had any doubt but that the birds
were breeding in the neighbourhood, though I did not look for or see the nest. It
is very likely that it was in some of the Spruces, which were the predominant
trees in the place. I subsequently secured a pair of Siskins in the same locality.
—-Edinburgh Journal of Natural History, Part VII .

[We have long been pretty certain that the Siskin breeds both in England and
Scotland, though probably rarely in the former. Still Mr. Drew's communica-
tion is valuable ; and it is a pity he should not sooner have caused it to see the
light. Facts of this kind are always valuable, and ought never to be kept back
on any account. — Ed.]

Grey Linnet with a white Ring round the Neck. — In your last num-
ber (No. x., for Aug., p. 208), Mr. Morris gives some account of the varieties
of plumage he has found amongst birds of the same species. Perhaps a singularly
marked specimen of the Grey Linnet (Fringilla cannabina) which I saw a few
days ago flying near Bawtry, may be worth noticing. It had a broad ring of
white feathers round its neck, which became narrower towards the front, and
expanded behind, so as to reach a little way down the back. The rest of the
plumage was pretty near the general hue, though I thought the grey a shade
lighter. It appeared to me to be a female bird. — W.R. Scott, Doncaster, Julj/9,1 S37.

Sensibility of Canary-birds to Noxious Air. — It is a remarkable fact,
that if a Canary-bird be hung up in a cage at the head of a bed with close cur-
tains, it will be found dead in the morning. — Curtis on Health, p. 22.

Does the Rook Crow (Corvus nudirostris) ever imitate the Notes of the
Daw Crow (C. monedula) ? — I do not think the Rook is guilty of ventriloquism;
but I have often put the above query to myself, when I have seen a number of
Rooks pass over my head, and have every now and then heard the noise which I

MISCELLANY. 329

supposed to proceed from the Jack -daw, without being able'to observe any differ-
ence in the size of the birds overhead. — W. C. Hewitson, Bristol, Oct. 10, 1836,
in the Analyst, No. xx., July, 1837.

Situation of the Nest of the Swallow (Hirundo rustida.) — The places
selected for nidification by the Swallow are very various. It is no unusual cir-
cumstance to find the nest of this bird placed under the wooden 'bridges?which
commonly communicate from the drainage mills to the river in the fens. I have
repeatedly found it in such situations. I once saw one in the cavity of a hollow
tree. Out-houses, stables, &c. &c, are very general situations, and in such places
whenever you approach very near the nest, or even only occasionally enter the
building, the old birds are extremely vociferous. Still I never saw them assume a
menacing attitude as described in your interesting communication see (p. 273,
No. XI). This is a new feature in their economy. — J. D. Salmon, Thetford,
Norfolk; July 11, 1837.

An Osprey (Falco llaliaitus) taken near Flamborough. — An adult male
of this species once alighted in an exhausted state upon the rigging of a small
vessel passing Flamborough Head. It was brought to Scarborough, and pre-
sented to the Museum of that town by John Tindall, Esq. — Patrick Hawk-
ridge, Scarborough, Aug. 7, 1837.

Instances of the Capture of the Red-footed Falcon (Falco rufipes) in
the British^Islands. — Since my notice of the four specimens killed in Norfolk,
in 1830, which I believe is the first record of the occurrence of this species in
England, a fifth example has been shot in the same county, in 1832. Two spe-
cimens have been obtained in Yorkshire, and one in the county of Durham. An
adult female specimen lived two years in the menagerie of the Zoological Society.
A specimen is preserved in a museum at Devonport, which was obtained not far
off ; and Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, has recorded a notice of one that was killed
in the county of Wicklow in the summer of 1832. — Yarrell's British Birds,]*. 45.

Swarm of Flies. — On Monday evening a singular circumstance took place
at Redruth. At about seven o'clock the main street of that town was visited
by a shower of small yellow flies*, which fell so thick as to cause great annoy-
ance to persons walking at the time. They bit or stung severely the faces or
hands of those on whom they alighted. It is rather singular that the insects
confined their movements to the High-street alone. — Plymouth Journal, July {?),

1837.

The above account differs materially in many points from the plague of flies so
prevalent, in the north at least, last year. Query, were they the Turnip fly ? —

*"Fly" is a yet more comprehensive term in Entomology than " Sparrow" in the sister sciencs
of Ornithology !— Ed.

S80 MISCELLANY.

E., York, Aug. 8, 1837. £The swarms — the myriads — of insects we more than
once noticed in Doncaster and elsewhere last summer, were certainly very ca-
pricious in their times of appearance. And so rapidly did they arrive in certain
spots, that you would suddenly find yourself entirely covered with them, and
then, after a time, they would as abruptly disappear. The insects never at-
tempted to sting us, and they appeared to live but a little time, many dozens of
them falling dead in our carriage in a short period. — Ed. J

Number of Eggs of the Long-tailed Tit (Varus caudatus). — I have
more than once found the nest of the Longtailed Tit containing as many as
sixteen eggs. Still I consider twelve the more usual number. — J. D. Salmon,
Thetford, Norfolk, July 11, 1837, in a letter to the Editor.

Sir J. E. Smith on the Importance of Facts in Natural History.—
The slightest piece of information which may tend to the advancement of the
science, we should thankfully receive. However trifling in itself, yet, combined
with other facts, it may become important. Whatever relates to the' determi-
nation of species, even in the lowest, and seemingly unimportant tribes of Na-
ture's works, ought never to be neglected. Nor let the humble and patient stu-
dent of this very difficult part of Natural History be discouraged by the sneers
of the supercilious coxcomb, or of the ignorant vulgar. He who determines with
certainty a single species of the minutest Moss, or meanest insect, adds so far to
the general stock of human knowledge — which is more than can be said of many
a celebrated name — no one can tell of what importance that single fact may be
to future ages ; and when we consider how many millions of our fellow-creatures
pass through life without furnishing a single atom to increase this stock, we shall
learn to think with more respect of those who do. — Sir J. E. Smith's Introduc-
tory Discourse before the Linnean Society*

Interesting Habit noticed in the Whin Chat. — In one of my walks I
met with a Whin Chat (Sazicola rubetra) perched upon a little tree, and he
turned round to look at me as I trespassed upon his domain, following me with
his eyes till I had passed, turning round his body as on a pivot, with every ad-
vance of mine, and stooping down his head and body in a very curious manner.
No doubt he had a nest near. Nothing is more interesting than to watch the
various ways in which the instinct of birds displays itself in the care of their
expected or nearly-born progeny. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, June 18, 1837.

Aporus bicolor. — Mr. Shuckard mentions this insect as a variety. I have a

* This is extracted from A Brief Memoir of the late Dr. Latham, printed for private circula-
tion, and with a copy of which we have been favored by the author. The greater part of this
memoir will be found in The Analyst, No. xx., for July, 1837. Our quotation is made with the
view of impressing on the beginner the importance of facts— a circumstance of which every ac-
complished naturalist is fully aware Ed.

MISCELLANY. 38 1

pair which I took on Parley Heath about twelve years ago ; and I believe I took
last year the A. unicolor, which would appear from his work to be doubtful as
British, giving it only as the type of a genus. If not a species, A. unicolor
is a black variety of the former. — J. C. Dale, Glanville's Wootton, Dorsetshire,
July 9, 1837.

Is the " Soldier insect" commonly Carnivorous ? — While digging in the
garden some time since, I turned up a chrysalis of the large orange Under-wing
Moth (Triphcena innuba), but was disappointed to find that the original tenant
had been ejected from his chamber, or rather injected into the mouth of one of
those insects known among school-boys by the name of " soldiers " (an allied
species enjoying the name of " sailor," the latter having a blue, the other a red
uniform).* He was feeding on the remains of a defunct chrysalis, yet both
were buried under ground, where the chrysalis must have been lying since the
time of its transformation. How is all this to be explained, and does it fre-
quently occur ? as I was not aware that these insects partook of the carnivo-
rous nature of the Carabidm, from which in systems they are so far removed. —
Francis Orpen Morris, Beechfield House, near Doncaster, Aug. 17, 1837.

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) near Scarborough. — This
bird is now and then met with here. The specimen in my collection was shot
under the Castle cliff at Scarborough. For some years a pair of Peregrine Fal-
cons have been known to breed in the cliffs overhanging the sea in Newbiggin
Wyke, a wild unfrequented part of the coast, a few miles south of Scarborough.
— Patrick Hawkridge, Scarborough, Aug. 7, 1837-

The Grey Flycatcher's mode of taking its Food. — The manner in which
the Grey Flycatcher captures its tiny prey is interesting in the extreme, and
although every one at all alive to the charms of the feathered race, as noticed in
their daily frolics in the woods and fields, must have frequently watched the ma-
noeuvre alluded to, yet it is not, in our opinion, the less interesting on that ac-
count. You see one or more of these birds perched on the top of a wall, the top-
most branch of a naked tree, or almost any other commanding situation, and
certainly the casual observer would have no idea of the object it had in view, so
listlessly does it stand on its favourite pinnacle, and so easy and graceful are its
motions, even after it has flitted into the air to seize the puny morsel. Yet it
probably never misses its prey, the capture of which is announced by a snap 'of
the bill, audible at a distance of many yards. "We noticed four adult individuals
of this species the other day, catching flies near the lake in Campsall Park, mak-

* It has also been said— we know not with what truth — that these two insects never meet with-
out fighting. Certain species of Umbelliferous plants have their flowers constantly covered with
the " soldiers," and are, in fact, seldom seen without a number of them.— En.

332 MISCELLANY.

ing their starting-post the railings of the bridge crossing the water. The bird by
no means invariably returns to the same spot after each capture, as — if we re-
member rightly — some authors affirm. The Grey Flycatcher, though a plain,
is a handsome bird, and considering that the adults are scarcely spotted at all,
the pretty mottling of the young birds is a little remarkable. This bird is some-
times called the Spotted Flycatcher ; but this is obviously objectionable, as it can
only apply to young birds before the first moult. — Ed.

Uses of the Sheep. — That Sheep of some species or other were bred for their
skins and milk in the earliest ages of the world, we have the testimony of the
Inspired Volume to prove. Whether the antediluvian flocks were of the same
species as our own — whether the wool had at that early period assumed the
curled crisp character which it at present possesses — these and other questions, how-
ever interesting, cannot now receive even a plausible repty. We know that the
young of the Sheep constituted the victim of the earliest sacrifices, and that the
same animal was the most important, because the most clearly typical subject of
the Jewish offerings. It does not appear that it was anciently a favourite arti-
cle of food ; nor is it in the present day, excepting in this country, esteemed so
highly as some other kinds of meat. But in all countries, and in all ages, it has
constituted one of the most useful animals which has ever been reduced under
the immediate domination of mankind, from the exceeding value of its woolly
covering, as the basis of the most wholesome and comfortable and durable articles
of clothing, and for its milk, which it yields in considerable abundance, and
which is at once pleasant and highly nutritious.

There probably is not a species amongst all our domestic animals which in its
historic relations is so interesting as the Sheep. Its early domestication, its em-
ployment as the subject of the first sacrifices, its typical character as an offering
of atonement, its importance as forming the principal wealth of the early pa-
triarchs— its various connexions, in short, with the political, the religious, and the
domestic customs of those primitive magnates of the Jewish nation, are all of
them subjects affording ample food for deep and delightful reflection. The rela-
tion which existed between the patriarchal shepherds and their flocks was indeed
of so intimate and even affectionate a nature, as to have afforded the subject of
many of the most beautiful and touching parables and moral illustrations in the
Sacred Writings. It is scarcely necessary to refer to the unequalled appeal of
Nathan to David, to the still higher and prophetic allusion to the character of
the Messiah, or to the sublime illustration of the beneficence of " the great Shep-
herd of Israel," in the beautiful and well-known pastoral psalm. These are sub-
jects which cannot be discussed here ; but it is impossible to pass them wholly
without notice. But the historical interest attached to this animal does not stop
here. The customs observed in the treatment of their flocks by the shepherds

MISCELLANY. 338

of the Eastern nations in the present day, offer numerous and highly important
coincidences with those incidentally alluded to or more distinctly described in the
Scriptures. — Bell's British Quadrupeds, p. 441.

Mistake respecting the Generic Name Cephus. — Messrs. Stephens and
Westwood seem to exult when they can upset a generic name given by Mr.
Curtis, but sometimes fail in their object. This name is used by Cuvier for a
genus of birds, which they have omitted to discover. — Mr. Stephens, moreover,
gives some species as new to Britain which had previously been noticed by
Curtis. — J. C. Dale, Glanville's Wootton, July 9, 1837- — [There are no authors
or editors on whom we look with more pity and contempt, in a certain point of
view, than those who, out of mere spite and personal or partial party interest,
attempt to detract from the works of those whom they consider their rivals. It
is, in fact, descending from the lofty pinnacles of science, and the calm con-
templation of its wonders, to the meanest and most despicable kind of warfare.
That so much of this spirit exists amongst the naturalists of our own day, is
certainly to be regretted. — Ed.]

Notice respecting Libellula Sparskalli, Dale. — I had this insect from Mr.
Sparshall of Norwich, who assured me, both personally and by letter, that he
took it at Horning, Norfolk, in 1823, in company with Mr. Seaman. Mr.
Scales saw it soon after its capture, and wanted to possess it. He is quite
positive as to the fact, but acknowledges that he should not recognise it if he was
to see it again ! I suspect he had confounded it with Libellula cancellata, which
I had from him also at the same time, and it was probably taken at Horning,
a place similar to Whittlesea-mere, where I have taken L. cancellata. Mr.
Haworth had specimens from China which appeared to me to be the same, and
I have lately seen some very similar from Jamaica ! — J. C. Dale, Glanville's
Wootton, Dorsetshire, July 9, 1837.

The Garden Fauvet (or Greater Pettychaps) near Scarborough. — The
Greater Pettychaps (Curruca hortensis) may be considered scarce in our neigh-
bourhood. I shot one in the plantation near the Museum in the spring of 1833.
I was attracted by the singular beauty of its song. In order to obtain this
specimen I was obliged to watch a considerable time before an opportunity could
be obtained to fire at it, as the foliage had become thick, and the bird confined
itself to the tops of the trees. I soon found him to be very restless, not remain-
ing more than one minute in the same place, threading backwards and forwards,
yet never leaving the situation where it was first seen more than fifty yards.
Diligent search has since been made, with a view of procuring other specimens,
but hitherto without success. — Patrick Hawkridge, Scarborough, Aug. 7, 1837.

The Irish Hare (Lepus Hibernicus, Yarrell.) — Mr. Yarrell was, I
believe, the first zoologist who observed that a considerable difference existed i

No. 12, Vol. II. 2y

334 MISCELLANY.

the external characters of the Irish and Common Hares. His account will be
found in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society for July 23, 1833, since which
time Mr. Bell, in his History of British Quadrupeds, has described both of
them, characterizing the Irish Hare under the name of Lepus Hibernicus. I am
not, however, aware that any observations on the anatomical distinctions of the
two species have been made public. With a view, therefore, of filling up the
blank to a certain degree, this paper is written.

On placing the skeletons of the two species in juxtaposition, the most obvious
distinguishing characters are, the greater size altogether of the skeleton, the
greater length of the lateral processes of the lumbar vertebrae, the superior
breadth of the scapula, the greater breadth of the ribs, the greater length of the
humerus in proportion to that of the ulna (which is scarcely longer than in the
Common Hare), together with the much larger size of the cranium and inferior
maxillary bones in the Irish Hare. These differences would probably distinguish it
as a species distinct from the Common Hare did no other characters exist.

In the numbering of the vertebrae and ribs they do not differ, except as to the
caudal ones, which in the Irish Hare are 13, and in the English 16 ; the sacral
in both are 4, the lumbar 7, the dorsal 12, and the cervical 7, making the total
number in the Irish Hare 43, and in the Common Hare 46.

The ribs in each species are 12. The males of both species are smaller than
the females in all their admeasurements. The intestinal canal is in the male of
the Irish Hare nearly two feet shorter than in the female. — Thomas Campbell
Eyton, Esq., of Eyton Castle, near Shrewsbury, in the Mag. of Zool. and
Bot, Vol II., p. 283.

Notes on the Thrushes (Turdus, Antiq.). — About the end of November
large flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing Thrushes may often be seen intermixed.
They generally frequent hedges abounding with hips, haws, and other berries,
and are particularly partial to large trees growing out of hedgerows. They
admit of a near approach,* the whole flock sometimes passing directly over your
head. They seldom quit the trees simultaneously (unless unusually alarmed), but
more generally in straggling companies, the Fieldfares being readily distinguished
by their superior length, chattering note, and less even flight. With regard
to the latter particular, it may be observed, that there is a gradation in the
regularity of the flight of the genus, from the Missel Thrush, in which it is
-extremely loose and irregular, to the Garden Thrush, which bears a more inti-
mate resemblance, in this respect, to the neighbouring species of the Sylviadce.

* It is to be observed that all birds — even those most persecuted by man — admit of a nearer
approach, ceteris paribus, on horseback than on foot. If, however, birds of any species are fre-
quently shot by horsemen, of course they soon become comparatively shy of equestrians too — Ed.

MISCELLANY. 335

The body of the Redwing Thrush is compact and short for its size, and the flight
approaches nearer to the bounding character of that of the Fringillidce or Finch
family. Both the migratory Thrushes are very sociable and pacific in their
habits, and we rarely remember to have seen one alone. The Fieldfare Thrush
is more clamorous than the Redwing ; but although a large flock of them raise
a considerable and to us not unpleasing tumult, they are exceeded in this par-
ticular by their brethren the Missel Thrushes. Upon the Ouzels (Merula) we
have not touched in these cursory notes. — Ed.

The Sibilous Locustell* (or Grasshopper Warbler) in the Vicinity op
Scarborough. — My friend Mr. Williamson has found this bird in Raincliff
Wood, near this town, and the Cricket-like note of the species was distinctly
heard by Dr. Murray from his own garden in May last. — Patrick Hawkridge,
Scarborough, Aug. 7, 1837-

BOTANY.

The Rise of Sap in Plants. — A correspondent (T. C. H.) in your last (p.225)
speaks of capillary attraction probably being the cause of the rise of sap in
plants. I believe it is now pretty generally understood that it is not by capil-
lary attraction that plants take up their nourishment ; although this opinion was
at one time very extensively held. The fact, however, that fluids will not rise
in the capillary vessels of dead plants appears fatal to this theory. Heat is
proved, by many facts, to have a great power in. assisting the rise of the sap in
plants ; but I do not think it in any way advances the opinion of its being
through the means of capillary attraction. Dutrochet, I think, was the last
to give us a principle explanatory of this interesting question. He supposes it,,
from some experiments he has made, to take place from electrical causes. In
his experiments he took the gut of a Fowl, filled it with milk, and tied it at both
ends ; he immersed it in water, and after it had remained there some little time
it was found that a small quantity of water had passed through the membrane
and mixed with the milk. He let it remain until the gut became much dis-
tended, which it did in a little longer time. After this a new and very remark-
able action took place : the water passed back again from the milk. He took
also a gut and filled it with a solution of gum arabic, tied it at one end, and at
the other inserted perpendicularly a glass tube. He put the tied end into
water, and soon observed that water again entered and forced the gum into the
glass tube. He inferred from this that a thin fluid will pass through a delicate

* We were always of opinion that if unobjectionable English names were employed in standard
works on Natural History, they would speedily be adopted by the majority of the reading classes.
In support of this opinion we may observe, that we meet with the name Locustell applied to the

" Grasshopper Warbler " in a popular volume entitled the Language of Birds, by a lady. Ed.

2 y 2

336 REVIEWS OP NEW PUBLICATIONS.

membrane into a thicker fluid, and in all such cases, as circumstances may
happen, will there be an inflow termed Endosmose, or an outflow, Exosmose, and
which depends upon electrical agency. So in the cases of plants, he supposes
that the spongioles of the roots contain a thicker fluid than that they imbibe,
and that, by a similar action to the one above mentioned, it is forced upwards.
But this interesting question is still unsettled, and its causes are as little satis-
factorily shown as those influencing the descent of the pulp. — W. R. S., Doncaster,
Aug. 11, 1837- [^Further observations will be published on this subject in our
next. — Ed.]

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

A Guide to an Arrangement _ of British Insects : being a catalogue of all the
named species hitherto discovered in Great Britain and Ireland. By John
Curtis, F.L.S., &c, &c. Second edition, greatly enlarged. London : Pigot and
Co., Fleet-Street, 1837.

This is the latest and best catalogue of native insects extant. It has evidently
been compiled with great care and labour ; and the entomologist in possession of
the first edition will quickly find that the " greatly enlarged," on the title-page
of the present impression, is not a mere catchpenny. Not the least important
improvement is the addition of the alphabetical index of genera, the want of
which we have often felt in the previous edition. Every student is aware of the
very large number of genera in British Entomology, and this may frequently
prove a stumbling-block even to the proficient in the study, without a well-
arranged index to the genera.

The author has the following considerations in view in offering his Guide to
British entomologists : —

" 1st. It will enable them to arrange their cabinets systematically.

" 2ndly. They may mark off their own insects so as to know instantly
whether they have a species or not, by which means their desiderata will be
shown ; and this the author is persuaded will enable students to enrich their
cabinets, by mutual exchanges, to an extent which could not be accomplished
by any other means.

" 3rdly. It will form labels for cabinets.

" 4thly. It will be a systematic index to the British Entomology, a reference
being given to every genus already illustrated, and may easily be continued by
those who are desirous of completing it.

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 337

" 5thly. It will be a catalogue of the author's cabinet/those without a * being
his desiderata, and of those with a t he has only foreign specimens. The names
in italics denote those which are doubtful natives."

The only comprehensive divisions employed by Mr. Curtis in this volume are
orders. These are sixteen in number : — Tkysanura, Coleoptera> Dermaptera,
Dictyoptera, Orthoptera, Strepsiptera, Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Trickoptera,
Lepidoptera, Homoptera, Hemiptera, Apkaniptera, Diptera, Omaloptera. Of
his second order there are no British examples.

Now we cannot consider any entomological arrangement perfect without the
introduction of families, if not of tribes, &c. These families would, in many in-
stances, take the places of the Linnsean genera. Thus the species formerly
ranged in the genus Papilio would now form the Butterfly family, Papili-
onidce; those of the genus Pkaltena would in like manner become the
Moth family, Pkalcenidce ; and so on. This, certainly, is a mere matter of
opinion ; and, however the question might be settled — whether a verdict of
guilty or not guilty were returned against Mr. Curtis by a jury of entomological
systematists — there can, we think, be but one opinion regarding the value and
importance of the catalogue which we trust we have induced a considerable num-
ber of our readers to purchase.

British Oology ; being Illustrations of the Eggs of British Birds, with Figures
of each Species, as far as practicable drawn and coloured from Nature : accom-
panied by Descriptions of the Materials and Situation of their Nests, Number of
Eggs, &c. By WiLLiAM C. Hewitson. Edwards, London. Nos. xxxii. &
xxxiii. May, 1837.

With much pleasure we revert to Mr. Hewitson's beautiful publication, which
has always been a favourite with us, and indeed, as far as we are aware, with
every competent ornithologist and oologist.

The first plate contains a figure of the egg of the Caspian Tern (Sterna Cas-
pian Pall.), characteristic and accurate, no doubt, but scarcely so highly finished
as it might have been. In a practical point of view we have rarely any fault to
find with the plates in this work ; but, regarded as mere works of art, we gene-
rally fail to discover the roundness and solidity of the originals. The attempt to
impart these qualities to the figures by the somewhat hard shading towards the
outline, is, we must confess, feeble, and frequently has more the appearance of a
groove in the egg than anything else. However, this can never in the slightest
degree detract from the real value of the work ; and as the publication now ra-
pidly approaches its completion, it may be deemed rather late to offer critical
remarks of the nature of the above.

The Caspian Tern " is said to make no nest, depositing its eggs upon the bare
rock, or in some slight depression on the sea-beach ; they are two or three in
number. For this variety I am indebted to the collection of Mr. Yarrell."

338 REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

Then follow the eggs of the Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza kortulana\ which
we believe we have never seen. They bear considerable resemblance to those of
the Yellow and Reed Buntings. The third figure is destitute of streaks, and is,,
we suspect, of much less frequent occurrence than the other two.

The next plate includes eggs of the Greylag Goose (Anser palustris, Flem.)
and Bean Goose (A. ferus). They scarcely present any point of difference.
Mr. Hewitson did not succeed in meeting with the Greylag Goose in his tour in
Norway, but, from the information he obtained, believes that it breeds upon
the high inland grounds. The Bean Goose is not uncommon in Britain. The
flesh of one shot near Doncaster last year was by no means unpalatable.

Three eggs of the Merlin Falcon (Falco sesalon, Temm.) are represented on
the following plate. The second and third varieties are rare, as every oological
collector knows. They are finely executed.

We are then presented with two splendid illustrations, being the eggs of the
Whistling Swan (Cy gnus ferus) and Berwick's Swan (C. Bewickii, Yarkell).
The reason of attaching the name of the great wood-engraver to this species
is best known, doubtless, to the eminent individual who gave the bird its pre-
sent distinctive appellation. Had the excellent rules for nomenclature propounded
by Mr. Swainson been attended to in this instance, Cygnus Bewickii would,
however, never have been admitted. To the occasional and judicious commemo-
ration of the services of eminent naturalists in this way, we, like Mr. Swainson,
do not object ; it is only the abuse we reprobate.

" Like the larger species, the Little Bustard (Otis tetrax) lays its eggs upon
the bare ground. They are said to be from three to five in number, < of a clear,
shining, grass-green colour, without spot or stain.' This is, I think, most likely
an oversight, and that the faint undefined spots may have been overlooked. Any
one who had previously seen the eggs of the Greater Bustard, would look for a
similar character in those of the present species, and he would be pleased in ob-
serving the close resemblance which they bear to each other, distinct as they are
from those of all other birds. I would, however, by no means dispute the fact
that there may be spotless varieties."

Plate cxxxi. is dedicated to the eggs of the Spotted Tringa (Tringa macularia^
Linn.). The difference between the figures, both in shape and color, is striking.
Both the eggs represented by our author are American specimens. — The number
closes with an excellent figure of the egg of the Rock Gossak (Astur palumbarius).
This bird is mentioned in the Fauna Orcadensis as being rather common in the
Orkneys ; but Mr. Hewitson suspects that the reverend ornithologist has mis-
taken the species, as the Gossak is not now to be met with there. According to
Mr. J. D. Hov this bird breeds in the same nest several successive years. Mr.
Selby informs us that the eggs are " marked with spots and streaks of reddish

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 339

brown," but our author's figure — taken from the only specimen he has seen — is
spotless.

The Language of Birds : comprising poetic and prose Illustrations of the most
favourite Cage Birds. With twelve highly-coloured plates. By Mrs. G. Spratt.
London : Saunders and Otley. 1837- 12mo. Gilt edges.

" Some authors write for fame or notoriety, others (we are assured) are ac-
tuated solely from a wish to benefit their fellow-creatures, and a very small por-
tion to benefit themselves. Now I must candidly confess that I am not suffi-
ciently ambitious to be influenced by the first consideration, nor am I philan-
thropist enough to brave the censures of a very amiable set of gentlemen known
by the title of critics, to be induced to write entirely for the second motive; but
as for the last, perhaps it may have as much weight with me as it has with some
who disdain to acknowledge it.

" Having frequently assisted others in their endeavours to amuse or instruct
the public, as well as having presented a trifle or two of my own, although not
in propria persona, which the said public were kind enough to approve, I am
induced once more to venture forth, and to solicit further indulgence and pa-
tronage for the present work." — p. 2.

That the field naturalist should find much novel matter in a book similar in plan to
the present is not to be expected. But the descriptions and anecdotes will doubtless
please many to whom abstruser reading would be tedious and uninteresting.
That it contains some mistakes also, is not surprising, although the authoress
appears to be in possession of a few good modern authorities ; and if she be really
as fond of the feathered race as she expresses herself — of which we have no doubt
— we see no reason why she should not occasionally observe her little favourites
in their natural state, and endeavour to add something new or interesting to our
present knowledge. Depend upon it she would derive far greater pleasure from
studying birds at large to noticing them in captivity. We approve the tendency
of the following quotation : —

" I have a great dislike to robbing birds of their dearly cherished offspring, and have always en-
deavoured to make children sensible of the cruelty of destroying either their nests or eggs ; being
one day in the country, I met a little boy with a nest thrust into his hat, containing one poor,
miserable, perishing, half-fledged little creature. I accosted him by asking if he were aware of
his cruelty, and how would he like any great over-grown monster to tear him from his
fond mother, his Jindulgent father, and expose him naked to the wind and rain? (for
it was then raining fast.) His reply was — ' Why, Marm, vive or six on us chaps have agreed to
ze who can get most nestes, so we takes all as we can find.' ' And was there only this one in the
nest you have taken ?' ' Noa, there witr three more, but Tom Snooks would get up the tree
too ; so you ze as how he said he seed the nest furst; but I did him, for I got hold of the nest,
and while he was trying to grab the young 'uns out of it, two fell into the bushes under us, and
while he was looking for them, I bolted with this here un and the nest.' ' And what are you
going to do with it P1 ' To take it to I armer Stubbs.' * And what will Farmer Stubbs do with

340 OBITUARY.

it ?' ' Give it to the Cat, to be mure ; for you zee the varmer says as how the birds eat his corn
and fruit, and he is 'termined to kill them all, and he tell we boys he will gie us a penny vor
every nest as we takes him with young 'uns ; but as Tom grabbed me the other birds, I doubt
he'll on'y gie I a hap'ny.' 'Ask Farmer Stubbs if he would like any one to take his
children away from him ?' The boy replied, grinning — • he ha'nt got none, — he beant mar-
ried.' ' So much the worse ; if he were a parent he would have more feeling, and perhaps
not grudge those interesting birds the small modicum they purloin from his abundance.' After
reprimanding the boy for the misery he had occasioned the parent birds as well as the young, he
very innocently asked me if they could feel. He paid he knew they felt if he hurt them, but
that was not what he meant — could they feel sorry, as he sometimes did if his brother or sister
were ill? After explaining to him that those little creatures were as susceptible of pleasure or
pain as ourselves, I had the satisfaction of seeing that he felt pleased and grateful for the trou-
ble I had taken to convince, him begging me to take the poor little bird, and save it from the
claws of Varmer Stubbs^s Cat. " — p. 69.

The Language of Birds will probably induce many to look further into Nature's
wonders and beauties than they would otherwise have done, and it will please
many more who will feel no desire to penetrate deeper in the subject. It will,
therefore, be an indirect means of furthering Natural History. Its faults, in our
opinion, are, that it contains too little matter fresh from the woods and fields,
and that the fair writer has fallen into some errors which the possession of such a
work as Selby's British Ornithology, or almost any other modern authority,
would have prevented. We wish to see correct information, originality, and
cheapness, combined in these popular books, which are always sure to be eagerly
devoured by a considerable number of juvenile readers. Some may be inclined to
censure us for paying so much attention to the little volume before us. But we
reply, that it may be the means of making more naturalists, and, indirectly, of
advancing Natural History in a greater degree, than many elaborate scientific
works.

LITERARY NOTICE.

The twenty-second Part of Gould's magnificent Birds of Europe, completing
the work, was published on the first of August.

OBITUARY.

An inspection of the last number of the Magazine of Zoology and Botany, edited
by Sir W. Jardine, Bart., P. J. Selby, Esq., and Dr. Johnston, has enabled us
to supply the date of the demise of Mr. Donovan, who departed this life Feb. 1,
1837, thus dying only two days before Dr. Latham.

THE NATURALIST.

NOTES ON THE CIRL BUNTING.
By Edward Blyth.

As the peculiar habits of the Cirl Bunting cause it to be little noticed by
ordinary observers, even in localities where it is quite common, a minute descrip-
tion of them may possibly lead to its discovery in districts where its presence
has been hitherto unsuspected.

This local species is much more shy than the Yellow Bunting, and also
considerably more arboreal ; chiefly frequenting the leafy summits of Elm trees,
where, difficult to discern amid the dense foliage, it reiterates its monotonous
lay at brief intervals, in the manner of its congeners. It is a surprisingly timid
species, and consequently by no means easy to procure in the summer months,
except by the unfair method of watching near the nest. I have watched hours
in the futile endeavour to procure a specimen, when as many as five were singing
within hearing.

Its song-note is compared by Montagu to that of the Whitebreasted Fauvet,
by Gould to that of the Common Chaffinch. Mr. Hoy, and also myself, have
likened it to the well-known chaunt of the Yellow Bunting, but without its finish.
It is delivered more rapidly, however, than the ordinary note of the last-
mentioned species, and without the tingle which usually characterizes the latter.
It has sometimes reminded me of part of the shivering cry of the Grove Petty-
chaps (Sylvia sibilatrix) ; and, to offer yet another comparison, the Green
Grosbeak will occasionally emit a note not very unlike it. Those who are
skilled in the language of our native birds will, I am sure, not fail to recognise
it from this description. Little musical as are any of the Bunting genus, E.
cirlus is to me the least so of the five British species. I have noticed that it
sings more habitually in the afternoon than at any other time, though in
districts where the species is tolerably common, some may be heard at all hours
of the day. They continue in full song till the middle or end of August, or
until the period of their autumnal moult, which then takes place. In several
which I killed in the beginning of that moult, no indication of change of plumage
was perceptible.

When flying across a field, the chirp which it utters is sharper than that of either
of the other Buntings, and may be likened to the sound stip : the analogous note
of the Yellow Bunting is more like ckig r that of the Corn Bunting zit ; and of
No. 13, Vol. II. 2z

342 NOTES ON THE CIRL BUNTING.

the Reed Bunting chink. The cry of the young differs only in being more shrill
and ear-piercing ; and, as you approach the nest, the parents utter, in addition
to this, a lengthened sibilous peep, or pseep, and not uncommonly feign lame-
ness to entice you from the spot, more especially when their young are first
stirring. The latter habit is less frequently noticeable in the Yellow Bunting ;
and Mr. Salmon records having once observed it in the Reed Bunting. I have
known both parents to act thus, in the present species ; and the consequence was,
I managed to capture two of their brood, of which one is now alive in my
possession.

The nest is placed in similar situations to that of the Yellow Bunting, but, I
think, on the average, not quite so near the ground ; and usually at no great
distance from a clump or row of Elms, to which the male resorts to serenade
his mate. I have examined, in all, about a dozen specimens, which differed
exceedingly from one-another ; two were chiefly composed of green moss, and
lined with hair, while others contained not a particle of those materials, being
constructed of bents, and lined with fibrous roots ; they are uniformly, however,
smaller and less compact than those of the Yellow Bunting, but without so loose
an exterior. The eggs cannot always, with certainty, be distinguished from those
of the allied species alluded to ; but may generally be told by having the ground-
colour clearer, and inclining to bluish, whereas those of the Yellow Bunting have
commonly a reddish tinge ; the Cirl Bunting's eggs are also, on the average, a
trifle smaller, but numerous specimens occur which are undistinguishable.

The young have no tinge of yellow in their nestling plumage, but their mark-
ings correspond with those of the adult female as observed in winter. During
the summer months the adults of course shed the terminal edgings of their
feathers to a considerable extent, so that the back of the male becomes of a
uniform rufous colour. I have noticed, in numerous instances, the parent birds
with Grasshoppers in their mouths, which I believe are the sole diet wherewith
they supply their progeny. On dissecting the adults I have found the remains
of Beetles in their stomachs, and towards harvest-time they feed principally on
the nearly ripe wheat. In winter they enter and search stackyards, when the
weather is severe, but do not usually flock with other species. I am informed
that they are particularly partial to the seeds of Sorrel, insomuch that a few dry
plants of this mingled in a hay-rick are sure to attract their attention. They
would appear to be rather more sprightly in their deportment than the Yellow
Bunting ; though probably this arises merely from their timidity, and suspicious-
ness of being approached.

The geographic range of the Cirl Bunting extends to Asia-Minor, where,
according to Mr. Strickland, it would seem to replace the Yellow species, and to
frequent the borders of streams and rivulets, which I have never observed it to

ON THE GENUS ORGYIA. 343

do in this country. As before remarked, I have constantly found it to affect
umbrageous Elms, evincing so marked a predilection for this particular tree, that
the species might have been named very appropriately the Elm Bunting. Its
song is comparatively seldom heard from the hedge. I have repeatedly met with
it, indeed with several individuals, singing from the tops of a clump of Elms
surrounding a farm-house, which, throughout the south of England, is a very
likely situation to meet with it. It is rarely noticed but within a few miles of
the sea, and appears to be most abundant in certain districts of the Isle of
Wight. Near Chichester, and again at Alton, it is not uncommon ; and lately,
while enjoying the view from the summit of Selborne Church, I noticed two of
them singing in the vicar's garden beneath me, though the species was unnoticed
by Gilbert White. Proceeding inland it rapidly disappears, and at Godalming
is accounted a rare bird. Now and then a specimen is taken, mostly in winter,
by the London bird-catchers, who seem to consider it a prize ; but it can only
be regarded as a straggler near the metropolis. It is sparingly diffused over the
greater part of Hampshire, and also, I should suspect, Dorsetshire ; but I cannot
speak from personal observation to the westward of Hants. It is popularly
known in the Isle of Wight by the name " French Yellowhammer," and par-
tially, both there and elsewhere, by the term " Black-throated Yellowhammer,"
which are the only provincial epithets I have heard applied to it. The young appear
to be extremely hardy, for during a pedestrian tour I carried one in a box in my
coat-pocket for several days, feeding it on what various fare I could pick up by
the way. This bird is now alive and healthy. I captured it near Yarmouth in
the Isle of Wight.

North Brixton, Surrey, Aug. 19, 1837.

A FEW OBSERVATIONS ON THE GENUS ORGYIA.
By G. C. Gascoyne.

Two of the principal entomological works referred to by students in that
science in this country, namely Stephens's and Rennie's, differ so widely in
the descriptions of the Orgyia, and are altogether so imperfect (to say the least
of it) in that part referring to the larvae, that any one previously unacquainted
from actual observation would not be able, from their descriptions — even if he
had a caterpillar of Orgyia gonostigma before him — to recognize it as belonging to
that insect.

The genus orgyia contains only two species, Orgyia antiqua and 0. gonostigma.

2z2

344 ON THE GENUS ORGYIA.

In describing the larva? of the latter Stephens says: — " Caterpillar black, spotted
with red, with four pair of yellowish or luteous dorsal tufts, two composed of
capitate hairs on the neck, one on each side of the body, and one on the tail."

Of eighteen larvas of this species which I have examined this season, not one
possessed the tufts of capitate hairs on the sides of the body, nor were they
spotted with red, but striped longitudinally with yellow or orange. Indeed so
well does his description agree with the larvae of 0. antiqua (one of which is
now before me), that I am convinced he has mistaken the one for the other.
Rennie, in his conspectus, says of this insect : — " Caterpillar gregarious, with
eight white tufts on the back ; with two black ones on the neck, and one on the
tail." He is correct in the number of capitate tufts ; those on the back are not,
however, as he asserts, white, but of a tawny or light chesnut colour, and only
four in number. Nor is the caterpillar gregarious ; for although, like those of
0. antiqua, the eggs are laid by the female on the cocoon, yet the young larvae
disperse soon after being hatched.

I have found them at almost every stage of their growth, but never more than
one at a time ; even when the eggs are deposited on a solitary thom-bush the
caterpillars wander to the full extent of the branches, and are never found
feeding in company like those of Vanessa Io, V. urticce, Eriogaster lanestris,
Pygcera bucephala, &c. Rennie, in describing Orgyia antiqua, says : — " Cater-
pillar dusky, spotted with red, with four white tufts on the back." No mention
is made of the two tufts of capitate hairs on the neck, the one on the tail, and
two on the sides, all of which are found in O. antiqua.

Among such a medley of imperfect and incorrect descriptions, is it surprising
that the young student should become bewildered ? I confess that Stephens is
generally to be relied on ; but how he could possibly stray as he has done in
this instance I am at a loss to conceive ; for it appears, from his own statement,
that he has been in possession of the larva of O. gonostigma, and by means of
the female it produced he procured males from Combe-Wood.

In company with a friend I took, this season, eighteen larvse, and am now
in possession of several perfect specimens of the imago, both male and female,
of this rare insect ; others I expect from the pupa daily. I have also been
fortunate enough to secure above six hundred eggs from one female ; these were
laid on the cocoon, and covered with the down from her own body.

The female commences laying her eggs immediately on the male leaving her;
but should no male visit her she will retain her eggs ten days or a fortnight. I
have also observed, that of those which arrive at the perfect state, two-thirds
are females ; and as these are without wings, this is no doubt a provision of
Nature to enable the males the more easily to find mates, and prevent the
species from becoming extinct. '

Doncaster, July 17, 1837.

345

ON VEGETABLE NUTRITION.

I perceive in the last number of your interesting periodical (No. x., for July,
p. 225) a question proposed by one of your correspondents, as to whether " the
fluid absorbed by capillary attraction by the spongioles or rootlets of plants be
conveyed to the leaves by the same means (capillary attraction), or by some
vital principle in the plant ?" I hope that, if his object be to obtain the pre-
sent most probable opinions on a disputed point, without the trouble of diving
through all the pages usually allotted to such discussions in botanical works,
which discussions indeed are often more curious than useful, I shall not be
thought to be intruding on your pages by condensing, as far as lays in my
power, what I have seen in one or two modern books on the subject, particu-
larly from that of Professor Henslow, as at once cheap and within the reach of
every individual. Should he, however, require new facts in proof of his own
opinions, some other more erudite of your correspondents may perhaps satisfy
him on that point.

That the conveyance of sap absorbed by the spongioles or rootlets to the
leaves, is at all the effect of capillary attraction, has of late years been ques-
tioned by various authors, and Dr. Arnott, in his Elements of Physics (art.
Capillary Attraction), says that the raising of the sap from the roots of vege-
tables " is known now to be chiefly an action of vegetable life." That the vital
force alone is the cause of its ascent, is, however, on the other hand, by no means
probable, and the opinion of De Candolle — who supposes it to be propelled along
the intercellular passages by successive contractions and dilatations of the cells — is
now, for very obvious and well-grounded reasons (as the same opinion is also in
the case of the propulsion of the blood through the arteries and veins), for the
most part exploded. The spongioles, moreover, have not only the power of ab-
sorbing, but also of propelling the fluid imbibed by them with considerable force ;
and it has been supposed, from the analogy of the results of this action with
those of endosmose — or that property of both animal and vegetable membrane of
allowing fluids of different density on the opposite sides of it to pass through, and
thus intermix until the density of both be equal — that the propulsion of the sap
might be partly at least attributable to this action going on between the denser
fluids contained in the vesicles of the spongioles and surrounding fluids, and thus
that both its absorption and propulsion may be principally referred to mechanical
causes. However this may be, certain it is that the vital force itself holds an
important station in this as well as the other operations of vegetable economy,
although in the case of absorption by the spongioles its effects are not so evident
from experiment ; and the ease with which fluids are absorbed, depending more

346 ON THE PHILOPROGENITIVENESS OP THE CAT.

upon their fluidity than their nutritious properties, would, were facts wanting on
the other side, go far to give weight to the opinion of capillary attraction being
a main cause of the ascent of sap in the branches.

The vital energy must be considered as indispensably necessary for the proper
regulation and the continuance of the propelling action, and in conjunction with
this must be taken into consideration the influence of the absorption of sap from
below, consequent upon the continual exhalation of moisture from the surfaces of
the leaves, &c. I shall not at all enter upon the second query, as I have not
sufficient information to lead me to adopt the conclusion intimated in your cor-
respondent's question.

York, July 19, 1837- E.

ON THE PHILOPROGENITIVENESS OF THE CAT.
By W. R. Scott,

Corresp. Memb. of the Edinbuagk Phrenological Society.

The instinct for the love of young is very strongly exhibited in many of the
lower animals, but a rather rare manifestation of it met my observation a few
days ago, an account of which may not be altogether uninteresting to the readers
of The Naturalist. I have been shewn a Cat nursing four young Rabbits with
two of her own offspring, and becoming to them a careful and affectionate foster-
mother. Soon after she had brought forth her own progeny a nest of young Rab-
bits was found by the person to whom she belongs, and as she had before shown
some affection for the young of other animals at a similar interesting period, it
was thought possible that she might not withhold her kindness from these helpless
sucklings. They were put beside her young, and she has ever since bestowed
upon them all the attention of a careful and watchful mother. They have been
now with her between three and four weeks, and are all doing very well.

I mentioned that she had previously shown some wish to extend her affections
to the young of other animals at a time when she had kittens. This makes the
case yet more interesting. She has thrice had young, and at each of these times
has indicated a strongly-excited Philoprogenitiveness. The first time she brought
a puppy to the place where she had her young, and wished to adopt it as one of
her own, taking every means to induce it to suck. The next time she brought
a young Lapwing (Vanellus gavia), which was running in an adjoining garden,
and placed it in a box with her kittens. This child of her adoption, however,
could not rest satisfied with its new mode of life, and as often as she put it into
her nest, so often it lept out. This was allowed to continue until the people of
the house were sufficiently amused with the curiosity, when the bird was taken

ON THE PHILOPKOGENITIVENESS OP THE CAT. 347

irom her. This time a nest of young Rabbits was found ; they were put beside
her : as I have stated, she takes every care of them, and in all probability
they will attain maturity under her fostering care.

This case is the more curious as Cats may be considered generally great enemies
to Rabbits ; which indeed may be accounted amongst their natural food, as also
may birds. Yet we see in this instance the propensity to destroy, often so
strongly manifested by Cats, give way to that of love of young.

We have been told by a respected and lamented philosopher, that nothing is
more suited to throw light upon the power and constitution of the mental fa-
culties than the study of their manifestations in the lower animals. Mixed mo-
tives and the influence of circumstances are less likely to operate upon them
than on man. Now the case before us is evidently not one of an ordinary kind ;
every animal of the species would not so have adopted the young of other ani-
mals, and nursed them with affection. I have heard before of Cats nursing
leverets, and White mentions his having known them suckle Squirrels. These
cases, however, are uncommon, and as such become questions of interest, the
philosophic observer always expecting an efficient cause for every deviation from
the general law of Nature. In the first place we have to observe here, that
amongst the inferior animals there is a difference in the strength of feelings ma-
nifested, as well as in the more exalted animal, man. The question then comes,
have we to look to the influence of habit or circumstances for this difference ob-
servable amongst them ? What habits or circumstances can have acted upon
animals left wholly to themselves, as has been the case with the Cat above
spoken of. It has never been accustomed to Rabbits or birds (I made particular
enquiry on this head), yet it would adopt and nurse their young with its own.
I have known animals, on the other hand, where the disposition to destroy was
so great that they never could be taught to give up the desire of possessing
themselves of birds that were kept in cages in the house with them, though
strong measures were often taken to frighten them from making such attempts ;
and also have seen the like eagerness displayed for Rabbits.

In these cases circumstances could not be made to have effect, so as to place
the one animal out of danger from the other. Who then can contend that cir-
cumstances alone effect those different dispositions which are not only observable
in man, but also extend to the lower animals, even to such an extreme as we
have here related ? It is then to constitutional tendency we must look for the
cause of those differences ; and Phrenology is the only doctrine that can clearly
and satisfactorily explain such phenomena — contradictions in Nature. Dr. Gall
observed, that there was a great difference between the crania of the male and
female amongst all the lower animals, in the part he considered to be the organ
of the love of young, or Philoprogenetiveness. I have myself repeatedly observed

ON THE PHILOPROGENITIVENESS OF THE CAT.

this in the skulls of Cats, Rabbits, and some other animals. There is sometimes
a difficulty thrown in the way in examining the heads of living animals by the
external integuments, which interfere with minute observations ; but the general
fact that the female head is longer and narrower than that of the male is very
perceptible in many species of animals. Indeed, when a boy, I remember that the
head was one of the criterions by which I judged of the sexes of my Rabbits, a
thick and bullet-like head indicating a male, a long and narrow one a female.
It is rather curious, and perhaps worthy of being here mentioned, that the male
Rabbit is very apt to destroy the young, if allowed to remain with the female
when she brings forth ; and from this circumstance Rabbit-fanciers always sepa-
rate them before that takes place, I speak from observation among tame Rab-
bits. In places where I have found young wild Rabbits, the mouth of the hole
has always been covered up with soil, — is this to secrete them from the male, lest
he should destroy them ?

But to return to the more immediate subject of this communication, I may add
further, that her head very forcibly supports Dr. Gall's opinions. The head is
long and narrow, and it appeared to me that the occiput extended a much longer
way from the ear than is generally the case ; this was borne out by several other
cases which I compared with it. Destructiveness also appears to be small. On
enquiring whether she was good at killing Mice, I found that she had not any
peculiar character in that line.

The variation in the strength of the feelings or instincts exhibited amongst the
lower animals, would teach us that individual character exists in them probably
as much as in mankind. But how can we expect that any extensive knowledge
can be obtained on this head, when even the number and kind of instincts pos-
sessed by the inferior creatures has never yet been attempted to be shown ? Dr.
Spurzheim said truly, that naturalists had paid too little attention to this sub-
ject. These observers have taken every care to describe the minutest shades of
difference in the bodily formation of animals, even to the colour of a tuft of hair,
or a feather ; but they have been too careless in their notes on the dispositions,
and the modifications of these, in their investigations. Would not, however, a
good knowledge of the mental characters of animals assist materially in forming
a classification less liable to objections than some of the present ? The single
word " instinct " has been considered enough to denote any of the mental acts
performed by animals ; but while such a vagueness exists in our ideas regarding
the animal mind, our nomenclature in this department must be equally vague,
and consequently how imperfect and inaccurate must be many of the expressions
denoting the habits, &c, of animals. It is like the language of the metaphysician
when speaking of memory and imagination. How much more accurate, logical,
and precise is that of the phrenologist, need hardly be said. Let us then have

BIRDS FOUNT) IN LANCASHIRE. 349

such a nomenclature introduced by which we may speak of the animal mind, let
vis not only speak of instinct, but the kind of instinct. Mr. Neville Wood, in
his British Song Birds, has done something towards this, . and though some may
perhaps smile at it, such is the fate which all new things meet with.

In a volume of Transactions published by the Edinburgh Phrenological Society,
there is a communication from Mr. Carmichael, of Dublin, "On the Mode of
studying the Natural Dispositions and Instincts of the Lower Animals." It is
brief but instructive, and perhaps some of- your readers who have not seen the
work referred to, may be interested by a short extract from it. Mr. C. says : —
*' My plan is very simple. To form four columns, under the name of the ani-
mals. In the first column to insert all the habits, &c, of the animal recorded. In
the second, to reduce these to such of the thirty-three faculties of man as they
might most properly be ascribed to. In the third, to state whether the respec-
tive organs had been ascertained or not. And to leave the fourth for observations
respecting the differences between the male and female, and for pointing out
prominences supposed to be organs, the faculties of which had not yet been dis-
covered. Such a synopsis would exhibit at a glance the whole of our informa-
tion, and all our deficiencies ; but in the present state of our knowledge the
two last columns would be nearly blanks." I may add that Dr. Vimont has
lately published upon this interesting question, but I have had no opportunity of
seeing his work, and am only acquainted with its nature and contents from the
accounts of it, and the extracts which have appeared in the Phrenological Jour-
nal, and in The Naturalist.

Blyth, near Bawtry, Notts.
Aug. i), 1837-

CATALOGUE OF BIRDS FOUND IN LANCASHIRE.

By Peter Rylands, Esquire.

Class AVES.*

Order I. RAPTORES.

ii. Aquila. Eagle.
. 4. halicetus. Osprey Eagle. Southport.
hi. Falco. Falcon.

6. peregrinus. Peregrine Falcon.

7. subbuteo. Hobby Falcon.

* I have not in this list followed the nomenclature of any particular author, but for the sake of
reference the numbers of the genera and species in Jenyns' Brit. Vertebr. Animals, are prefixed
in every case.

No. 13, Vol. II. 3 A

350 BIRDS FOUND IN LANCASHIRE.

8. cesalon. Merlin Falcon.

10. tinnunculus. Kestril Falcon.

iv. Accipiter. Hawk.
12. nisus. Sparrow Hawk.

vi. Buteo. Buzzard.

14. fuscus, Ryl. (vulgaris, Auct.). Brown Buzzard.

15. lagopus. Rough-legged Buzzard. Crosby, T. K. Glazebrook, Esq.,

F. L. S.
Circus. Harrier.
18. cyaneus. Hen Harrier,
viii. Otus. Madge.

22. auritus, Ryl. (vulgaris, Auct.). Long-eared Madge.

23. brachyotos. Short-eared Madge.
ix. Strix. Owl.

24. flammea. White Owl.
x. Syrnium. Hooter.

25. aluco. Tawny Hooter.

Order II. INSESSORES.
xii. Lanius. Shrike.
29. excubitor. Grey Shrike. Near Southport.

31. collurio. Red-backed Shrike. Warr., &c.
xiii. Muscicapa. Flycatcher.

32. grisola. Spotted Flycatcher. St. Helens, Southport, &c.

33. luctuosa. Pied-Flycatcher,
xiv. Cinclus, Dipper.

34. aquaticus. Rivulet Dipper,
xv. Turdus. Thrush.

35. viscivorus. Missel Thrush.

36. pilaris. Fieldfare Thrush.

37. hortensis. Garden Thrush.

38. iliacus. Redwing Thrush.

Merula. Ouzel.

39. hortensis* (vulgaris, Auct.). Garden Ouzel.

40. torquatus. Ring Ouzel. Warrington, &c.
xvi. Oriolus. Oriole.

41. galbula. Golden Oriole. Near Manchester,
xvii. Accentor. Dunnock.

43. modularis. Hedge Dunnock.
Rubecula. Redbreast.

* The name M. hortensis vas first published in the fourth volume of The Analyst.— Ed.

BIRDS FOUND IN LANCASHIR 351

4*. familiaris. Robin Redbreast.

Phcenicura. Redstart.
46. albi/rons. Tree Redstart.

Ficedula. Fauvet.
52. atricapilla. Blackcap Fauvet.
54, cinerea. Whitethroated Fauvet.

Sylvia. Warbler.

57. melodia. Willow Warbler.

58. loquax. Hedge Warbler.
xx. Regulus. Kinglet.

60. auricapittus. Gold-crested Kinglet.
xxi. Motacilla. Wagtail.

62. maculosa. Pied Wagtail.

63. cinerea. Grey Wagtail.

Budytes. Oatear.

64. verna. Spring Oatear.
xxii. Anthus. Pipit.

67. pratensis. Meadow Pipit,
xxiii. Saxicola. Chat.

70. cenantke. Fallow Chat. Warrington, &c.

71. rubetra. Whin Chat. Warrington, &c.

72. rubicola. Stone Chat,
xxiv. Parus. Tit.

73. hortensis. Garden Tit.

74. caruleus. Blue Tit.

76. palustris. Marsh Tit.

77. ater. Coal Tit.

78. caudatus. Longtailed Tit.
xxv. Calamophilus. Pinnock.

79. biarmicus. Bearded Pinnock.
xxvi. Bombycilla. Waxwing.

80. garrula. Garulous Waxwing (Rt.). Sefton, Middleton, &c.
xxvii. Alauda. Lark.

82. arvensis. Sky Lark.

83. arborea. Wood Lark. Warr., Southport, &c.

Plectrophanes. Longspur.

84. Lapponica. Rusty Longspur. One specimen taken near Preston.—
Jenyns.

85. nivalis. Snowy Longspur. North Meols.

+ As in some instances I have altered the vernacular nomenclature, the names substituted
are marked with an R. in parenthesis, as above.

352 BIRDS FOUND IN LANCASHIRE.

xxviii. Emberiza. Bunting.

86. miliaria. Corn Bunting.

87. shozniculus. Reed Bunting.

88. citrinella. Yellow Bunting.

90. kortuldna. Ortolan Bunting. One specimen shot near Manchester. —

Jenyns.
xxix. Fringilla. Finch.

91. ccelcbs. Chaff Finch.

92. montana. Bramble Finch.

Passer. Sparrow.
.03. domesticus. House Sparrow.

94. arboreus. Tree Sparrow. Chat Moss.
Coccothraustes. Grosbeak.

95. cratcegus. Haw Grosbeak. Ormskirk.

96. chloris. Green Grosbeak.

Carduelis. Goldwing.
97 elegans. Thistle Goldwing (R.). •

98. spinus. Siskin Goldwing.
Linaria. Linnet.

99. pusilla. Redpoll Linnet.

100. cannabina. Whin Linnet.
xxx. Pyrrhula. Coalhood.

102. modularis. Hedge Coalhood.
Densirostra. Thickbill.

103. enuclealor. Pine Thickbill. Hulston Fir-trees. — T. K. Glazebrook,

Esq.
xxxi. Crucirostra. Crossbill.

104. cinerea, Ryl. (vulgaris, Auct.). Pippin Crossbill.
xxxii. Sturnus. Starling.

107. varius. Spotted Starling,
xxxiii. Pastor. Amzel.

108. roseus. Rose Amzel. Near Salford, &c.
xxxiv. Fregilus. Chough.

109. graculus. Red-legged Chough. Crosby Marsh.
xxxv. Corvus. Crow.

110. corax. Hooded Crow.
• 111. corone. Carrion Crow.

112. comix. Raven Crow.

113. frugilegus. Rook Crow.

114. monedula. Daw Crow.
Pica. Pie.

BIRDS FOUND IN LANCASHIRE. 353

115. loquax. Mag Pie.

xxxvi. Garrulus. Jay.
11G. glandarius. Crested Jay (R.)*

xxxviii. Picus. Woodpecker.

118. viridis. Green Woodpecker.

119. major. Spotted Woodpecker.

120. minor. Barred Woodpecker.
xxxix. Yunx. Wryneck.

121. torquilla. Mottled Wryneck (R.).
xl. Certhia. Creeper.

122 . familiaris. Spotted Creeper (R.)-
xli. Anorthura. Wren.

123. troglodytes. Ivy Wren,
xlii. Upupa. Hoopoe.

124. epops. Crested Hoopoe (R.). Warrington, Scarisbrick, &c.
xliv. Cuculus. Cuckow.

12G. canorus. Grey Cuckow.
xlviii. Alcedo. Kingfisher.

130. ispida. Blue-backed Kingfisher (R.).
xlix. Hirundo. Swallow.

131. rustica. Chimney Swallow.

132. urbica. Eave Swallow.
122. riparia. Bank Swallow.

(1.) Cypselus. Swift.
134. murarius. Wall Swift.
(li.) Vociferator. Nightjar.

136. melolontha. Fern Nightjar.
Order III. RASORES.

lii. Columba. Dove.

137. palumbus. Ring Dove.

138. cenas. Stock Dove.

139. livia. Rock Dove.
14ft. turtur. Turtle Dove.

lvi. Phasianus. Pheasant.
145. Colchicus.
lviii. Tetrao. Grous.

149. tetrix. Black Grous.

150. Scoticus. Red Grous. "Formerly on Tarleton Moss."— T. K. Glaze-
brook, Esq.

lix. Perdix. Partridge,

354 BIRDS FOUND IN LANCASHIRE.

153. cinerea. Grey Partridge.
156. coturnix. Quail Partridge.

lx. Otis. Bustard.
158. tetrax. Little Bustard. Burscough.
Order IV. GRALLATORES.

lxii. CEdicnemus. Thick-knee.

160. crepitans. Stone Thick-knee,
lxiii. Charadrius. Plover.

161. pluvialis. Golden Plover. River Mersey.

162. morinellus. Dottrel Plover. Sea coast.

163. kiaticula.'i. Ringed Plover.
Ixiv. Vanellus. Lapwing.

167. cristatus. Crested Lapwing,
lxv. Strepsilas. Turnstone.

168. interpres. Collared Turnstone. Sea coast,
lxvi. Calidris. Sanderling.

169. arenaria. Spotted Sanderling (R). Sea coast.
Ixvii. HjEmatopus. Oyster-catcher.

170. ostralegus. Pied Oyster-catcher.
Ixix. Ardea. Heron.

172. cinerea. Grey Heron (R).

Botaurus. Bittern.
178. stellaris. Mottled Bittern (R).
lxxii. Ibis. Ibis.

184. falcinellus. Glossy Ibis. A few years since a specimen in immature
plumage was shot at the mouth of the River Alt.

lxxiii. Numenius. Curlew.

185. arquata. Spotted Curlew (R).

187. pkceopus. Whimbrel Curlew.
lxxiv. Totanus. Sandpiper.

188. calidris. Redshank Sandpiper.

191. hypoleucos. Cinereous Sandpiper.

192. glottis. Greenshank Sandpiper. Sea coast.
•lxxv. Recurviostra. Avocet.

193. avocetta. Scooping Avocet.
lxxvii. Limosa. Godwit.

195. rufa. Bar-tailed Godwit. Sea coast.

lxxviii. Scolopax. Snipe.
197. rusticola. Wood Snipe.
199. major. Great Snipe. Aughton, and near Mancheiter.

BIRDS FOUND IN LANCASHIRE. 355

200. gallinago. Mottled Snipe (R).

201. gallinula. Jack Snipe.
Ixxix. Machetes. Ruff.

203. pugnax. Pugnacious Ruff (R).

Tringa. Dunlin.
205. variabilis. Mottled Dunlin (R). Warr., &c.
210. cinerea. Cinereous Dunlin (R). Warr., &c.
lxxxii. Gl areola. Pratincole.

214. pratincola. Collared Pratincole. " The first recorded specimen was
shot near Liverpool." — Jenyns.

lxxxiii. Rallus. Rail;

215. aquaticus. Water Rail.
lxxxiv. Crex. Crake.

216. pratensis. Meadow Crake.

217. porzana. Spotted Crake. Rufford and Croston.

219. pusilla. Little Crake. North Meols, and near Manchester.

ixxxv. Gallinula. Gallinule.
250. ckloropus. Greenshank Gallinule (R).

lxxxvi. Fulica. Coot.

221. atra. Black Coot. (R).
Order V. NATATORES.

lxxxvii. Anser. Goose.

222. ferus. Wild Goose.

223. segetum. Bean Goose.

224. albifrons. White-fronted Goose.
Bernicla. Bernacle.

225. leucopsis. White-fronted Bernacle.

226. torquata. Brent Bernacle.
lxxxviii. Cygnus. Swan.

232. ferus. Whistling Swan.
234. olor. Mute Swan.

Ixxxix. Tadorna. Shieldrake.
236: Bellonii. White-backed Shieldrake (R).

xci. Anas. Duck.
238. clypeata. Shoveller Duck.
240. acuta. Pintail Duck.

242. boschas. Wild Duck.

243. querquedula. Garganey Duck.

244. crecca. Teal Duck,
xcii. Mareca. Wigeon.

245. penehpe. Whistling Wigeon (R).

356 BIRDS FOUND IN LANCASHIRE.

xcv. Oidemta. Scoter. ■ :

249. fusca. Velvet Scoter.

250. nigra. Black Scoter. Ribble and Lune Rivers,
xcvi. Fuligula. Pochard.

252. ferina. Red-headed Pochard.

255. marila. Scaup Pochard.

256. cristata. Tufted Pochard,
xcix. Mergus. Merganser.

260. merganser. White-breasted Merganser (R.).

261. serrator. Red-breasted Merganser.

263. albellus. Smew Merganser.
c. Podiceps. Grebe.

264. cristaius. Crested Grebe.

266. cornutus. Horned Grebe.

267. auritus. Eared Grebe.

268. minor. Little Grebe. —

ci. Colymbus. Diver.
269. glacialis. Northern Diver.

271. septentrionalis. Red-throated Diver,
cii. Uria. Guillemot.

272. troile. Foolish Guillemot.

273. grylle. Black Guillemot,
ciii. Mergulus. Rotch.

274. alle. White-breasted Rotch (R). Sea-coast,
civ. Fratercula. Puffin.

275. arctica. Collared Puffin (R). Sea-coast,
cv. Alca. Auk.

276. torda. Razorbill Auk. Sea-coast.
277- impennis. Great Auk. Sea-coast.

cvi. Phalacrocorax. Cormorant.

278. carlo. Black Cormorant (R).

279. cristatus. Green Cormorant,
cvii. Sula. Gannet.

280. Bassana. Solan Gannet. « One found dead on the shore off South-
port." — T. K. Glazebrook, Esq.

cviii. Sterna. Tern.
284. hirundo. Black-headed Tern.
286. minuta. Lesser Tern.

cix. Larus. Gull.
293 ridibundus. Black-headed Gull.
295 tridactgJus. Kittiwake Gull.

ON THE. SIBILOUS LOCUSTELL, OR "GRASSHOPPER WARBLER." 357

29G. canus. White-headed Gull (R).
298. argentatus. Herring Gull.
209. fuscus. Fuscous Gull.
300. marinus. Black-backed Gull.

ex. Lestris. Skua.
305. Richardsonii. Richardson's Skua.

cxi. Procellaria. Petrel.

311. pelagica. Stormy Petrel.

312. Leachii. Leach's Petrel. Near Middleton.

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE SIBILOUS LOCUSTELL, OR "GRASS-
HOPPER WARBLER."

By Neville Wood, Esquire.

Although this little creature (Locustetta sibilatrix) is by no means rare in
some parts of Britain, yet little accurate detail has been ascertained relative to
its habits in its natural state. This may unquestionably be attributed to two
circumstances : — 1st, the generally shy and hidling habits of the species ; and
2nd, the very limited number of individuals who have time, patience, or incli-
nation to attend to the minutiae of the manners of animals. The number of
zealous naturalists, in any given district, is unquestionably small ; and when we
consider the various branches of Mammalogy, Ornithology, Entomology, Ich-
thyology, Erpetology, Botany, Geology, &c, into which Natural History is
divided, and the difficulty of attaining to even a tolerable general knowledge of
any of these extensive sciences, it is not to be expected that the history of any
country or district should become perfect all at once. The biography of the
Locustell is, however, at present so imperfect, that it still remains a question
among ornithologists whether this bird progresses on the ground by hopping or by
running (see pp. 78 and 293) — a circumstance at first sight trivial, but one of
considerable interest and importance both to the systematist and the field
naturalist.

We have only once enjoyed an opportunity of observing the Sibilous Locustell
at large. On the morning of the fourth of May (a remarkably sultry day for
the time of year) happening to stroll near a wood in the neighbourhood of
Campsall, we all but trod upon a Ringed Snake (Natrix torquata). Now
although this species is not venomous or poisonous, yet when irritated, or sud-
denly alarmed, it raises its head threateningly, hisses vehemently, and thrusts

No. 13, Vol. II. 3 b

358 ON THE SIBILOUS LOCUSTELL, OR "GRASSHOPPER WARBLER."

out its long tongue in so imposing a manner, that one cannot help feeling some-
what nervous in such company. This little incident served to keep us on our
guard ; ere long we heard a rustling similar to that made by the Snake ; and
looking carefully amongst the underwood, observed a small bird at the foot of a
Fir-tree, scraping the ground with its feet, and altogether comporting itself in a
very extraordinary manner. Its short jerky movements at first led us to sup-
pose that it was an eccentric Sparrow, tired of the ceaseless jargon and lawless
life of its comrades, and determined to pass the remainder of its existence in
peace and seclusion. The bow of the head and cock of the tail next caused U8
to mistake it for a Wren, though certainly not of the common species. At
length, with some difficulty, on account of the intervening brushwood, we
"obtained a clear sight of the bird, which turned out to be a Locustell ! We
were almost as pleased at this as if we had added a new Wren to the British
fauna, seeing how rarely the species has been recorded as occurring so far north
in England.

It seemed like a stranger in a foreign land, and would sometimes sit motionless
on a twig several minutes together, without so much as moving its head once,
or testifying the least sign of life — reminding one most ludicrously of a very
melancholy and " interesting " young lady. It appeared to consider the brush-
wood scarcely a sufficient concealment, and frequently endeavoured to nestle
into the ground at the foot of a young Fir-tree, scraping with its feet, and
fluttering occasionally with the wings. We noticed this singular manoeuvre
several times, and indeed it was that which first attracted our attention to
the spot.

Some authors have characterised the Locustell as shy, but we believe this to
be incorrect. It is not to be supposed that every bird or other animal of hidling
or solitary habits must necessarily be timid, though they frequently are so. The
present species, like many others, probably only seeks shelter in bushes, &c,
from a desire to conceal itself, apart from any other motive. It appears, in fact,
to be secretive rather than cautious. Indeed, so far was the individual above
referred to from being shy, that it seemed to be on excellent terms with us, and
would at any time allow us to approach within a few feet of it, on which occa-
sions we could gaze at each other with mutual satisfaction. Had a gun been at
hand, nothing would have been easier than to have shot the bird ; yet the bushes
and underwood, in the midst of which it almost always remained, rendered it
difficult to obtain, at pleasure, a distinct view of the whole bird at once. Though
naturally active and sprightly, it seemed to be burdened with some weighty cares
it could not disclose ; and although we stood watching it full three-quarters of
an hour — to the unfeigned astonishment of a fellow working in an adjoining
field — it did not once utter the slightest note or chirp of any kind.

CORRESPONDENCE. 359

In Rennie's edition of Montagu's admirable Ornithological Dictionary, the
mode of progression of the Locustell is stated to be by hopping ; but in the May
number of The Naturalist (p. 78), it is mentioned, on the authority of Mr. J. D.
Hov, that the bird advances by running, and not by hopping. The individual
noticed was repeatedly observed to hop, and never once to run. We therefore
feel very little doubt but that Rennie and others are perfectly correct in their
statements ; but we shall be glad of the observations of correspondents on this
point. One thing is certain, namely, that the Locustell does proceed on the
ground by hopping — the question is, whether this is invariably or only occasionally
the case ?

We fully expected, from the restless and disconsolate appearance of the bird,
that as it was the first so it would be the last time we should see it, and accord-
ingly made ourselves master of its habits and attitudes as far as was possible in
eo short a time. Partial as it evidently was to the covert, we occasionally
succeeded in driving it from the bushes, when it flew to the ground, exactly
in the hurried shuffling manner of the Ivy Wren when it thinks itself
watched. These disturbances certainly tended to attach it more and more to its
favourite brushwood, but not in the slightest degree to cause it to apprehend
danger on our near approach. We could do all but catch it ; and as we wished,
if possible, to induce it to sojourn a while in our neighbourhood, we took care
not to molest it more than was necessary for purposes of observation. But we
had predicted truly. Campsall was not to be the resting-place, even for a few
days, of the Sibilous Locustell. Often and diligently have we since searched the
spot and the neighbourhood, at all times of the day, and almost of the night too,
without once again meeting any traces of our favourite of the 4th of May.
Campsall Hall, Sept. 3, 1837.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Which are the Best Works in the Several Departments of Natural

History ?

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir, — From the kindly spirit which I have with pleasure observed pervading
The Naturalist, both on your own part, and in general on that of your contribu-
tors, I feel assured you will not close its pages against an enquiring tyro in
Natural History. Indeed, your ready acquiescence in the proposal of H. E. H.
(p. 89), satisfies me that you are ever willing that there should be a free inter-

3b2

360 CORRESPONDENCE.

communication, in the shape of queries and answers, critical observations, &c,
between your correspondents, and therefore I may, as an humble student of the
vast field of Nature, be permitted to proceed to the subject of my present com-
munication without further preface or apology.

I wish then to inquire, which are the best works in the several departments of
Natural History, especially Zoology and Botany ? First, I should be glad to be
informed as to the general and more comprehensive works, and, secondly, as to
the monographs, treatises, memoirs, &c. I should like the size of the works to
be specified ; and where particularly good accounts of the economy, &c, of any
one species have been published in the Transactions of learned Societies, or in
periodicals, &c, it might be of use to myself and others to specify these.

Although -I am but a beginner, it is not to be supposed that I have no books
whatever relating to Natural History, though possibly I may not have the best.
What I have been recommended is, first, to obtain a general idea of each branch,
and then to descend to minutiae. Without the mind of a Linnaeus, a Cuvier,
or a Swainson, I am fully aware that it would be impossible to advance science
in any way without attaching oneself particularly to some department; but
perhaps, by knowing something of;the collateral branches, we may be assisted in
the particular study we have selected. Were I not certain that your reply to
my query would be of eminent service to others as well as myself, I would not
have ventured to occupy so much of your space. The most convenient plan of
arranging the list would probably be to make Mammalogy, Ornithology, Ento-
mology, &c, the heads of columns, with subdivisions under each for " general
works," " monographs," " treatises and papers in periodicals," &c, but this, of
course, you will manage according to your own judgment, and doubtless to the
best advantage.

I am, Sir, with much respect,

Your obedient servant,

Alton Hall, Gloucestershire, Charles Hanway.

Sept. 27, 1837.

[[Our correspondent appears to expect that we shall ourselves reply to his
query. Our usual plan is to allow contributors to answer all questions of this
kind. This we shall accordingly do in the present instance, confident that we
have many readers both willing and able to furnish a list of works on one or
more branches of Natural History. But should no one come forward, we will
then supply the catalogue, to the best of our ability. Meanwhile we may
observe, that M. Percheron has published a catalogue raisonne of entomological
works, and that our Ornithologist's Text-book contains notices of ornithological
books, treatises, &c— Ed.]

361

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

On Faunas and Floras, in general and particular.

Beicsey House, Aug. 18, 1837«
Dear Sir, — Your talented correspondent, Mr. DALE„has set an example to
zoologists, and Mr. Bloxam to botanists, which, L think, ought to be followed in
as many cases as possible. The advantage of having local floras and faunas is
universally acknowledged, and the manner in which they are published in The
Naturalist appears to me much better than if, as in Loudon's Magazine of
Natural History, the productions of the various counties were to be known by
short notices of the capture of perhaps a dozen rare birds, or the discovery of a
like number of rare plants, in different neighbourhoods, scattered here and there
throughout the volume. In the " Dorsetshire Fauna " Mr. Dale mentions
Fuligula rufina, to which it appears, by a note at the bottom of the page, he
had affixed " Tufted Pochard " as the English name. Is it not probable that he
meant the Tufted Pochard, which is of common occurrence, and pretty generally
distributed, while of Fuligula rufina, Mr. Jenyns informs us, only four speci-
mens have been met with ? This supposition is strengthened by the circumstance
of F. cristata not being in his list. Of Mergus cucullatus, according to Jenyns,
only one specimen has been met with in Europe ; if Mr. Dale has found it in
Dorsetshire, the particular locality is, in my opinion, very desirable. Perhaps
there may be some mistake. The same remarks will apply to his notice of
Procellaria puffinus. Of course I only make these observations to elicit in-
formation. It appears to me that the " blue and green " species of Lizard, which,
Mr. Dale informs us, he has found at Parley, is Lacerta stirpium. At all events
this species ought to have a place in the Dorsetshire fauna, as, according to
Jenyns, two specimens were taken by Mr. Yarrell near Poole, in Dorsetshire.
Persons have informed me that they have seen '• green Lizards " near Southport,
in this county. I think it not improbable that these will be referable to the
same species.

Scarcity of the Garden Ouzel near Warrington.

With regard to the Garden Ouzel (Merula hortensis), the fact that it is not
common here has been remarked by others as well as myself. Considering its
extreme abundance in other parts of the kingdom, it most certainly " cannot be
said to be common in this neighbourhood." This statement is analogous to one
made by Mr. Morris, in a preceding number of The Naturalist (No. ix., p. 166),
respecting the House Sparrow not being common near Doncaster. It is com-

362 CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

mon enough here, in all conscience. This is sufficient proof that we cannot
judge, from the abundance or rarity of a species in one locality, of its frequency
elsewhere.

Believe me, my dear Sir,

Very sincerely and faithfully yours,
Neville Wood, Esq., Peter Rylands.

&c. &c. &c.

Doncaster Lyceum.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir, — In your publication for last month (No. xi., p. 268), there is an
article inserted respecting the Doncaster Lyceum, but in which there are-
several inaccuracies, and it is only in justice to the institution that they should
be pointed out.

The writer, after expressing his disappointment that the neighbouring gentry
of Doncaster do not give greater support to the institution, states, that he con-
ceives that it is to be attributed " to the great attention paid by the Lyceum to
politics." He says that " a large number of the members are quarterly," and
suspects " that many of them enter the society merely for the purpose of reading
the newspapers." He also adds, " that a portion of the funds goes to purchase
newspapers."

The writer, who seems to be well acquainted with the motives both of the
neighbouring gentlemen who do not support the institution, and of " many" mem-
bers who do, would have done wisely had he also made himself acquainted with
the fact that, according to the altered rules of the Society (and which were
altered and made public long before the publication of the article in question),
there are no longer to • be any quarterly members, and that no portion of the
funds subscribed to the Lyceum will be or can be applied for the purchase of
newspapers.

All members are to be annual ; but for the benefit of the young, and of those
whose means are limited, there are to be two classes of subscribers : the first to
pay 16s. a-year, and the second 7s. The latter class are to have all the
privileges of the other, except the right of voting in the management of the
institution; and not one farthing of the subscriptions of either class can be
appropriated for newspaper purposes, but solely for the benefit of the museum
and the literary and scientific departments.

Politics are neither admissible into these departments of the Institution, nor
is it compatible with their designs, and I believe they are never obtruded.

But, Sir, it is no less true, than, as I think, an advantage to the Institution
itself (unless it can be shown that it is well for man to possess all knowledge

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 363

save that which most concerns him in a worldly point of vi6w — the know-
ledge of the affairs of the country in which he lives), that there is a room
separate and apart from the other rooms of the institution, into which newspapers
are admitted. Such members of the Lyceum as desire it, have the option, by
paying a small additional annual sum, of being members of this room. The
fund subscribed to this room only, is appropriated for the purchase of newspapers,
and the management of the newspaper concerns is solely vested in the members
of the news-room.

The plan adopted in this respect by the Doncaster Lyceum is similar to that
followed by many Institutions, upon a much larger scale, in different parts of the
country, where experience has proved that it is salutary, and not dangerous.

I remain, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

Doncaster, Aug. 19, 1837- Edwabd SheaRdown.

L*The only publication of the altered rules that we are aware of, consists in a
copy of them having been placed in the reading-room of the Lyceum, and the
consequence is, that many members were not even aware that any change had
been proposed in the regulations. We are not, therefore, to blame for remissness
in this particular. The next thing insisted upon by our correspondent, is the
importance of newspapers. This is nothing to the point. It matters not to the
subject in hand whether or no we admit the value of these engines of instruc-
tion. What we before said, and what we now repeat, is, that, in our humble
Opinion, a " Literary, Scientific, and Natural History Society " has nothing what-
ever to do with newspapers. The introduction of these will doubtless attract
members of a certain description, but assuredly not those whose assistance and
co-operation the institution should court. In this particular we can scarcely
consider the laws about to be put in force as improvements on the present
plan. — Ed.]

Observations on " The Naturalist," passim.

To the Editor.

Mv dear Sir, — I shall content myself at present with scribbling a few obser-
vations on your journal passim. You will excuse my remarking, 1 hope, what
perhaps it is impossible to prevent, that notwithstanding the general admirable
attention paid to the orthography of The Naturalist, here and there some strange
misnomers occur, suggesting the idea that just at an occasional point the pen
had dropt from the hand of the drowsy corrector. Professor Azelius at p. 170
should be Afzelius. You are already, I see, corrected by Mr. Leyland in
using styrzicum for stygium (I scarcely wonder at your shrinking from the

364 CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

Stygian flood). At p. 2G4 reference is made, in a report of the Geological
Society, to a description of the coast of " Norway," which seemed a complete
riddle to me, till mention of " Caen free-stone " made it obvious that Normandy
was intended. But I dare say you have at your tongue's end — " Cease, rude
Boreas, blustering railer," so I shall ruffle you no longer on this point.*

On the Backwardness of the Spring of 1837.

Mr. Beverley Morris, of Dublin, I see, has somewhat strangely questioned
the backwardness of the spring of this year (pp. 221, 225), and, without any
reference to meteorological details, has adduced the fact of certain plants flower-
ing as early as usual. Having before alluded to this subject (p. 213), I feel
obliged to remark upon what Mr. Morris has adduced. In the first place, the
plants he has selected are, with the exception of Narcissus biflorus, primaveral.
Nothing can, therefore, be drawn from them, as such plants with a warm aspect
may flower in certain spots without the majority of their brethren, as every body
knows who has met with a Primrose or Cowslip by the wood-side. But admit-
ting that Mr. Morris means the general flowering of the plants he mentions,
surely May 4 for Ranuncidus Jicaria is very late, since it usually gilds the
marshy meadows by the second week in April, and I have seen it in flower in
February. I should also say that Caltha palustris generally flowers in Worces-
tershire in the middle of April. But I will appeal to what every body notices —
the trees and shrubs, and ask if they do not fully bear me out in the assertion
that the present season has been nearly three weeks behind an ordinary one.
The following memorandums are taken from my log-book, and let any one
compare them with a record they may have made in former years, or leave them
for reference to future.

1837- — May 1. In vain we look for the Hawthorn or May in flower; it is
not even in leaf, except very scantily here and there, and there is no real display
of green leaves anywhere save on the Gooseberry bushes that stand lone epiplytic
sentinels on the pollarded Willows. Almost every thing has been cut up by the
long-continued bitter frosts and never-ending storms of sleet and snow, the
Horse Chesnut has not yet unfolded its leaves, and the Blackthorn (Primus
spinosa) is only this day coming into flower. Now on reference to Forster's
" Indications of the Seasons," in the Encyclopcedia of Natural Phenomena, we
find it stated that " the Blackthorn usually blooms about the middle of April."

* We are rather glad Mr. Lees has alluded to the typographical errors, as it enables us to clear
ourselves of nearly the whole blame. Mistakes marked in the proofs are occasionally left uncor-
rected, and in one or two instances letters creep into or fall out from the worked-ofF copy where all
was right in the proofs. Such defects are, however, not numerous or important in our late Nos.,
and a few will occur in every work.— JEn.

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 365

With regard to Ranunculus Jicaria, the same writer, in his " Rustic Calendar,"
says, under April 3, that " Pilewort now bespangles every shady bank and
sloping grove with its golden stars, which remain till May." He also says that
Caltha palustris is in full flower in the middle of April. If, therefore, these
plants did not flower with Mr. Morris till the 1st of May, he himself proves
the backwardness that he denies.

May 10. — No Pear-trees yet in flower in the orchards, though, according to
Forster's "Rustic Calendar," they generally commence flowering on April 13.

May 13. — Alder not in leaf except very partially; Ash, no signs of opening
foliage apparent ; Beech, the leaves only fully expanded to-day ; Birch, young
leaves just expanded ; Elm, leaves expanding, but scarcely open ; general aspect
denuded ; Hawthorn, — the hedges are not yet entirely green, and no sign of
blossom any where : yet who does not remember gathering May on May-day ?
"In early warm springs," says Forster, " it flowers on the 1st or 2nd of May ;"
Hazel, not in leaf, except here and there ; Horse Chesnut, foliage fully out, but
not any flowers ; Lime, only just opening ; Maple, buds as yet only apparent ;
Oak, entirely bare; Pear, leaves only partially expanded; Poplar (P. nigra),
red flowers very conspicuous, but leaves not fully expanded ; Service (Pyrus
torminalisj, entirely leafless; Sycamore, in young leaf, though, according to
Forster, this should be the case on April 10 in ordinary seasons; Willow (Salix
alba), young foliage just apparent.

May 15. — Pear-trees now first fully in flower, though the third woek in April
is the usual period for this.

May 25. — Horse Chesnut only just come into flower.

May 26. — Noticed a Hawthorn-bush in flower for the first time this year, but
in a ride of thirty miles it was the only one so circumstanced.

June 11. — The Horse Chesnut, Laburnum, and Lilac, are at length arrayed in
the beauty that in ordinary seasons they assume a month earlier !

I will now, by reference to a well-known, common, and universally-diffused
English flower, attempt to ascertain the number of days the season in question
was behind ordinary ones, and the plant I shall select is a solstitial species, as
most fit to refer to. I have noticed for a number of years that the Yellow-flag
Iris (Iris pseudacorus) always unfolds its brilliant corolla on May the 31st or
June the 1st; the latter date is given by Forster in his "Rustic Calendar," and
I do not remember a season in which the marsh was not yellow with some of its
flowers on the 1st of June. This year I observed no flower open till June 19,
so that there can be no doubt that vegetation received a general retardation of at
least eighteen days. I shall only observe further, that Rosa spinosissima, which
usually flowers in April, did not expand till the 11th of June; and that not a

No. 13, Vol. II. 3 c

366 CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

single plant of Rosa canina flowered in the hedges before June 19, and then
very partially.

The Doncaster Lyceum, &c.

I find I must at present considerably abridge what further observations I had
intended to make. I greatly admire the fearless spirit in which you speak out as
to the Doncaster Lyceum. Squeamish persons may, as usually happens, wince
and hesitate, but the plan you have pursued is the only way for improvement.
Constant adulation is the ruin of many institutions, the heads of which keep
bowing and bowing to each other, till, with their backs turned to real truth and
science, the recoil of their courtliness hurries them down the precipice of ruin.
You are, in my opinion, quite right in saying that these institutions should be
patronized by the countenance of noblemen and country gentlemen ; but no class,
professional or not, should evidently have the hand of fellowship held out to it
more than others. If so disgust ensues, and justly I must say, that in Worcester
all our literary and scientific societies are somewhat faulty — Politics in one,
jealousy and monopoly in another, and a true scientific spirit absent from all.
Hence great cry and little wool. I am afraid human nature wants another
century of rubbing down ; for while selfishness and charlatanism prevail in the
world as they do at present, true observing but quiet science is sure to wither,
and parade and ceremony are the sorry substitutes for investigation and research.
I speak generally, though I admit it is perhaps unwise so to speak (except con-
fidentially), for human nature recoils from the pill that is not gilded by flattery.
I shall, however, always give my opinion freely.

Believe me to be, my dear Sir,

Yours very sincerely,

Dryadville, near Worcester, Edwin Lees.

Aug. 7, 1837.

Concerning two Errors in a Review of Hewitson's " British Oology."

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Dear Sir, — In your May number (p. 112), I perceive a review of my twin
No. (xxx. and xxxi.), which must have been written without the least regard to
accuracy. In the first place, in criticising plate cxviii., in which the eggs of the
Chiff Chaff and Wood Wren are figured, it is stated, in reference to the former
(which is in the new nomenclature called the Darklegged Warbler), that it ought
to be " Sylvia loquax, and not S. hippolais, as given by Mr. Hewitson." Now
I should much like to know what authorities your reviewer has for setting me
right on this point, and beg to give mine for its adoption, which are to me quite

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 367

sufficient for its use — Swainson, Selby, and Gould. It is then stated, with
regard to the same plate, that " the author has judged right in giving three
figures. • We never saw one of the dark colour of fig. 2, a shade between figs. 1
and 3 being commonest." Now these three eggs happen to be those of two birds,
fig. 1 being that of the Chiff Chaff, 2 and 3 those of the Wood Wren ;* and I
feel confident that the writer never saw an egg of the Chiff Chaff " a shade
between figs. 1 and 3." He might well say he " never saw one of the dark
colour of fig. 3." .

The next error is in reference to plate cxix., in which the reviewer mentions
the two figures there drawn as of the Purple Heron, " differing remarkably in
size." Now although the eggs do differ remarkably in colour, and sometimes a
good deal in size, they do not vary quite so much. The eggs there represented
are also those of two species.

You will, I trust, excuse me for mentioning these errors, which have most
likely got into your pages without your having had time to correct them. I
ought not to conclude these remarks without expressing my satisfaction at the
manner in which the British Oology is spoken of in the critique alluded to.

I am, dear Sir,

Yours truly,

Derby, Aug. 26, 1837- William C. Hewitson.

£We really are at a loss to imagine how the errors which Mr. Hewitson has
taken the trouble to point out, could have crept in, unless indeed — which is an
unusual occurrence with us — we were dozing at the time we wrote the critique.
We may, however, positively state that we have seen an egg of the Darklegged
Warbler spotless white. After the account given of Sylvia hippolais in
Gould's Birds of Europe, we thought every naturalist had known that the
bird of that name found in Britain is " now universally acknowledged to be the
S. rufa" or S. loquax of Herbert. — Ed.]

" For Many Years Past."

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir, — " For many years past" may perhaps mean as many as Bix or seven ;
and there are cases where it may be as well to mention the source from which
information has been derived. I have instructed several in the rudiments of
Natural History, and have taught others the names of the commonest species of
British birds. Will Mr. R. H. Sweeting be so good as to inform me, in the first

* Mr. Salmon has already been kind enough to correct us in this particular, for which see our
September number, p. 313. — En.

8B3

368 CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

place, whether he has ever read or seen Cuvier's Regne Animal ; and secondly,
whether Caryocatactes nucifraga occurs therein, as Mr. Sweeiing has boldly-
stated. I perceive that the Editor asks the same question ; but Mr. Wood is
wrong in stating that Nilsson, in the Ornithologia Suecica, is the only author
who has used the name,* as I proposed it some time since in The Naturalist,
and had at that time never heard of Nilsson. Mr. Sweeting makes rather a
confused statement in his paper on the British Falconidce. I had laid down as
a rule, that generic names should invariably be of Greek, and specific names
always of Latin origin. But Mr. Sweeting says, that " the practice of using
Greek words for generic, and Latin for specific names of birds and other animals"
did not originate with me, but was the invariable plan, wherever admissible, of
Cuvier. Now I must beg of Mr. Sweeting to give me the chapter and page
wherein Cuvier has laid down this as a rule. Until he can do this I think his
instancing three birds with which such a rule (?) has been acted upon will have
very little weight in proof of his assertion. I may here mention, by the way,
that one of these names (Pernis) Mr. Sweeting did not know to be of Greek
derivation till I pointed out its origin to him.

" Whenever admissible" ! May I ask, was it not the result of my arguments
that it should always and invariably be admissible ? I doubt, however, very
much whether Cuvier had any plan whatever of the sort. It should be a very
long series, consisting of several thousand names (instead of three, or rather two
and a half, as I have shown above), to lead us to the conclusion that he had
any such plan, in the absence of all declaration of having any plan of the kind,
which, if he had indeed made, I must again beg of Mr. Sweeting to point out
when and where. Meantime I shall assert the correctness of my former state-
ment in my treatise on scientific nomenclature in The Naturalist, that my
laying down such a rule as a rule (and without exception too), was the first time
that such had been done, as it had " been before (but obscurely and faintly)
acted on."

I do not understand Mr. Sweeting's following sentence ; do you, Mr. Editor ?
" Classical names for birds, whether Greek or Latin, or Latin and Greek, ought,
if truly appropriate, to be considered equally admissible." Does he mean to set
this up against what he before (though erroneously) stated to have been the
*'• invariable plan, whenever admissible, of the illustrious Baron Cuvier ?" But
if so— rif both are equally admissible, how comes he in the very next sentence to
say, that " where both languages are employed to designate species, I am quite

* We stated that Nilsson was the only author, so far as we were aware, who employed it, in
alluding, moreover, rather to separate works than to memoirs or papers published in Transactions,
periodicals, &c— Ed.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 369

of opinion that the Greek should take precedence of the Latin" ? To designate
species ! Why I thought that the rule (erroneously) claimed for Cuvier, and
first laid down by me, was that Greek should be used for genera ! There seems
to be a little confusion in this. But I look forward to the pleasure of seeing Mr.
Sweeting some time this summer, if all be well, when I will endeavour to set
him right on this and also on some other points.

I remain, Sir,

Faithfully yours,

F. 0. Morris.

PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Aug. 22. — The ordinary meeting was held on Tuesday evening, Thomas Bell,
F.R.S., in the chair. — Mr. Owen exhibited the cranium of an Oran Outan from
Borneo, the dentition of which was intermediate with all the known species, and
which was the only example that had been seen in Europe. — Mr. Charlesworth
explained some facts on the structure of the Argonauts, particularly on the re-
production of certain parts of the shell.

ROYAL SOCIETY.

The following abstract of a paper " on the temperature of insects, and its
connexion with the functions of respiration and circulation," by Mr. George
Newport, is extracted from The Atkenceum of August 26. The account is of
such interest that we shall present it without curtailment.

The author states at the commencement, that although it has long been
known that insects living in society, as the Bee and the Ant, maintain in their
habitations a temperature higher than that of the open air, the fact had never
yet been established that individual insects of every kind possess a more elevated
temperature than that of the medium in which they reside, and that in each
species the degree of elevation varies in the different stages of their existence.
He was first led to study the temperature of insects in consequence of the various
results which he had met with in some observations he had himself made, in the
autumn of 1832, on a species of wild Bee in its natural haunts, with a view to
ascertain, as had been suggested to him by Dr. Marshall Hall, the relation
between the temperature of these insects during their hybernation, and the
irritability of their muscular fibre : but the fact of the existence of a higher

370 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

temperature in individual insects had been ascertained by himself prior to these
observations ; the results of which observations, together with other facts
connected with the physiology of insects, he subsequently communicated to
Dr. M. Hall.

Since the time when the author has been engaged in the prosecution of this
inquiry, some observations on the same subject have been published by Dr.
Berthold, of Gottingen, who expresses it as his opinion that insects ought not
to be regarded as cold-blooded animals, but who does not appear to have detected
the existence of a temperature higher than the surrounding medium in any in-
dividual insect. The author also notices the observations on this subject made
by Hansmann, Juch, Rengger, Dr. John Davy, and others, some of whom
have detected, while others have not observed, the existence of an increased
temperature in this class of animals. He then gives a detailed account of the
precautions to be taken for insuring accuracy in making observations of this
kind ; and remarks that greater reliance is to be placed on those made on the
external than on the internal temperature of the animal, seeing that comparative
results are all that can be obtained, and that the injury inflicted on the insect by
its mutilation very materially interferes with the correctness of the conclusions
as to the degree of internal temperature.

After premising these introductory remarks, the author gives a detailed account
of his observations on the temperature of insects in their several states of larva,
pupa, and imago, from which it appears that those which possess the highest
temperature are always volant insects, and are chiefly diurnal species, residing
almost constantly in the open air. He shows that the larva has a lower tem-
perature than the imago, and that the energy of its respiration is also less,
regard being had to the activity of the insect, and to the size of its body. In
lepidopterous insects the average elevation of temperature above that of its sur-
rounding medium, is in the larva from 0° *9 to 1° *5 ; while in the imago it is
from 5° to 10°. Among the Hymenoptera it is from 2° to 4° in the larva, and
in the imago from 4° to 15° or even 20°; but in all cases the amount of this
elevation is shown to depend on the degree of activity, and the quantity of air
respired during a given period. The author then inquires into the influence of
various circumstances, such as inactivity, sleep, hybernation, and inordinate
excitement, on the temperature of insects, and shows that the evolution of heat
gradually diminishes in a degree corresponding to the length of time during
which the insect remains in a state of repose, but that it is immediately increased
as soon as the insect is roused into action. He adverts also to the remote cause
of hybernation, which he ascribes, in every state of the insect, to accumulations
of adipose matter, or of nutrient fluid, which, being stored up in the system,
induce a plethoric state, from which the animal is aroused when this store of

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 371

materials has been exhausted. A variety of experiments are related, tending to
prove that a large proportion of the heat evolved by an insect, when in a state
of great activity, is dissipated into the surrounding medium, and- that the
quantity of heat so generated bears definite relations to the habits, the locality,
and the energy of respiration in each respective species of insect. Volant insects,
he finds, have the highest temperature ; and of these the diurnal bear a higher
temperature than the crepuscular; next to these must be placed the diurnal
terrestrial, and last of all the nocturnal terrestrial species.

In the next division of this paper the author considers the temperature of those
insects which live in societies ; and in particular of the Humble Bee and the
Hive Bee. His observations are confirmatory of many of those of Hubeb re-
lating to the incubating habits of the former of these species ; and he has further
ascertained, that during the act of incubation the Bees possess a voluntary power
of generating heat, whereby the temperature of their bodies is raised, apparently
for the purpose of imparting warmth to the young in the cells ; that this process
is accompanied by accelerated respiration ; and that the amount of heat evolved
is proportional to the quantity of air respired. The law established by Dr.
Edwards in the case of the young mammiferous animals, namely, that they
possess less power of generating heat, and that for a certain time they are unable
to maintain their usual temperature, is shown by the author to be equally appli-
cable to the early stages of insect life, and also to the perfect insect immediately
after its development from the pupa.

The temperature of the Hive Bee is next examined, and it is shown, contrary
to the statements of Reaumur, Huber, and others, that Bees do not maintain a
very high temperature in their hives during winter, but that they are disposed,
when not disturbed by any occasional vicissitudes of atmospheric temperature,
to assume the state of hybernation ; although, on the other hand, when the Bees
are much disturbed, the temperature of the hive may, even in the midst of
winter, become greatly raised. The temperature of the hive is lowest in January,
and gradually increases up to the period of swarming, in May or June, after
which time it diminishes. A table is given exhibiting the results of successive
observations on the influence of the diminution of heat and of light which
attended the progress of the annular eclipse of the sun on the 15th of May, 1836,
on the temperature of the hive.

It appears, from the inquiries of the author, that different parts of the hive do
not preserve the same relative heat among one another at different periods, and
also that the amount of free heat in the hive is often 10° or 15°, even in the
months of July and August.

The remaining division of the paper is devoted to the consideration of the
connexion existing between the development of heat and the functions of respira-

372 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

tion, circulation, and digestion. The state of the pulse during all the different
stages of the larva until its metamorphosis into the pupa, is examined with great
minuteness, and the results are given in a tabular form. The author traces the
rate of pulsation during different conditions of repose and activity, and the cor-
responding frequency of respirations, and finds that although there is a general
accordance between the activity of these two functions, yet that the activity of
respiration and the quantity of heat evolved, do not depend primarily on the
velocity of the circulation, but that under all circumstances the quantity of heat
developed is exactly proportioned to the quantity of respiration. While the
insect is feeding, and digestion is going on, the evolution of heat increases, and
while it is fasting it diminishes ; but this diminution has a limit, whereas in-
creased respiration is invariably attended by increased heat. Gaseous matter is
exhaled in great abundance from the surface of the body of an insect, and con-
tributes to regulate and equalize its temperature ; but the quantity diminishes
in proportion to the length of time during which it has been deprived of food.
The author maintains that animal heat is not an effect of mere nervous influence,
either general or ganglionic — an opinion which he derives from the following
considerations: — first, that in many insects in which considerable degrees of
heat are evolved, and the respiration is energetic, the nervous system is small
compared with that of others in which the respiration is less vigorous ; and
secondly, that if the evolution of animal heat were dependent on the existence
of ganglia, the Leech ought to generate more heat than the larva of the Lepi-
doptera, since it has a much greater number of ganglia. Hence he is disposed to
draw the general conclusion that animal heat results directly from the changes
which take place during respiration ; and that the reason why so large a quan-
tity passes off so rapidly from the body of an insect is because it does not become
latent, since the circulating fluid, unlike what takes place in the higher animals,
is neither completely venous nor completely arterial, but a character intermediate
between both.

Twenty-one tables are annexed, exhibiting the records of the experiments
referred to in the paper on the respiration, temperature, and circulation of insects.

A paper has likewise been read before the members of the Royal Society " on
the upas poison used by the Jacoons and other aboriginal tribes of the Malayan.
Peninsula, by Lieut. T. S. Newbold." The author gives an account of the pro-
cess by which the Jacoons, an aboriginal tribe inhabiting the mountains and
forests of the Malayan Peninsula, prepare the poison applied to the points of the
slender arrows which are propelled from the blow-pipe. Three preparations are
employed for this purpose, distinguished by the names of Krohi, Tennik or Ken-
nik, and Malaye ; the last of these is more powerful than the other two, and is
obtained from the root3 of the Tuba., the Parachi, the Kopah, and the Chey, and

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 373

rom those of the shrub Melage, whence it derives its name. The Krohi poison i3
prepared from the root and bark of the Spoh tree, and the roots of the Tuba and
Kopah, with the addition of red arsenic and the juice of Limes ; and the Tennik
from the same ingredients, omitting the Kopah root. A few experiments are
related, made by the author with a view to ascertain the effects of the poisoned
arrows on living animals, from which it appears that the symptoms commence in
a few minutes after the infliction of the wound, and terminate fatally with more
or less rapidity, according to the size of the animal.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Aug. 1. — An Address to Her Majesty on her accession to the throne having
been voted, the same was read, together with an announcement of Her Majesty's
gracious consent to become the Patroness of the Society. — A large silver medal
was awarded to Mr. Paxton, gardener to the Duke of Devonshire, for the ex-
hibition of a very beautiful Cattlet/a crispa ; silver Knightian medals were also
given for the new variety of Oncidium Carthaginense, from Mr. Redding,
gardener to Mrs. Marry att, F. H. S. ; for Ericce, from Mrs. Lawrence,
F. H. S. ; and silver Banksian medals for Roses from Mr. Stephen Hooker,
F. H. S., for Stanhopea insignis, from Mr. Pratt, gardener to W. Harrison,
Esq., F. H. S. ; and for Carnations and Piccotees from Mr. Hogg, of the Har-
row Road. Eight candidates were elected Fellows.

The meteorological observations between the 18th of July and the 1st of Au-
gust were as follows : —

Barom.— Highest, July 24 30,117

Lowest, July 29 29,293

Therm Highest, July 27 85°, Fahr.

Lowest, July 30 45°, Fahr.

Total amount of rain, 0.G3 inch.

Aug. 15. — A note upon the cultivation of the Ranunculus, by Mr. Dunsfordj
gardener to the Hon. Baron Dimsdale, was read. — Silver Knightian medals were
awarded to James Bateman, Esq., F. H. S., for Oncidium lanceanum ; and
to Messrs. Paul, of Cheshunt, for Roses exhibited by them. Silver Banksian
medals were also adjudged for a new striped Dahlia from Messrs. Paul ; for Cu-
cumbers from Mr. P. Flanagan, gardener to Sir Thomas Hare, Bart. ; for a
plant of Erica Eweana, from Mrs. Lawrence, F. H. S. ; and for Erica ampid-
lacea, &c.,from J. Allnutt, Esq., F.H.S. On the table were also observed some
very fine black Hamburgh Grapes, Melons, Cherries, Gooseberry -pippins of 1836,
in excellent preservation, &c.

Jonathan King, Esq., and John Temple Leader, Esq., M. P., were elected
Fellows.

No. 13, Vol. II. 3 d

374 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

The following was the meterological report from Aug. 1 to Aug. 15: —

Barom Highest, Aug. 7 30.385

Lowest, Aug. 2 29.666

Therm. — Highest, Aug. 14 85°, Fahr.

Lowest, Aug.4 42°. Fahr.

Total amount of rain, 0.85 inch.

EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

ZOOLOGY.

1. On the genus Pagurus, by Db. Milne Edwards. — The singular Crus-
tacea which, to protect their soft and trailing abdomen, dwell in the interior of
various turbinated shells, and carry them about everywhere with them, have long
excited the curiosity of naturalists. They did not escape the notice of the an-
cients, and one of the first anatomists who paid attention to the internal struc-
ture of the inferior animals, Swammerdam, has studied their organisation. Au-
thors appear, however, to have long confounded the different animals which pre-
sent these different characters ; but since the close of the last century they have
examined them with more care, and have discovered that a considerable number
belong to distinct species. Fabricius, who separates them from the Crabs un-
der the generic name Pagurus, enumerates fifteen, and since then almost every
travelling naturalist has added to the number. Hence this group is one of the
most numerous in the class Crustacea, and, for want of being studied sufficiently
in a comparative point of view, it has become, at the same time, one of the most
difficult as regards the determination of species. This circumstance has induced
Dr. Milne Edwards to undertake the revision of the genus, and he has obtained
abundant materials for his task.

The genus Pagurus of Fabricius, like most other generic groups of this great
entomologist, has been sub-divided by more recent authors ; but it was so na-
tural that the limits of the group still remain the same ; only instead of being a
genus it has been elevated to the rank of a tribe.

The author of the beautiful work On the Crustacea of Great Britain* Dr<
Leach, who lately died in Italy, and who had long been lost to science, first
separated from the true Paguri the Cancer latro, of which Rumph has given a
good figure ; he established for it the genus Birgus. More recently Latreille,

* We are not aware whether this is its exact title, which we have at present no means of as-
certaining.— Ed.

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 375

who during his long career has been occupied with so much perseverance and
success in entomological classification, has pointed out in the external structure
of the other Paguri modifications hitherto unnoticed, and these he has made a
basis for new divisions. In the edition of the Regne Animal published a few
years before his death, he separated the Cenobites from Pagurus, on account of
their long median antennae. Lastly, he established, under the name Prophylace
another generic group, which he considers as equally belonging to the tribe of
Pagurians, but concerning whose structure there is still much uncertainty. — An-
nates des Sciences Naturelles. — [We may perhaps be tempted to translate fur-
ther from Dr. Edwards's valuable paper in a future number. — Ed.]

2. Some Observations on Helminthology, by Charles Leblond. — Not-
withstanding the systematic works of the most celebrated authors, and the pa-
tient investigations of the most distinguished anatomists, Helminthology is, per-
haps, of all the numerous branches included in Natural History, that which pre-
sents most gaps to be supplied, errors to be corrected, and uncertainties to be
dispelled.

What guides, indeed, does science possess with regard to the structure of many
even of the commonest helminthological species ? What fables have not been
received with indifference, and published, as they were collected, without criti-
cism or investigation ? How many useless discussions have been carried on re-
garding the systematic value of a circumstance, of an accident, remarkable in-
deed, but accessory, and altogether worthless as a character ? Should the ento-
zoaries form in the zoological series a class, a family, distinct, or well divided,
without regard to their character of internal parasites, and after the mere con-
sideration of their structure, among the different groups founded by all natur-
alists on the organisation itself of the animals ?

This then is the condition of Helminthology at the present day, but M. Le-
blond feels convinced that it will not long remain in such a state. Here in fact,
as elsewhere, synthesis has preceded analysis; but analysis, already once dis-
carded, will necessarily return sooner or later to regulate the synthesis, and es-
tablish it on a sure foundation. The ordinary advance of the human mind re-
quires it.

The blots which disfigure the history of the entozoaries, and which seem to
lead us back to the early ages of Zoology, would not surprise us if they appeared
in the older scientific works, at least if the animals occasionally present extra-
ordinary and paradoxical forms ; but what can we think when they remain des-
pite the recent discoveries in Comparative Anatomy, and when, effaced from time
to time, they re-appear at short intervals, shining with all the pretensions of
novelty ?

Thus, sometimes limited to the zoological description of species, sometimes

3d2

876 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

confined to the valueless rules of general classification, by turns wavering, in-
complete or false, once rational and philosophic, Helminthology is in more imme-
diate need of new researches and guides than any other branch of Natural His-
tory.— Annates des Sciences Naturelles.

3. On a peculiar Human Race of the Atlas. — M. Guyon, principal
surgeon to the African army, in a letter to M. Dureau, announces, that there
exists at Bougie a native of the interior, a female, supposed to be descended
from a white tribe of the Auref mountains. This woman is about 26 or 28 years
of age ; has a most agreeable countenance, blue eyes, flaxen hair, beautiful teeth,
and extremely fine white skin. She is married to the Iman of the Mahometans,
Sidi Hamed, by whom she has three children who bear a considerable resem-
blance to him. M. Aeago adds, that this is not so rare an occurrence as may at
first be imagined. While going, towards the close of 1808, from Bougie to Al-
giers by land, he saw, in the greater part of the villages of the Kabyles, women
of all ages who were remarkably white, and who had blue eyes and fair hair.
Circumstances prevented him from ascertaining their origin. — Bibliotheque Uni-
versale de Geneve.

4. Formation of Spiders' Webs. — We now continue our abstract of M.
Duges' paper " Sur les Araneides," in the Annates des Sciences Naturelles, for
September and October, 1836.

The seventh article treats of the secretion of the web. This secretion takes
place in a glandular mass situated at the posterior part of the abdomen ; it is a
viscous substance, which dries more or less rapidly according to the species, and
according to the fineness of the thread. This substance is insoluble in Avater, and
rain breaks the webs without dissolving them. M. Duges thinks, contrary to
the opinion of Lister and Latreille — who believe that the threads are forced
out — that they are simply drawn out by the motion of the body or of the legs.

This web first serves to construct habitations varying considerably in different
species. Sometimes the threads alone are employed, sometimes mixed with
other materials. Some species construct tubes, often very solid ; lastly, we know
the singular lids with which the Mygales (Mygale) protect their dwelling. This
web serves, in the second place, as every one knows, to form snares for furnishing
the food of the Spider. The position of these snares depends on the habits of
each species. One of the most important points which M. Duges has studied in
this respect, is the means employed by the Epeiras (Epeira) to carry their webs
to considerable heights, for which purpose they throw into the air long threads,
which are often attached to points very distant from each other. The author
has seen, at the extremities of branches, little Spiders, sometimes motionless,
sometimes rapidly moving their anterior legs. He succeeded in seeing them
draw from their web-former (fdiere), and cause to float freely in the air a bundle

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 877

of filaments so fine, that the slightest breeze wafted them upwards in the same
direction. The insect pulled it from time to time to itself, and when it felt it
fixed on a solid body at some distance, when the resistance and tension appeared
sufficiently great, it did not hesitate to dart forward on this almost imperceptible
bridge, doubling the thread by a fresh addition, to all appearance passing unsup-
ported through the air. M. Duges feels no doubt but that the fils de la vierge
are owing to an emission of this kind. This article closes with a description of
the manner in which Spiders destroy and envelop, in the substance they secrete,
the animals accidentally caught in their webs, when the prey is too large to be
immediately seized by the relentless tyrant.

5. Mode of Attack and Defence employed by Spiders. — Lastly, in the
eighth section of M. Duges' interesting paper, are enumerated the means of
attack and defence of the Spiders, which consist principally of a poisonous fluid
and a hook at the end of the mandibles, which may be compared to the venom
of Vipers, and employed while the fluid is inserted into the wound. The bite of
Spiders appears incapable of inflicting serious injury to man. He has experi-
mented several times upon himself, and considers that the effects of the bite of the
Tarantula ( Tarentula), as well as of some exotic Spiders, have been exaggerated.
The majority of Spiders escape from their enemies by flight, and by concealing
themselves in holes, which, however, does not prevent their destruction, by a
great number of quadrupeds, birds, and insectivorous reptiles, Scorpions, Scolo-
pendras, Mants (Mantis), and various other insects. They are liable to be
devoured by parasites. Their interior forms an asylum for the larva? of insects ;
on the exterior they have to fear the larvae of Trombidions ( Trombidium) ;
finally, the Sphexes (Spkex, Linn.) make an active war on them, and stupify
them by stinging them.

BOTANY.

G. On the Botanical Geography of Swisserland, by M. Oswald Heer. —
During the last two years MM. Julius Frobel and Oswald Heer have published,
at Zurich, a journal entitled Mittheilungen aus dem Gebiete der theoretischen
JErdkundc (Communications relative to Theoretic Geography), of which the four
first numbers, forming a volume, have appeared at irregular intervals. Passing
over the articles on pure geography, and on zoological and geological geography,
many of which are well worthy of attention, we will give some account of the
papers on botanical geography, due to the researches of M. Oswald Heer. They
relate to Swisserland, but are subordinate to the general views which render
them valuable to the scientific men of every country.

The first is on the relative proportion of Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons in
the Alpine region of the Mountains of eastern Swisserland. M. Heer having
determined the proportion of the two numbers in several localities, found more

378 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

dicotyledonous plants in calcareous than in granitic mountains; on the most
elevated points than in the centre of the Alpine zone (above the forests) ; lastly,
in dry than in moist places. This last circumstance, already well known, ex-
plains the two first, for calcareous mountains, and the tops of mountains, are
liable to become very dry. In the granitic Alps of Glarus M. Heee found no
Monocotyledon at a greater altitude than 9,000 feet. Between 7,000 and 8,000
feet he found the proportion of one Monocotyledon to 5— Dicotyledons; from
6,000 to 7,000 feet, 1 : 5£ ; from 5,500 to 6,000 feet, 1:5. At this last height,
Jn a moist place, the proportion was 1:3. On the calcareous Alps of the
canton of Glarus the relative number of Monocotyledons is always a little smaller,
or that of Dicotyledons somewhat greater, at equal heights ; thus between 5,000
and 6,000 feet the proportion is 1 : 6.

According to the Flora of Gaudin the proportion for the whole of Swisserland
is as 1 : 3, 49. In the Alpine zone there are always fewest Monocotyledons.
M. Heer has taken care to keep in mind the number ascertained, by many
authors, for other chains of mountains, numbers which prove that the proportional
diminution of Monocotyledons in high mountains, above the limits of forests, is
a general law.

The second article published by M. Heer is an account of the botanical geo-
graphy of the canton of Glarus, very complete, and of great interest to individuals
occupied in this branch of science. In the first part the author examines the
physical conditions that influence the vegetation of the country ; he describes
the mountains and the vallies, makes meteorological observations on the tempera-
ture and the quantity of rain in the several months of the year, and at various
heights ; lastly, he establishes the limit, so delicate, of the perpetual snows,
the variable duration of the snow at different altitudes, and the climatic zones
founded on all these facts. He next treats of the distribution of plants by
stations, and in each zone. He enumerates the species and establishes the
proportion of the families and classes in each of the zones. Unfortunately, the
classification adopted by the author (that of M. Bartling), however excellent
it may be in itself, has not been followed in the most important floras
and works on botanical geography, and hence the numbers must be calcu-
lated over again, in order to be compared with those of the principal authors on
geographic Botany, for example with those of Brown, De Candolle, and De
Humboldt.

M. Heer has carried hi3 investigations to the point of giving, for each zone,
the relative abundance of species, and their greater or less disposition to grow in
company or solitary. Proximate numbers indicate these facts in a very happy
manner, although different from the plan adopted by M. d'Urville. The pro-
cedure of M. Heer is to indicate by a number, from 1 to 10, the degree of

MISCELLANY. 379

general frequency of a species in the country or zone he is engaged on, and by
another number, from 1 to 10, the disposition of a plant to present, in a given
locality, individuals solitary or more or less grouped. Thus 1 to 10 express a
species rare in the country, but social in those places where it does occur; 10 to 1
point out, on the contrary, a common species which every where grows solitary.
The writings of M. Oswald Heee deserve to be consulted as much as M.
Wahlenberg's work on Swisserland, and even more, if we consider that M.
Heer has profited by the labours of the learned Swedish voyager, and has enjoyed
the superior advantage of residing in the country he describes. — Alphonse De
Candolle in the Bibliotheque Universale de Geneve.

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

ZOOLOGY.

The Hedgehog's Method op taking its Food. — I once had much pleasure in
watching a Hedgehog making its meal in the day-time upon something which,
on account of the long intervening grass, I was unable clearly to see. When I
at last disturbed the animal, it rolled itself up, and partially enclosed within
itself a half-devoured Toad. I took the Toad from it, in order to ascertain the
fact beyond a doubt, and after examining it laid it down just by the Hedgehog,
when on my retiring to a little distance to watch it, it soon quietly unfolded
itself, took the remains of the Toad in its mouth, and ran off with it at a fair
trot into a neighbouring covert. — Thomas Meynell, jun., Esq., in a letter to the
Rev. F. 0. Morris.

The European Dipper near Scarborough. — Any one desirous of an oppor-
tunity of observing the peculiar habits and manners of this brisk little fellow —
so ably described by various authors — may visit that sweet and romantic place
Haiburn Wyke, contiguous to the sea-side, a few miles north of Scarborough.
This bird is also found in Scalby Beck. I possess specimens from both places.—
Patrick Hawkridge, Scarborough, Aug. 7, 1837.

The Museum of Boulogne. — When at Dover a short time since, I took the
opportunity of crossing over to Calais, and returned by the way of Boulogne.
The museum of this latter place is rich in the various departments of Natural
History. It is open to the public gratis from the hours of ten to four, on Sun-
days, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Foreigners may obtain admission any day by
showing their passports. I observed that a great many of the objects were
presented by Englishmen. — J. D. Salmon, Thctford, Norfolk, Sept. 6, 1837.

380 MISCELLANY.

Penthophera nigricans, Curtis. — I found another of those case-bearing" larvss
on a Furze-bush, October 13, 1836, on Knighton Heath, near Dorchester. It
fastened to the cage for the winter, and, though in a room with a constant fire,
it never moved till April 28. As I was unfortunate with those I had before, I
consulted Mr. Curtis on the proper mode of treatment, when he showed me a
figure of a Moth, male and female ($, apterous), in a French magazine, which
had been bred in France. It is doubtful whether it is the same species, but

is called Psyche ? — The periodical above alluded to says : — " The larva

feeds on Lettuce, Solidago virgaurea (and Curtis thinks Dandelion) ; twenty-
six days in the pupa state; and the imago appears from the 25th to the 31st of
August." My Moth, which is unique as British, was taken by me on a Birch-
tree at Parley Copse, June 18, 1824. The other larva? were found on Heath
and Furze, Sept. 6, 1831, two on Knighton Heath, and another on Parley Heath,
Aug. 20, 1 834, in which, on opening, I found a pupa dead ; but the other died
in larva, after beginning to move, as early as March 1832. I have now sup-
plied this larva with Dandelion, but I cannot see that it touches it, and I fear
for the result. Mr. Stephens gives Geometra alniaria, Linn., as British, and
the specimen in the Linnsean Cabinet agrees with Panzer's figure, but I have
never seen a British specimen like it. — J. C. Dale, Glanville's Wootton, Dor-
setshire, July 9, 1837-

The Redpoll Linnet (Linaria minor) scratching in the Manner of the
Rasores. — During one of those fine days that now and then intervened amongst
the miserably cold and cheerless weather of last spring, I was agreeably surprised
to see a pair of those beautiful little fellows the Lesser Redpolls (L. minor),
busying themselves in picking up various seeds, &c, from among the refuse left
by the inundation of the river. What more particularly engaged my attention
was my observing them scratching, something after the manner of the Gallinace*
ous birds, in order to obtain their food. They were so much engaged in their
occupation that they apparently heeded not my presence, although within a
few yards of them, so that I had ample opportunity of observing their move-
ments, and when I disturbed them they only hovered round for a short distance,
and again alighted to resume their employment. As I never before witnessed
them feeding except amongst Alder and Birch trees, I do not know if this
peculiarity appertains to the species when feeding on the ground. I have since
watched many of our Insessorial birds, but in no instance have I been able to
detect this habit, which I had hitherto supposed to be strictly confined to the
Rasorial order. — J. D. Salmon, Thetford, Norfolk, July 11, 1837.

Some Account of the Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana). — In Italy,
Germany, and various parts of the Continent, the Ortolan Bunting is an abun-
dant species. I am fortunate in being able to give some account of it from an

MISCELLAXY. 381

eye-witness of its habits. The liberality of Mr. Hoy has also furnished me with
the nests and several beautiful varieties of the eggs, from which the figures are
drawn ; each the representative of a different nest. The Ortolan Bunting
begins to build early in May ; it places its nest almost invariably in the corn,
preferring llye to other kinds ; indeed it is partial to light sandy soils, where Rye
is much cultivated. The nest is placed in some little hollow in the ground,
in the manner of that of the Sky Lark ; it is formed of dry grass and roots,
thickly lined towards the interior with very fine roots ; in some the inside is
finished with a few hairs. The eggs are four or five, sometimes, though rarely,
six in number. As will lie seen 1 y the plate, they resemble a good deal those of
the Yellow and Blackheaded Buntings. Mr. Hoy adds, " I have never found
them breeding except amongst corn. The male is almost incessant in his mono-
tonous song during the pairing season ; it much resembles that of the Cirl as
well as the Reed Bunting." — Hewitson's British Oology, May, 1837.

Swallows issuing out of Gbasjieue Lake. — In one of the country papers I
have lately seen an extract from the Kendal Mercury, detailing the circumstance
of a person having observed several Swallows emerge from Grasmere Luke this
spring. He describes them as making their appearance on the surface of the
water in the form of " bell-shaped bubbles" which, on bursting, each liberated a
Swallow. The Editor says : — " We give the fact well authenticated by the
parties from whom we received it, in the hope that it may prove an acceptable
addition to the data on which naturalists frame their hypotheses," &c. &c. How
gratified would the author of the Natural History of Selbome have been to have
seen such a statement ! Really I thought this notion had been exploded long
since. I had no idea of meeting with such a paragraph (except to point out the
erroneous views of our old naturalists), stated with all the semblance of truth, at
this enlightened period of general knowledge. In a calendar kept at Upsal in 1755,
Alexander Mal Beegeb says : — " Aug. 4, birds of passage, after having cele-
brated their nuptials, now prepare for departing;" and then, " Sept. 17, Swallows
go under water"!— J. 1). Salmon, Thelford, Norfolk, July 11, 1837.

Distinctions between tiie Coal and Marsh Tits. — The note of the Coal
Tit {Varus ater) is che-che, che-che, &c, while, on the contrary, in the ditty of
the Marsh Tit (Varus palustris) the stress is laid on the last syllable, thus : —
che-chee, che-chee, che-chee, as far as it can lie expressed in writing. The Coal
Tit is much wilder than the other species, although it usually inhabits nearer
the dwellings of man. Both these interesting little creatures sing more un-
ceasingly immediately before and after the breeding season than during its con-
tinuance, and we have frequently heard them sing in the midst of winter when
the weather was mild. The Marsh Tit will sometimes almost sing and feed at
one and the same time, seeming to find both occupations so agreeable that it is

No. 13, Vol. II. 3e

3H2 MISCELLANY.

unwilling to intermit either for the shortest time. When close, the Marsh and
Coal Tits are at once distinguished by the absence or presence of the white spot
behind the head. — Ed.

Comparative Distribution of the Buntings. — Amongst scores of Buntings
shot within a few months in the neighbourhood of Doncaster, only one was a
Corn Bunting. The Yellow species, as elsewhere, is extremely abundant, and
the Reed Bunting by no means scarce. The latter is, we believe, equally but
rather sparingly distributed in England. — Ed.

Propriety or otherwise of the Name Budytes. — I rather doubt the pro-
priety of the name Budytes, as applied to the Spring Oatear of your British Song
Birds, having noticed the Pied Wagtail quite as assiduous in his attentions to
the cattle, in extensive low pastures, as the former, and quite as familiar with
them, if not more so ; but this kindness seems only to be given on special occa-
sions.— Edwin Lees, ~Dryadville Cottage, near Worcester, Oct. 21, 1836. [That
the Pied Wagtails may often be seen among cattle is not to be questioned ; but
that they are much less constant cattle-attenders is, on the other hand, equally
certain. — Ed.]

The last Swallow in Surrey in 1836. — Swallows wrere last seen here on
the 21st of this month. — Edward Blyth, Tooting, Surrey, Oct. 28, 1836.

The Missel Thrush in a Shower of Rain. — On the 21st of October, 1836,
while taking shelter under a tree, we remember noticing a Missel Thrush
perched on the top of a lofty Beech-tree, during a pelting shower of rain, without
moving an inch. It would not permit any of its species to approach the tree,
which it quitted as soon as the shower ceased. It appeared to view the descend-
ing element in the light of a shower-bath, and to enjoy it accordingly. The
same may be said of Pigeons, which every one must have noticed spreading their
wings to receive the shower. — Ed.

The Black Rat at Yarm. — Mr. Thomas Meynell, jun., informs me, that he
meets with the Black Rat at Yarm. He says: — "I took one this year (1836) among
several Water Rats, in a trap set for the purpose, in consequence of their having
attacked the Peaches and Nectarines ; they were not even contented with the
fruit, but also attacked the branches of a Hamburgh Vine." — F. 0. Morris,
Doncaster, Sept. 3, 1837.

The Robin Redbreast on the Sea-coast. — In winter this bird may often be
seen close to the sea-side, upon those rocks covered with sea- weed, probably in
search of marine insects. To some this may not appear extraordinary ; yet
many of the admirers of this universal favourite would be a little surprised
at meeting him there, in a place so different from his usual haunts. — Patrick
Hawkridge, Scarborough, Aug. 7, 1837.

A Ferret Weasel suckling a Kitten. — A few days ago a live Kitten was

MISCELLANY. 383

put into a box containing a Ferret Weasel and some young ones, as food for the
old female. Instead, however, of immediately killing and devouring the little
animal, the Ferret took it under its protection, and brought it up along with its
own offspring. The Kitten remains with them at present ; but from the confine-
ment of the place, and the overweening attachment of the old Ferret in keeping
it well covered with hay, it is in a weakly state, not being allowed sufficient air
and exercise. It grows up with the young Ferrets, and is now about the same
size as its companions. If the kitten is at any time taken from the box and
placed upon the ground outside, it is immediately fetched back in the mouth of
its foster-mother, and covered up in the litter along with the young Ferrets.
The Ferrets belong to Mr. Bower, of Rossington. — Cheltenham Chronicle (?),
Communicated by Charles Hanway, Esq., Alton Hall, Gloucestershire, Aug. 27,
1837.

Capture of Whales in Orkney. — On the 21st of August there was an im-
portant capture of Whales, of the Bottle-nosed species, in Scapa Bay, near Kirk-
wall. A hundred and sixty were taken in all, varying in length from 6 to 22
feet each. The massacre was dreadful, and the whole scene had something of
the sublime and terrific in it. The bay was for a time metamorphosed ad literam
into a " Red Sea," and the shore presented the spectacle of 160 dead carcases
ranged along it. A sale of these monsters of the deep afterwards took place.
They were disposed of in lots, and brought upwards of £400. At Stromness
about 60 Wales, of the same species, made their appearance, some of which were
captured off the place, and a few were run on shore. We have been informed
that a number of the same description are ashore at Stronza. Some of them
were also seen off Scapa Bay since the first capture, but though hotly pursued
they got off. — Sept. 1.

Black Variety of the Rabbit. — A variety of the Rabbit is taken at Nappa,
near Aysgarth, which we know by the name of the Nappa Rabbit. It is quite black
when young, and becomes of a blue-grey when full-grown. The fur is considered
valuable, which causes the proprietor of the warren to be very tenacious of the
breed. I only know of one other place in England where it exists. Whether it
is indigenous or not I cannot say. The skins are sent to London. — Thomas
Meynell, jun., Esq., in a letter to the Rev. F. 0. Morris.

Singular Habit noticed in the Whin Cnxi^Sazicola rubetra). — We believe,
but are not certain, that the Whin Chat, both old and young, frequently makes a
rapid motion with one wing while the other remains quiescent. The tail is
moved at the same time. To ascertain the precise action of the bird during this
manoeuvre is difficult, on account of the rapidity of the movement. We first
noticed this circumstance at three o'clock in the morning of July 1, when com-
paratively few birds were in action. An old Whin Chat was perched on the top

3e2

384 MISCELLANY.

of a thick hedge, and appeared in the greatest tribulation when we approached,
uttering a shrill cry, and ceaselessly performing the curious motion of the wing
noticed ahove. After a considerable time a newly-fledged Whin Chat — doubt-
less the offspring of the other — made its appearance, and, therefore, unless the
parent had a second nest in hand, we are unable to account for the extreme
anxiety it testified during our stay near the sput. — Ed.

Hawking with the Hock Gossak (Aetur palumbariut). — Inferior in power to
the Falcons, though equal in size to the largest of them, the Goshawk is yet the
best of the short-winged Hawks ; 1 tut its habits, as well as its mode of flying at
its game, are very different ; it does not stoop to its prey, like the Falcons, but
glides along in a line after it, and takes it by a mode which, in the language of
falconry, is called raking. The Goshawk was formerly in esteem among falconers,
and was flown at Hares, Rabbits, Grouse, and Partridges. It flies fast for a
short distance, may be used in an enclosed country, and will even dash through
woods after its prey; but if it docs not catch the object, it soon gives up the
pursuit, and perching on a bough, waits till some new game presents itself.
This habit of taking to a branch of a tree and waiting is particularly alluded to
by Colonel Thornton, formerly of Thornville Royal, who was devoted to hawk-
ing, and who, in reference to the Goshawk, says, " If its game takes refuge,
there it waits patiently on a tree, or a stone, until the game, pressed by hunger,
is induced to move; and as the Hawk is capable of greater abstinence, it
generally succeeds in talcing it. I flew a Goshawk," says the Colonel, " at a
Pheasant ; but it got into cover, and we lost the Hawk : at ten o'clock next
morning the falconer found her, and just as he had lifted her the Pheasant ran
and rose."

As the flight of the Goshav.dc is low, and it takes its prey near the ground,
the females were flown at Hares and Rabbits; the males, which are much
smaller, were flown at Partridges. — Yarrell's British Birds, p. 5G — U.

Instinct of Animals. — Instinct is not an unerring guide to animals. An
interesting paper might be written on the mistakes into which they are lial >le to
fall. The following examples may lead to the mention of others by those
naturalists who pry into the habits of animals, and accurately observe their
resources. Even the wonderfully-gifted Bee falls into error occasionally. I have
freemen tly observed Bees hover about and for a moment settle upon the coloured
leaves of the red and purple Clary, and in an instant after turn away suddenly,
as if vexed and disappointed, and settle upon the flowers below. A lady who
had on an elegantly-flowered challis dress once visiting my hives, was immedi-
ately surrounded by the Beet, and man}' of them settled upon the flowers (Pinks)
which were so exquisitely depicted upon her dress. — EL, Doncaster, Sej>t. G, 1837.

The Hobby Falcon (Falco subbuleo) near Scarborough. — This bird is

MISCELLANY. 385

scarce in our neighbourhood. A specimen was once killed by a boy with a stick
•at Knapton, near Scarborough, and presented to the museum of that town by
Mr. R. Tindall. When we consider the diminutive size of this Falcon, we may
venture to pronounce it second to none of its family in point of courage. At the
time the individual above mentioned was taken, it had just seized a Rook, and
was very heedlessly giving the boy a sample of its skill as an anatomist. —
Patrick Hawkridge, Scarborough, Aug. 7, 1837.

The Turkey-Pheasant. — Three or four of these birds once frequented the
woods near Handford House, in this county ; one of them was shot by the late
H. Seymer, Esq., in October 1759, and an account of it was published in the
Philosophical Transactions for 1760. It is figured and described by Edwards as
Meleagris hybrida, Linn., being a hybrid between a cock Pheasant and a hen
Turkey. — J. C. Dale, Glanville's Wootton, Dorsetshire, July 9, 1837.

The Wryneck's Mode of Feeding. — A Wryneck which a person of my ac-
quaintance long kept in confinement, did not exactly take insects by means of
its long tongue, but was fond of sitting on the window, and when it saw a Fly
within reach of its beak, it would dart out its tongue, repeatedly, with a very
quick motion, so quick as to allow of no mistake, above and around the Fly, and
would so gradually work it down the pane of glass till within reach of its beak,
tickling it down as it were. — Mr. Edward Blyth, Tooting, Surrey, Sept. 20,
1 83.5, in a letter to Neville Wood, Esq.

The Egyptian Goose. — This bird quacks in a manner somewhat similar to
the Mallard Duck, but the note is more barking. The shape of the body is also
more that of an Anas than of an A.iser, though, according to modern systems, it
can belong to neither of those genera. — Ed.

Relative Abundance of the Warblers (Sylvia) in Norfolk. — The Hedge
Warbler (Sylvia loquax) is a very rare bird in this district. I have not yet
heard a single individual this year. The Willow Warbler (S. trochilus) is ex-
tremely abundant, but the Wood Warbler ( S. sibilatrix) is scarce. I only saw
one pair last season, owing, I suppose, to our not possessing any natural woods,
the Scotch Fir, Larch, and Spruce Fir, being the principal trees growing in this
sandy district. — J. D. Salmon, Thelfwrd, Norfolk, April 12, 1836. f_see p. 388.]

The Siskin Goldwing (Cardmlis spinus, Stepii.). — The shape of the Siskin
Goldwing is neat and tidy, and the tail short and considerably forked. The tints
of black and green are beautifully variegated in the male ; of this ordinary
observers and even practical ornithologists appear to be little aware. Indeed
our writers seem to be little acquainted with the bird, except as a dried skin,
when both the size, shape, and colour are usually considerably altered. In con-
finement it may be fed on various kinds of small seeds ; and, as I am informed
by a London bird-catcher, it is partial to the catkins of the Alder and Willow.
When kept in an aviary or small room, it should be provided with the branches

386 MISCELLANY.

of any tree to which it is observed to be partial. It will then thrive much
better than if the room were merely " furnished " with dry perches, and it fre-
quently lives several years in perfect health. One instance of its living so long
as ten years has come to my notice ; this individual was reared from the nest,
and appeared to die of old age, as it seemed to have no malady to the last. This
cannot of course determine the length of its life in its natural state, for birds
never live half so long in cages as in their natural haunts. The Common Gold-
wing (Carduelis elegans) is said to have lived so long as twenty years in a cage,
though not perhaps on very good authority ; it is however certain, that the
Canary has been preserved ten, fourteen, and sixteen years, and on this account
we may infer that many of our small birds attain a considerable age in their
natural state. — Neville Wood's British Song Birds, p. 360.

Observations on the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). — I must think
you are soo severe upon poor Mr. Sparrow in the British Song Birds. I cannot
consider him a detested creature, and should scarcely feel myself justified in
applying this epithet to the most hideous creature in the creation. A few pairs
of these birds have annually taken possession of the holes make by the Bank
Swallows in a clay-pit adjoining this town, for the purpose of nidification. This
I consider a very unusual situation for the Sparrow to build in. I have ex-
amined several of the nests, and find them composed of a very small quantity of
materials — scarcely more than would suffice for the Bank Swallow, whose nests
lam inclined to suspect they usurp. — J. D. Salmon, Thetford, Norfolk, July 18,
1837. [[We did not term the Sparrow detested in our own feeling of the matter;
but that it is very generally detested amongst the agriculturists of this country,
can, we think, admit of no doubt. — Ed.]

Sphinx Daphne. — I gave Curtis the name " Rosebay Moth" for this insect.
I got it from an old coloured print the late Mr. Burney shewed me of the larva,
though not much like'the one figured by Curtis. It would appear that it is not
new to Britain, and Mr. Burney wrote me word (on my telling him of its again
appearing in Britain), dated Jan. 11, 1834: — "Your anecdote of Mrs. Raddon
striking at Sphinx Nerii \Daphnis Nerii, Linn. — Ed.] with her parasol, I very
well remember ; but confess that the probability of her being mistaken as to the
species appeared to me so great, that I never laid it to heart as a fact likely to be
authenticated. The corroborations which you mention are indeed most unex-
pected and interesting." — J. C. Dale, Glanville's Wootton, Dorsetshire, July 9,
1837.

The Common Kingfisher. — We have never yet seen a good figure of this bird,
and hope that the wood-engraving we now present— executed by an eminent artist
— may be considered a faithful representation. All the other figures we have seen
of it err in the too great bulkiness of the body ; for although a thick bird, it is
not so dumpy as ornithological draughtsmen would have us believe.

MISCELLANY.

387

A very general opinion prevails as to the scarcity of the Kingfisher in England.
This, however, is owing to the shy nature of the bird, and to the small attention
paid to Natural History by the majority of our countrymen. The assertion of
some, that it is extremely common, is, on the other hand, equally erroneous.
The fact is, that it is equally but rather sparingly distributed throughout the
country, though it may perhaps not often be noticed save by the observing
ornithologist. That a bird equalling in the spendour of its plumage the brightest
ornithological gems of tropical climes should be indigenous in our comparatively
northern latitude, is certainly not a little remarkable. The majority of British
birds, as almost every one knows, are plainly attired j but the plumage of many
of them is, nevertheless, extremely handsome. — Ed.

Proposed Work on American Skulls. — A work to be entitled, " Crania
Americana ; or a comparative view of the skulls of various aboriginal nations of
North and South America," is noticed in the last number of Silliman's Journal, as
having been for some time contemplated by Dr. Samuel Morton. The work is
proposed to be of a folio size, and to contain from twenty-five to thirty lithographic
plates, on which " at least fifty skulls will be represented, with such national,
individual, and anatomical illustrations as can be obtained in reference to each.
The work will be preceded by an introduction, embracing a general view of the
five great races of men, and followed by an exposition of the probable original of
the American tribes. — Mag. of Zool. and Bot., Vol. II., p. 284.

388 MISCELLANY.

Occurrence of the Grey Shrike (Lanius excubilor) in the Vicinity of
Scarborough. — This bird is occasionally met with here. A very fine specimen
of the male was shot within a mile of Scarborough by Mr. J. Wilson, and given
to me immediately after. One was also shot by Mr. Samuel Taylor, of Bleach-
field, and is now in his possession.* In the year 1832 another was taken. A
fourth, shot in 1835, at Cloughton, near this town, is in the Scarborough Museum.
— Patrick Hawkridge, Scarborough, Aug. 7, 1837.

Relative Abundance of the Warblers (Sylvia) in Surrey. — The Dark-
legged Warbler (Sylvia loquaxj is in this neighbourhood rarer than I can well
account for, though quite common in several places about four or five miles
distant, or even less. We always hear a few of them in spring and autumn,
but this season not one has bred in the neighbourhood, although the Willow
Warbler literally abounds. It is more confined to the woods than S. trochilus.
[See Mr. Salmon's communication on the relative abundance of the Warblers in
Norfolk, p. 385]]. — Edward Blyth, Tooting, Surrey, Oct. 3, 1835.

Wanderings and Ponderings of an Insect-hunter. — It is known to every
book-writer that the preface is the very end of his labours. Still, such is the
mendaciousness of man, that he always places it at the beginning — the author of
Tristram Shandy excepted, who veraciously places it where he wrote it — in the
middle. I think it is rather new to put the preface at the end.

The reader, the courteous and gentle reader of the Entomological Magazine,
has observed divers wood-cuts, having no apparent connexion with the text :
thus, a public-house was made to illustrate Bowerbank On the Circulation of
the Blood; and a quaker's meeting-house embellished Douglas's Random
Thoughts. Now, although the sapients may attempt to prove that the public-
houses cause a circulation of the blood, and that quakers' meeting-houses are
places for random thoughts, be it distinctly understood that no conclusions of the
kind were intended. Again, the residence of Thomas Rogers is to be placed at
the end of this article, whether convenient or inconvenient, although that great
man is yet in need of an introduction to my readers ; moreover, in the next
space an intended representation of the Needles, as seen from Alum Bay, is to
be introduced. All these were designed by the Insect-hunter as illustrations of
his " Wanderings." They represent very faithfully the objects from which they
were drawn ; although, in justice to the engravers, it should be stated, that they
complained grievously of the want of composition in the drawings, and also of
their being positively commanded to make exact copies without embellishment.
In these respects tastes widely differ. The Insect-hunter likes faithful repre-
sentations of all things. He would rather possess exact though homely likenesses

* In all cases of the occurrence of rare birds and other animals, it would be interesting to know
the dates.— Ed.

MISCELLANY. 389

of his friends, than more brilliant ones, nominally representing the same person,
but modelled after the Venus de Medicis and the Apollo Belvidere.

But the Wanderer is wandering from his subject. The want of connexion
between the cuts and the accompanying text is the difficulty before us ; and that
difficulty he hopes to obviate on a future, and, mayhap, not far distant occasion,
by reprinting these chapters, with an illustrative cut at the head of each. — Ento-
mological Magazine, No. XX., July, 1837, Vol. IV., p. 409 — 10.

Organization of the Oran Outan. — M. Geoffrov St. Hilaire has recently
presented to the Academie des Sciences the following observations on this sub-
ject : — If we compare the Oran Outan with Man, we perceive the most remarkable
conformity in all their parts. There is not a vessel, nor a nerve, nor a muscular
fibre, more or less ; but, at the same time, each organic element presents
modifications in the length and thickness of the parts. The vertebral axis is
comparatively shorter, not from the absence of any of its parts, but on account
of their vertical compression. The head is generally larger, but more in appear-
ance than in reality. The neck seems wanting, the parts which form it seeming
to belong to the' hind-head, and to prolong it to the shoulders. This is produced
by the following mechanism. In the Oran, as in the Bats, the clavicles are ex-
tremely long; and to be kept beneath the integuments without occupying too
much room, they are directed obliquely, so that their outer extremity has,
as it were, ascended towards the skull, and drawn with it a certain number of
muscles, which, adding to their thickness that of the muscles peculiar to the
posterior region of the neck, fill up the wide groove formed by the series of
spinous processes, which are themselves very large. The action of this strong
layer of cervical muscles tends to throw the head backwards. The animal, in
consequence of this general modification, must keep its body and head parallel
to the trunk of the tree on which it resides, clinging to it by the extremities,
and also fixing itself by the hands to the branches which are small enough to be
laid hold of. The brain of the young Oran Outan bears a great resemblance to
that of a child. The skull might, in fact, be taken, at an early age, for that of
the latter, and the illusion would be almost perfect, were it not for the develop-
ment of the bones of the face. But it happens, in consequence of its advance
in age, that the brain ceases to enlarge, while its case continually increases.
The latter becomes thickened, but in an unequal degree, enormous bony ridges
appear, and the animal assumes a frightful aspect. When we compare the
effects of age in Man and the Oran Outan, the difference is seen to be, that, in
the latter, there is a super-development of the osseous, muscular, and' tegu-
mentary systems more towards the upper than the lower parts, while the
development of the brain is entirely arrested. — Edinburgh Journal of Natural
History and the Physical Sciences, Part vii. — [The most important point of

No. 13, Vol.11. 3f

390 MISCELLANY.

difference between the structure of Man and the Oran Outan — as between Man
and all other animals — is unquestionably the transcendently superior develop-
ment of that part of the brain devoted, in the former, to the intellectual faculties.
The striking flatness of the forehead in Monkeys, Apes, &c, must have arrested
the attention of every one. A man who had a forehead like that of any Monkey
in the Zoological Gardens, would be an idiot. — Ed.]

BOTANY.

Mushrooms. — Mushrooms are exceedingly plentiful this year. On Thursday
week eleven hundred-weight were sent by the boats from the neighbourhood of
Northwich and Nantwich to Manchester, to be there converted into ketchup.
On the previous Tuesday six hundred-weight were sent from the same places. —
Sept. 1.

Extraordinary Fungus. — Mr. Smith, of Micklebring, on entering a field
where some sheep were grazing, one morning last week, observed something white
near the hedge, which he supposed to be a lamb ; but on a nearer approach he
found it to be an enormous Fungus, which measures 44^ inches in circumference,
and is seven pounds in weight. It may now be seen at Mr. Mason's, Braith-
well. — Sept. 1.

Large Fungus. — Last week was gathered in a field, in the possession of Mr.
Robert Wearmouth, at Newbold, near Chesterfield, a Fungus measuring three
feet round and two feet six across. — Sept. 1 .

Manure for Grapes and Asparagus. — Dr. J. W. Smith, of Lockport,
New York, says he found, from experience, that the coal-dust and scales of iron
from the blacksmith's forge, when properly mixed with fine garden mould, were
incomparably the best manure for the Grape that can be used. For Asparagus
he has also made use of finely pulverised Oyster-shells, well incorporated with
the earth in which it is planted, or dug in about the roots of the old bed. The
effects are said to be astonishing, especially on old beds.

GEOLOGY.

Edible Earth. — New facts are constantly brought forward by the learned
men of the Continent, to shew that the earth eaten in Lapland, as described by
Humboldt, is known to other nations as a species of food. M. Edouard Biot
has laid before the French Academy of Sciences an account translated from the
narratives of the Missionaries, in the Japanese Encyclopcedia. In China it is
called cki-mien, or stone flour, and the description is as follows : — " The stone
flour is not an ordinary production, for it is a miraculous substance. Some say
that it was born in seasons of scarcity ; and in the time of the Emperor Hien
Tsong (744 of the Christian era) a miraculous spring came out of the ground,

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 391

the stones were decomposed, and transformed into flour." The text is here
accompanied by wood-cuts, representing the spring escaping in cascades, and the
stones separating into filaments, but the latter are too incorrectly drawn to
enable us to form any mineralogical idea of their nature. Another missionary
writes, that " in the province of Kiang Si, in consequence of the destruction of
the crops by the overflowing of the rivers, a great many people subsisted on the
bark of a tree, and others on a light earth, of a white colour, which they dis-
covered in a mountain, but which was not abundant, and people even sold their
wives, children, household goods, and houses, in order to procure it." It appears
that several of the enormous provinces of China consist of open plains, traversed
by large rivers, the beds of which are constantly raised by the soil deposited by
the water, so that it is necessary to border them with high dykes. If the rivers,
as it occasionally happens, rise above these dykes, or break through them, the
whole country is inundated, and the usual calamitous circumstances follow. If
we add to these disasters the frequent and widely-extended earthquakes which
take place in China, those sudden and remarkable changes in the amount of
population, which have often excited astonishment, may be easily accounted for. —
Atkenceum, Aug. 19.

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

A History of British Birds. By William Yarrell/F.L.S., Sec. Z.S. Il-
lustrated by a wood-cut of each species, and numerous vignettes. London : John
Van Voorst, 1, Paternoster Row. Part ii. Sept. 1837.

This second number justifies the favourable anticipations we were induced to
make in a former review (p. 281), relative to this undertaking. In most illus-
trated works on Natural History the great difference in the execution of the
figures tends not a little to detract from their value; and where ordinary
individuals might applaud, the ornithologist may detect errors little creditable to
a scientific publication. In the work before us no such defects are to be noticed,
even on the most careful inspection. We do not mean to assert that some of the
wood-cuts are not less excellent than others ; but this we may safely say, that
the admirable character of even the least well-executed, prevents the necessity of f
our here examining each representation separately. That these are the most
admirable wood-cuts hitherto presented to the public, can, we think, hardly
admit of a doubt, except, perhaps, among those whose prejudices or associations
lead them to consider the wonderful workmanship of Bewick as still reigning

3f2

392 REVIEAVS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

paramount in this line. In the humour and admirable tact displayed in his
vignettes, we freely allow that Bewick leaves all his competitors at a goodly
distance behind him ; but no competent and unprejudiced ornithologist will think
of comparing the wood-cuts in Bewick's work with those engraved by Thomp-
son in Mr. Yarrell's History.

"We have thought fit to say thus much respecting the illustrative portion of the
work, because, hitherto, we have possessed no book of moderate size and price
containing accurate delineations of British birds. The histories of the various
species have been much better cared for, having been minutely attended to in
several works which still continue to be quoted as valuable and standard authori-
ties. It is not, however, to be supposed that, in thus paying our tribute of
admiration to the talent displayed in the illustrations, we undervalue the
accompanying letter-press. On the contrary, we have much reason to be pleased
with the manner in which this part of the work is performed. When completed,
these two volumes will, of course, contain a considerably larger number of species
than any other author has been able to include ;* and as it is frequently im-
practicable to furnish much novel matter regarding birds which have been so
often described, Mr. Yarrell has judiciously collected whatever authentic
detail has been published by other ornithologists, in his descriptions of species,
doubtless adding any thing of interest or importance that may have fallen under
his own observation.

That we take a lively interest in the progress of this work, and anticipate the
publication of future numbers with pleasure, we need hardly say.

A History of British Quadrupeds. By Thomas Bell, F.R.S., F.L.S., Prof,
of Zool. in King's Coll., London. Illustrated by a wood-cut of each species, and
numerous vignettes. London : John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row. Part xi.
Aug. 1837-

Having repeatedly reviewed Mr. Bell's Quadrupeds in the most favourable
manner, both in The Naturalist and elsewhere, we shall now only observe, that
the work is at length completed, in one thick and handsome volume. The
present part contains an index, preface, title-page, &c, and illustrates the ceta-
ceous animals, which figure somewhat strangely in a volume entitled British
Quadrupeds ; though we ought in fairness to add, that the title, in full, is, " A
History of British Quadrupeds, including the Cetacea."

* In making this observation we ought perhaps to except Mr. MacGillivray's work on British
birds, which, being published cotemporaneously with that of Mr. Yarrell, will probably enjoy
equal advantages in this respect.

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 393

We presume it is needless to add — what every mammalogist knows — that this
is by far the best work extant treating of our native quadrupeds. It is inscribed
to Mr. John Mobgan, F.L.S., surgeon to Guy's Hospital, " in grateful memorial
of a long and uninterrupted friendship." We could wish that the plan of
dedicating their labours to their brethren in the field of science were more fre-
quently adopted by naturalists — it is a testimony of esteem equally gratifying to
the bestower and the receiver.

The Entomological Magazine. Nos. xix. and xx. April and July, 1837.
London : R. Clay, Bread-street-Hill.

The current report, that the Entomological Magazine was likely to be discon-
tinued, appears to have had no foundation, though we fear there are not enough
scientific entomologists in this country to support a periodical similar in
character to the present. A large proportion of the work is written in Latin,
for what earthly purpose we really are at a loss to imagine. The leading article
in No. xx., entitled " Wanderings and Ponderings of an Insect-hunter," has, in
our opinion, no business in the Entomological Magazine ; for, although sufficiently
interesting, it really contains nothing bearing in any way on Entomology. That
it is desirable to introduce papers of a popular nature into these works, we fully
admit, but surely the study of insects might afford matter much more interesting
and valuable to the majority of readers of the periodical than the Wanderings
and Ponderings above alluded to. — Mr. Christy's " Notes of a Voyage to Alten,
Hammerfest, &c," form an excellent paper, and Mr. Walker's treatise " On the
Dryinidce, &c," is carefully drawn up, and calculated to be of much use to the
student, who may here also brush up his knowledge of the Latin tongue,
which, mayhap, he has hitherto permitted to slumber in peace since his school-
boy days.

No. xix., we may observe, opens with an excellent treatise entitled " Re-
searches on the Insects injurious to the Vine, known to the Ancients and
Moderns, and on the Means of preventing their Ravages," by Baron Walckenaer,
but, in our opinion, 46 pages ought never to be devoted in any periodical
to a translation, whatever may be the merits of the paper.* — Both these num-
bers contain several valuable articles, and the journal is edited by Mr. Edward
Newman.

It is to be hoped, that we shall at least receive credit for good intentions in

* A translation of the Baron's article also appeared in an early number of Taylor's Scientific
Memoirs,

394 REVIEWS OP NEW PUBLICATIONS.

what we have said. We sincerely wish success to the Entomological Magazine,
as to every promising periodical relating to Natural History, but the character of
some of the articles admitted must be considerably altered before it can become
a general favourite. It moreover wants popularizing a little.

Bibliotheque Universelle de Geneve. Nouvelle Serie. Seconde Annee. No.
xvii. Mai, 1837. Geneve: A Cherbuliez, Rue-de-la-cite.

This is an admirable and extremely well-conducted periodical, issuing monthly,
in thick 8vo. numbers, at Geneva. Its scope and objects are sufficiently varied
to suit almost all tastes, and the frequent translations we have from time to time
made from its pages will at once attest our approbation of that department of the
magazine devoted to Natural History.

Annales des Sciences Naturelles, comprenant la Zoologie, la Botanique, l'Ana-
tomie et la Physiologie Comparees des deux Regnes, et V Histoire des Corps
organises fossiles. Redigees, pour la Zoologie, par MM. Adouin et Milne
Edwards, et pour la Botanique, par MM. Ad. Brongniart et Guillemin.
Nov. 1836. Paris: Crochard et Cie.

France is, perhaps, the only country in the world capable of producing a work
like the Annales des Sciences Naturelles — the only country, too, capable of
appreciating such a publication, and this, to say the truth, is no slight compli-
ment. In England, unquestionably, a periodical of similar character would not
last six months. "We are apt to boast of the popularity of Natural History in
this country ; but the circumstance of some of the best journals relating to this
very popular study barely paying their expenses — while one still keeps afloat by
the force of old associations, and the influence of the publishers — is a poor en-
couragement to those Editors who have toiled so hard for the general good.

Every number of the Annales contains a vast mass of valuable matter relative
to Zoology and Botany, and the work is every way worthy its eminent con-
ductors.

To this periodical, as well as the preceding, we have frequently resorted for
the amusement and instruction of our readers.

3f>5

SOME ACCOUNT OF PROFESSOR BLUMENBACH.

The following particulars relative to the great lion of Gottingen, are extracted
from a communication in the Medical Gazette, and will, doubtless, prove in-
teresting to our readers : — i

The great lion of this university (Gottingen) is Blumenbach, Professor of
Natural History, by whom I was most graciously received, though without any
formal introduction : yet I have heard he is not always so courteous. He speaks
English fluently, — in fact he is the only professor who appeared to have any
knowledge of the language, which surprised me much, considering the intimate
connection that exists between Hanover and our own country. The venerable
Professor, though he has reached his eighty-second year, still retains all his
faculties perfect. He spoke of the kindness of George III. during his visit to
England, forty years since, at which period he also went to Oxford. One of his
apartments is fitted up as a museum ; it is by no means large, but contains
rather an odd medley of preparations, and a numerous collection of skulls of
negro tribes, as well as specimens explanatory of Comparative Anatomy. He
called my attention more particularly to a tattooed head of a New Zealand chief,
which was presented to him by the Duke of Northumberland, and on which he
appeared to set a very high value.

His lecture commences every day, except Saturday, at three ; his class did not
exceed forty. He stoops considerably, usually wore a shaggy great coat, with a
small green velvet cap on his head, his hair hanging in long silvery locks. He
was particularly fond of laughing at his own jokes and anecdotes, which he
mentioned during his lecture, sometimes raising his voice to a stentorian pitch,
whilst at others it could scarcely be heard. He could read his notes without the
assistance of spectacles, and often explained his subject in terms not quite adapted
to " ears polite ;'' expressing his astonishment or admiration at the wonders of
Nature in no measured language — making use of a phrase which, though of very
unusual occurrence among us, still is very common among the Germans, — that of
" Herr Jesus," which is, however, only an expletive, and occupies the place of
mon dieu of the French. He exemplified his subject with preparations either
dried or in spirits, as well as by plates or drawings ; some of which, from their
age and roughness, were very curious.

A specimen he valued much, and which he prized above all others, was the
fetus of a Bear in spirits, which is very rarely seen ; and it was certainly a
most misshapen object of very diminutive size ; it was quite, as the old Professor
expressed it, an " unlicked cub." Another rather interesting specimen was a
young Porcupine in spirits, before the quills had commenced growing ; in which

396 OBITUARY.

he pointed out, on the outer side of the scapula, the two mammae. An Ostrich's
egg, arrived at the full period of incubation, was also curious, where the young
bird had half escaped from its shell : it was of large size, and its neck of very-
considerable length. He always appeared particularly delighted in mentioning
any anecdote connected with occurrences or incidents he had met with in England ;
thus he used to speak of the size and value of the Horses employed in the
breweries of London, as well as those bred for the turf, or chase, in terms which
no doubt excited the surprise, and perhaps even the unbelief, of many of his
hearers.

On the subject of the Turtle, he gave some account of its excellencies with
respect to the table, saying that when he was in England he had seen whole
courses served up in various forms and dishes, adding, at the same time, that the
dessert consisted entirely of Turtle, casting an apparently longing eye on the
shell before him, as if he still remembered the bygone repast ! !

On the subject of Cocks, he gave an account of their fighting in England,
exhibiting to his class a pair of steel spurs, as used by them in their battles.
Of the Flamingo* he had never seen a single specimen, though at one of the
museums at Oxford he was shown a dried leg and foot.

Blumenbach's lectures were by far the most interesting of any I attended at
Gottingen. He exhibited, one day, a machine for hatching eggs, which he had
frequently used, and which only required the heat of a spirit-lamp, and constant
attention to keep all in order.

OBITUARY.

Mr. Joseph Standish, one of our oldest and most successful collectors of
Lepidoptera, lately died at Camberwell, in the eighty-fourth year of his age.
He was formerly in business as a stationer, and resided under the Royal Ex-
change, but had for many years been living independent of trade. He was a
close observer of the economy of Lepidoptera ; he made an immense number
of drawings of larvse in all their stages, and these, as well as others of the perfect
insect, were executed with much fidelity and beauty. — 'Entomological Magazine,
July, 1837. QWe believe Mr. Standish coloured a considerable portion of the
illustrations in Hewitson's British Oology. — Ed. Nat.^

* The Dodo, and not the Flamingo, is here alluded to.— Ed, Nat.

ngg;

COMMON KING-FISHER.

THE NATURALIST.

NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA*
By Edward Doubleday, C.M.E.S.

During the few last days of our passage (across the Atlantic) we saw great
numbers of Porpoises. One night, when the sea was very luminous, we had
scores of them close to the ship, and, as they shot through the water, they left a
line of fire of a pure white colour ; we also saw scores of small cetaceous fish,
from ten to sixteen feet in length. On the evening of the 24th of April we had
a pilot come on board ; since the loss of the Mexico, these men are much better
behaved, and come out forty miles from New York : soon after dark we saw the
lighthouses at the entrance of the outer bay.

The persons we met with at our hotel at New York gave me a good opinion
of the Americans : they were very civil, and communicative, but not inquisitive.
From all to whom we had letters, we have received the greatest kindness. A
gentleman, to whom we had an introduction, accompanied us to the custom-house,
and all our luggage was passed without examination, or even uncording the
boxes. We called on two brothers of the name of Carey, Englishmen, botanists,
and very kind persons ; they knew W. Christy, Newman, and most of our
club ;t we dined with them on the 30th. "We went to the Lyceum of Natural
History. They have here a good many minerals, some very fine fossils ; not
many birds, but some beautifully stuffed by Ward, who resides here ; also a
library. On the 1st of May we attended a meeting at the Lyceum ; there was
not much to interest : a paper on a new Arvicola, and a new Sorez : Cooper,
who helped Bonaparte, was there, and several other members ; all very plea-
sant people.

My first journey was on the 27th, to the residence of J. S., directly after
breakfast. I crossed the ferry to Jersey city, where the rail-road to New Bruns-
wick commences. The first part of this is unfinished, and too uneven to allow
the passage of locomotives ; we were therefore drawn by two horses at length ;
the tram is so near the cut made for the permanent road, that I consider it any-
thing but safe. In some places there is an intervening space of not more than
six inches between the tram and the edge of a precipice, cut perpendicular
through the rock, thirty or forty feet deep, and not a morsel of fence to prevent

* See Entomological Magazine, VoL IV., p. 487.
t The Entomological Club.— Ed»
No. 14, Vol. II. 3g

398 A NATURAL HISTORY TOUR IN NORTH AMERICA.

the carriage going over : at Newark we exchanged for locomotives, and soon got
to Rahway, about ten miles further. Newark, Elizabethtown, and Rahway are
all places of considerable trade in coals, and there are some manufactories in the
latter : all these are rather irregularly built ; the houses are mostly of wood.
The country around is salt marsh, with some good pasture land ; in places scat-
tered about are large rocks, almost rising into considerable hills. Veratrum
nigrum grows in plenty among the rocks. The climate was more like our
March than the end of April. I saw few birds, and fewer insects.

We are now staying at the house of a friend, about two miles east of the city
of Hudson : it is a most beautiful place, but how to describe it I know not. In
looking from the window where I am now writing, the first object that attracts
my notice is the gigantic range of the Catskill mountains, distant eighteen miles,
with their summits still covered with snow. The Hudson lies below, invisible
from the house, and a gently rolling country extends from its shore. The tops of
the hills are covered with Pine, Hickory, Oak, and other trees ; and here and
there is seen the genteel house of some opulent farmer, or the humbler dwelling
of him who has to depend on his own industry. Meadows not yet verdant, and
arable land, fill up the space to the little river (Americe creek), which runs at
the bottom of a steep orchard, belonging to the premises. The fruit trees are
alive with birds. The day before yesterday I saw the first Blue-bird {Sialia
Wilsonii. — Ed.) ; as he glanced between the trees in the sun, nothing could be
more beautiful. A pair of these birds are now building in a hole in an old
Apple-tree. They go and pull off Moss, and, returning with it, hang a moment
at the mouth of the hole before they enter. Sometimes they hover over the
ground, and pick up an insect; but seem mostly to find their food on the
trees. They are as tame as possible : their nest is not twenty yards from the
window at which I am writing. Just now a pair of Baltimores were sitting on
an Apple-tree, close to the corner of the house ; I went out and got right under
them, and had a good view of them.

Yesterday, whilst pinning Beetles, I saw some birds in a tree, by the side of
the creek ; I took R. Foster's* telescope, and found them to be Golden-winged
"Woodpeckers, apparently two males and a female ; the males were twisting their
heads, erecting their feathers on their crowns, and spreading their tails in a most
odd manner. I used to think our English Green Woodpecker put itself into the
oddest' attitudes at such times; but 'tis nothing to the Golden- winged. At last
the two males had a furious battle ; after which one flew away, followed by the
female, and the other remained behind. Just after this an Osprey passed like
lightning along the creek, and perched on a large white Oak, close by.

* Mr. Docbleday's companion.— Ed.

A NATURAL HISTORY TOUR IN NORTH AMERICA. 399

This morning, May the 6th, I heard a great screaming and scolding noise in
the garden, and some of the oddest noises that bird ever made. I went to try-
to make it out, and found it was a Pipra polyglotta of Wilson, Icteria viridis of
Bonaparte. But of all noises I ever heard made by birds I must confess that
of the Blue Jays to be the worst ; there are a good many round about here, but
I have only seen one, which came into the garden to-day. The mewing of the
Cat-bird (Orpheus felivox. — Ed.) I also heard to-day, for the first time: a pair
of them allowed me to get within ten yards ; the birds here are all as tame as
possible. The beautiful little summer yellow birds (Sylvia citrinella) are very
numerous, and come so close that you can see the colour of every feather. There
are also plenty of Flycatchers, and several Sparrows, which I cannot yet make
out : one has a note like a Yellow Hammer ; another, with a very pleasing note,
I at first took to be a Sylvia, but have since made it out to be Fringilla melodia.
There are also Wrens and Blackheaded Tits in plenty ; the note of the last is
nearly like that of our Blue-headed Tit. The day before yesterday, walking
from Hudson, I saw three Meadow Larks at play in the air ; they alighted on a
tree just by, and then crossed the road with their wings about two thirds ex-
panded, and scarcely moving : they passed so near that I could see every mark
on their breasts. Of Crows there are plenty, in flight and note as different as
can be from ours ; no one need mistake them. Not so the Swallows, between
which and our own in flight and note I cannot discover any difference. Besides
plenty of Swallows, there are to-day a great many Swifts, here called Chimney
Swallows (Cypselus pelasgia); and one, if not two, species of Hirundo, which I
cannot make out. The first Woodpecker I have seen in the garden came to-day ;
he staid so short a time that I could not make him out. A pair of Turdus
rufus seem to have a nest somewhere near ; they are as tame as the poultry.
I have seen one or two Grackles, and a bird which I take to be Wilson's Alauda
rufa, Bonaparte's Anthus spinoletta ; also a Sandpiper, a Partridge, Tetrao
umbelluS) some wild Ducks, and one Hawk I could not make out.

I find that there are in this neighbourhood Grey and Red Squirrels, Ground
Squirrels, Musk Rats, &c. ; but as yet I have only seen one Ground Squirrel.
We walked yesterday to a hill covered with Fir, Arbor-vitee, Cedar, Cypress,
&c. ; here we found two Box Tortoises, those which close their shells ; and saw
the Tetrao umbellus. Among the clefts of the rocks the little Hepaticas were
flowering more beautifully than I have ever seen them in England ; they are
bright blue, pale blue, and white ; I have seen no pink ones. Aquilegia Cana-
densis was also in plenty, just coming into flower. The sides of the creek and
the meadows are yellow for yards together with the yellow Dog's-tooth Violet,
and in other places white with the beautiful Sanguinaria Canadensis.

3g2

400 A NATURAL HISTORY TOUR IN NORTH AMERICA.

We had much thunder yesterday, which continued most of the night ; such
thunder and lightning I never witnessed : the lightning was rose-coloured. The
rain has caused the woods to put on rather a greener hue ; but, save the Willows,
not a leaf of any deciduous tree is out ; one or two Cherry blossoms, and a
Peach blossom, are nearly out, and the Apple-trees are budding a little. Besides
the plants I have mentioned, I have only seen a Viola, an Anemone, and a
Saxifraga, which I do not know ; also a Gnapkalium and a Taraxacum. The
Sallows are in bbom partially, and yesterday I saw some Vireos* (V. olivaceus,
I think) catching Flies off them. The wild Vines in the woods have stems as
large as my arm.

Of insects few are out yet : of Lepidoptera none, save Antiopa j another
Vanessa, resembling Urticce, which I could not catch ; we found also one crushed
specimen of Arctia fuliginosa ; one Noctua, and two or three Tinea. Of Cole-
optera we have taken many ; Cicindela, two species ; Carabus, 1; Brachinus 1 ;
Lebia 1 ; Cymindis, 1 ,• Chloznius, several ; Bmcilus, 1 ,• Harpalus, several ;
Anchomenus, Agonum, and Bembidium, several ; and one beautiful thing allied
to Carabus. I have also a Byrrhus ; one or two Aphodii ; three or four
Melolont/ice ; several Elateres, one allied to E. kcemorrhoidalis, by dozens;
Nitidula, one species ; Meligethes, 1 ; Altica, several ; and among these are
several large and beautiful species, one the form of A. nemorum, but much
larger; it has a red thorax, and black elytra; each elytron having a white
longitudinal line. The most extraordinary Coleopterous insect I have seen is a
thing somewhat like Sepidium, but shorter ; it is heteromerous, covered with
tubercles, and the male has two horns on the thorax ; it is rather longer than our
biggest Trox, which it a little resembles ; I found one male and two females
of this insect on a Fungus. I have also got a most beautiful Chrysomela, as
large as C. polita, of a pale cream-colour with a green suture, and several green
liturse on the elytra ; the thorax is also green. I have likewise taken a Thana-
simus, an Onthophagus, a beautiful creature allied to Ips, and many others ; but
as they are still in their winter-quarters, it requires good hunting to find them.
The old rotten stump swarms with Ants, some species an inch long ; also a small
species of white Ant (Termes); these are at present in the pupa state. The
Bombi, Andrence, and Osmice are just coming out. I have taken a very beauti-
ful Abia or Zarcea, with clouded wings ; a species of Dosytkeus, just like D.
Junci, is abundant.

I noticed another bird this morning, a Sylvia striata; it has been running up
and down the stem of a Cherry-tree, about eight feet from the window, like a

* We believe Swainson terms these birds " Greenlcts."— Ed,

ON THE FLUIDS OF PLANTS. 401

Creeper; there are a great many Robins* about. Returning from Hudson
to-day, I saw two large round-winged Hawks, as big as Buzzards, and having
the same cry ; they were soaring very high, and in circles. I also saw another
male Baltimore ; these and the Blue-birds appear much brighter living than dead.
I go on to Utica to-morrow, for a few days.
Hudson, May 7, 1837.

ON THE VITAL MOTIONS OF THE FLUIDS OF PLANTS.
By Edwin Lankester, M.R.C.S.

As the question of the cause of the absorption and progression of sap in plants
has lately occupied the attention of some of your correspondents, perhaps you will
allow me to make a few remarks on the same subject. The cause of the motions of
the sap has long beeen a vexata questio amongst botanists, and many and varied
have been the theories attempting to account for it. Much of the perplexity
attendant on this subject arises from our ignorance of the minute structure and
intimate nature of those parts of the plant that convey the fluids to the
different parts of its system ; and therefore, perhaps, in the present state of our
knowledge on these points we must expect that every theory offering an ex-
planation of these phenomena will be more or less chimerical. In considering
this subject, also, it is much easier to demolish a theory than to substitute a
better in its place. However, as the subject is one on which at present few
botanists entertain the same opinion, the following observations may not be
altogether uninteresting.

Many of the speculations with regard to the ascent of the sap have depended
on the ideas entertained by the botanist on the nature of the vegetable tissues
in which this takes place. Some have supposed that the sap ascended in straight
uninterrupted tubes, and this was one reason for concluding that the sap ascended
as in capillary tubes. There is, however, no proof of the existence of such
tubes, or that the sap ascends in a continuous vertical direction at all. The
principal forms of vegetable tissue in which sap ascends are ducts (which appear
to conduct either air or sap, according to circumstances), vasiform tissue, cellular
tissue, and woody fibre. None of these forms of tissue are tubes continued
from one end of the plant to the other ; it is, therefore, impossible that the sap
should be affected in the same manner as fluids in continued tubes.

Four distinct kinds of motion have been observed to take place in these
tissues. First, the general ascent of the sap, which is constantly going on to a

* We presume Turdtu migratoritts is the species here alluded to by Mr. Doubleday Ed.

402 ON THE FLUIDS OF PLANTS.

greater or less extent. The relative changes this fluid undergoes during different
seasons, and under varying atmospheric influence, have been made the subject
of an ingenious series of experiments by Biot.* During the spiing and summer,"
when the leaves are expanding, and performing their functions of exhalation,
respiration, digestion, and formation of the fibres of the wood, the quantity of
sap ascending is very great ; but in the winter only enough sap seems to ascend
to maintain the vitality of the plant.

The general tendency of this motion of the sap is undoubtedly upwards, but
it does not appear to be necessary to suppose that the particles of the fluid move
directly upwards, or that they do not pursue a retrograde course before they
reach their destination. If the phenomena of intercellular rotation were con-
sidered a part of the general motion of the fluids of the plant, it would strengthen
this supposition.

A second motion is that of intercellular rotation, and is seen in the cells of
Chara, Nitella, and other plants, and probably exists in the cellular tissue of all
other plants. It has been supposed, that the fluid seen moving in these cells was
confined to them, but from the resemblance of this motion to the general circula-
tion observed in polypiferous animals, and from the structure of Ckara, &c, not
differing from other plants, it seems most consistent with analogy to refer this
" rotation", as it is termed, of the sap to the general movement of that fluid in
plants. In fact it does not appear that the fluid in the cell rotates, but that
minute globules in the cell are seen to ascend and descend in a rotatory
manner. Whatever may be the extent of this intercellular rotation, its cause
is very obscure. There is, however, one point connected with it to which
I would allude here. It is the resemblance between this motion and those
observed in the lower tribes of animals — the Polypi/era and Poriphera. In these
animals a similar motion of the fluids has been observed, and the resemblance
between these motions and those produced by the ciliae which have been lately
observed to exist in many of the canals conveying fluids in animal bodies, has
led some comparative anatomists to attribute them to the same cause.? The
question I would propose, is — Can the motion in the cells of plants be referred to
the action of minute invisible ciliae ?

A third kind of motion has been described by Schultz, as taking place in a
peculiar kind of vessel which he calls " vital vessels" or " ducts of the latex."
Dr. Lindley thinks these vessels are nothing more than intercellular passages,
and probably the fluid seen passing through them is only a part of the general
motion of the fluids of the plant.

* His apparatus is described in Henslow's Physiological Botany.
f For all that is at present known on this subject, see an elaborate article on " Cilia?," by Pro-
fessor Sharff.v. ir. th<» r'vrfonasdia nf Anatomy, &c.

ON THE FLUIDS OF PLANTS. 403

The descent of the proper juice of the plant is also another motion of these
fluids which is constantly going on, and by which the peculiar secretions of
plants are deposited in their various organs.

These, then, are the motions of the fluids of plants that so many theories have
been furnished to explain ; and looking at their variety we can hardly suppose
that the operation of mere physical causes is capable of explaining them. Yet
many physical theories have been adopted by eminent botanists.

Capillary attraction was one of the earliest opinions entertained as the cause
of these motions. There are, however, many objections in the way of this
theory. First, plants do not absorb moisture after vitality is extinct, which
ought to be the case if its absorption depended on molecular affinities. Secondly,
trees would be filled with the greatest quantity of sap during the winter, when
no evaporation takes place, which is not the case. Thirdly, heat does not pro-
mote the flow of sap, as may be seen by dipping a branch of Spurge flowing
with sap into hot water. The flow of sap in the spring of the year, arises from
the expansion of the leaf-buds, and not from the accession of heat. Fourthly,
the cause of the descent of the sap Would be left quite unexplained by the theory
of capillary attraction.

Amongst other physical theories, the following may be mentioned : — Malpighi
supposed that it depended on the contraction and dilatation of the air enclosed in
the air-vessels. Borelli attributed it to the condensation and rarefaction of the
air and fluids of the plant. Du Hamel, who was supported by Linnaeus,
accounted for it by the agency of heat. Hales demonstrated the insufficiency
of thi3 principle in accounting for the phenomena of the progression of the sap,
but did not adopt a theory less objectionable, having embraced the same views
as Malpighi. Du Petit Thouars attributes the ascent of the sap to the ex-
pansion of the leaves in spring, but this is not referring the phenomenon to a
distinct principle. If the motion given to the sap by the commencement of the
function of the leaf be really the origin of this motion, it would appear to depend
upon atmospheric pressure, fresh particles of sap rising to fill the place of the
particles consumed by the requirements of the leaf.

Other physiologists have explained the motions of the sap by referring them to
vital actions. Brugmanns, Coulon, Saussure, and De Candolle adopted the
theory of vegetable irritability. The vessels in which the sap was contained
were supposed to be susceptible of the action of stimuli, and the contact of the
sap with the tissues of the plant was considered to act as a stimulus, and to pro-
duce a contraction and dilatation of the vessels by which the sap was propelled.

Knight adopted the theory of contraction and dilatation, but he supposed this
phenomenon took place not in the sap-vessels but in the silver grain or medullary

404 ON THE FLUIDS OF PLANTS.

rays of the wood, by which the whole of the tissues of the plant were successively
contracted and dilated during the periods of night and day.

Grew gave a compound theory, and ascribed the motion of the sap to its
volatility and magnetic tendency, aided by fermentation.

But the most recent and generally-received theory is that which explains the
motion of the vegetable fluids by electrical action. Amici long since attributed
the intercellular motion of the sap in Chara to electricity, but it was left for
Dutrochet to develop a theory of its action. The construction of his endosmo-
meter, the effects produced by it, and the application of his theory to this
department of science, are so well known, that I need not detail them here. I
shall, therefore, only offer some objections which may be urged against it. First,,
there is not a strict analogy between the animal or vegetable membrane and the
tubes used in the endosmometer of Dutrochet, and the spongioles and fibres of
the root and trunk of a tree. Again, is it a fact that the fluid existing in the tree
is denser than the external fluid surrounding the spongioles of the roots ? This
is a point necessary to be determined before we can subscribe to the above
theory. In the next place, I am not aware that, in any instance, the applica-
tion of the most delicate galvanometers has detected in the processes of exosmose
or endosmose the slightest indication of a galvanic current. Lastly, if this prin-
ciple is admitted as a sufficient cause for the ascent of the sap, it cannot be
applied to the descent and appropriation of the proper juices of the plant, as a
contrary phenomenon takes places in this case to that observed in endosmose.

From the imperfect sketch I have attempted to give, it will be perceived that
the subject of the vital motions of plants is one of considerable interest, and that
it has received the attention of the most eminent botanists. There are many
points connected with it, at present unexplained, which require for their elucidation
an accumulation of well-observed facts. On this subject, as well as many others,
there is too much to justify the observation of De Cakdolle, that " les idees
theoriques sur la structure generate des vegetaux, ont plus influence que
I'observation directe, sur les idees qu'on s'esi faites de I 'usage des vaisseaux."
— [Theoretical views on the general structure of plants have more influence than
actual observation, upon the opinions regarding the use of vessels.— Ed.]

Campsall, near Doncaster,
Oct. 1, 1837.

405

•

THE VALLEY OF KNILL.

By James Edward Davis.

" Stranger, if Nature charm thee, if thou lov'st

To trace her awful steps, in glade or gle%

Or under covert of the rocking wood,

That sways it's murmuring and mossy boughs

Above thy head ; now when the wind at times

Stirs its deep silence round thee, and the shower

Falls on the sighing foliage ; hail her here

In these her haunts." Bowles.

It is a no less true than trite remark, that we seek for fine scenery, and the
beauties of Nature, amid the recesses of the Alps, or on the banks of the Rhine,
and leave the charms of our own country to be discovered and enjoyed by
foreigners. We certainly collect crystals from the cliffs of Snowdon, and pebbles
from the coast of Scotland, but we do little more ; we visit a few places pointed
out by a guide-book, but we do not investigate and discover beauties for ourselves ;
the consequence is, that a large portion of British scenery remains comparatively
unknown ; and I now write to call the attention of the readers of The Naturalist
to a spot which is well worthy the trouble of visiting.

The Valley of Knill lies between the towns of Presteign and New Radnor, on
the road from Worcester and Birmingham to Aberystwith.

The first impression on the traveller would probably be a sentiment of wonder,
that such scenery could have so long remained unknown and unnoticed. The
hills which surround this valley, although of moderate elevation, are of so pic-
turesque shapes, and harmonize in such a manner with each other, as to furnish
a variety of landscapes each worthy the pencil of a Claude, especially if viewed
on a summer evening, when the rocks cast a broad shadow over the more hidden
recesses of the Valley, while the summits of the hills are clothed in joyful sun-
shine, long after night has closed on the inhabitants of the vale below.

The valley is irrigated by the river Somergil, the noisy turbulence of whose
rapid waters is drowned amid the various operations of the men employed at the
kilns, which supply a large portion of the Radnorshire agriculturists with lime.
The monotonous din of the iron instruments employed in raising portions of the
rock, is broken every now and then by the startling and terrific sound of an
explosion, by which some giant mass of limestone has been raised from its
slumbers of past ages.

Even the cottages and farm-houses are, generally speaking, far from being
destitute of beauty, and have a picturesque effect which in these days few places
can boast of.

No. 14, Vol. II. . j 3 h i;

406 THE VALLEY OF KNILL.

Knill Court, the residence of Sir John Walsham, Bart., one of the Assistant
Poor Law Commissioners, is built in the Elizabethan style of architecture. It
is beautifully situated close to the banks of the Somergil, and is, alone, well
worthy of the traveller's attention.

But this lovely Valley has other charms and attractions than those of the land-
scape. To the geologist there is an unbounded field for exertion, for the formations
are not only various and interesting, but have been but slightly investigated.
The northern side of the valley is chiefly composed of the Caradoc sandstone,
which, having been forced upwards, has thrown the Dudley and Wenlock Lime-
stone and Shale on either side.

The hills on the south are the Upper Ludlow Rock, and on the west, at
Stanner Rocks, the green-stone porphyry obtrudes itself. In this volcanic rock
appears the source of disturbance of the formations, not alone of this valley but
probably of a large extent of surrounding country, where violent action has
evidently occurred. The organic remains in the Limestone and Caradoc sand-
stone are extremely beautiful.

The botanist must not think himself treated uncourteously if he is referred to
the " Devil's Flower-garden" ! a spot situated among the rocks at Stanner,
where, it is said, are some rare and beautiful plants ; but the path which leads
to this place is so difficult to find, and when found is so hazardous to traverse,
that few have felt inclined to visit it. This difficulty of access was the probable
origin of the name.

The antiquarian will find an ancient encampment at Berva. This was
probably one of those numerous fortifications which were situated on Claud
Offa, or Offa's Dyke, which may be traced along the summits of the hills.*

* " The celebrated earthen rampart which Offa raised as a line of partition and defence between
the kingdom of Mercia and .the dominions of the Welsh princes, t The general course of this
stupendous but useless work is tolerably ascertained, but its original commencement at neither end
has yet been discovered. Mx-Pennant has carefully explored what vestiges of it are visible inNorth
Wales. In Radnorshire it is first seen near Knighton, whence it takes nearly a southern direction,
and is easily traced through the parishes of Norton, Whitton, and Discocd, near Beggar's Bush.
Here it inclines to the south-cast, and enters Herefordshire at the village of Knill. Berva's

f " Offa, when he saw his country go to wrack,

From bick'ring with his folk, to keep the Britons back,

Cast up that mighty mound of eighty miles in length,

Athwart from sea to sea, which of the Mercian strength

A witness though it stand, and Offa's name does bear,

Our courage was the cause why first he put it there .

As that most dreadful day at Gavelford can tell,

Where under either's sword so many thousands fell,

With intermixed blood, that neither knew their own •,

Nor which went victor thence, until this day is known."— Drayton*.

THE VALLEY OF KNILL. 407

This neighbourhood was the scene of fierce engagements between the Romans
and the British, during the time of Caractacus, and indeed subsequently
throughout the long contentions between the Welch and English.

But by far the most interesting circumstance connected with this valley re-
mains yet to be told. Knill Church, whose spire appearing above the group of
trees which surround it adds greatly to the effect of the landscape, possesses in its
outward appearance little or nothing to distinguish it from other churches situated
in equally remote and secluded districts ; but humble as is its external character,

within its holy precincts lie the remains of the immortal Sir Samuel Romilly.
* * * * • » _ * .♦ ♦ «

It must indeed have been a mournful sight to have seen this great man car-
ried to the vault in which, but a few hours previously, the remains of Lady
Romilly had been deposited. The time of year (November) must have added
not a little to the melancholy of so distressing a scene.

On a plain marble slab, at the east end of the church, is the following inscrip-
tion :— .

Sir Samuel Romilly, Knight,

One of his Majesty's counsel,

And Solicitor General in 1806 and 1807,

Born March 1, 1757,

Died November 2, 1818.

Also ANN, Lady Romilly, his Wife

Eldest daughter of

Francis Garbett, of Knill Court, Esquire,

Born November 20, 1774,

Died October 29, 1818.

In conclusion : If this slight sketch should have the effect of inducing any
reader of The Naturalist to visit this lovely spot, the writer of the preceding
pages will at all times be happy to act as his guide.

Presteign, Feb. 10, 1837.

[We shall always be glad to hear from Mr. Davis, and trust he will become
a frequent contributor to the pages of The Naturalist. — Ed.]

Bank, a steep hill on the borders of the county near this place, is almost sunounded by the dyke,
which is extremely deep, and about fifty feet in width. On this hill are some other entrench-
ments, which warrant the inference that it formed one of the strong posts by which this rampart
was defended."— Beauties qf England and Wales, Vol. xviii.

3h2

408

CATALOGUE OF COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS FOUND IN DORSET-
SHIRE.

With Notes, Observations, &c.

, By James Charles Dale, Esq., A. M., F. L. S.

Order III. COLEOPTERA.

Genus x. Cicindela. — Species 1. sylvatica, L. Poole and Parley Heaths, dry
sandy paths. — 4. maritima, Dej. Poole, Mr. Millard ; sandhills on the
Studland coast. — 5. campestris, L. Glanville's Wootton, though very
rarely ; common at Parley. — G. Germanica, L. Charmouth, in plenty In
wet reedy places.
Genus xi. Cychrus. — 1. rostratus, L. Parley Heath; rare in Dorsetshire.
xii. Carabus. — purpurascens. Near Weymouth, 1833, Mr. Saunders. —
2. catenulatus, F. Portland, Knighton and Parley Heaths. — 4. monilis,
F. Glanville's Wootton, Lulworth, and Parley and Knighton Heaths. —
7. granulatus, L. Glan. Woott., Stinstford, Parley, &c. — 8. arvensis, F.
Knighton, and Parley and Poole Heaths. — 9. vioiaceus, L. G. W., &c.
— 9b. exasperatus. Portland, Mr. Curtis ; Stourton Caundle. — 9C. pur-
purascens. Very rare. — 12. nemoralis, III. G. W., Parley, &c. — 15.
miens, L. Bere, Wareham, Poole and Parley Heaths ; on black peaty
bogs.
xv. Helobia. — 1. brevicollis,F. G. W., &c. — lb. Portlandica, Dale. Very

similar, but the thorax is much narrower, resembling H. Marshallana.
xvii. Leistus. — spinibarbis. G. W., Portland, &c. — l.fuhibarbis. G. W.,

rare. — 4. spinilabris, Panz. G. W., &c.
xviii. Loricera. — pilicornis, F. G. W., Portland.
xx. Brachinus. — 1. crepitans, L. Sherborne, Portland, Purbeck. — 2. ex-

plodens, Dej. Isles of Portland, Purbeck, Charmouth, &c.
xxi. Drypta. — 1. emarginata,F. Charmouth, Sept. 1833, Mr. Walker.
xxiv. Tarus. — 4. komagricus, Dei. Portland, Sept. 22, 1833, Mr. Walker,

but not since,
xxvi. Lamprias. — 3. chlorocephalus, III. G. W., Hodd Hill, Sherborne,

Stourton Caundle.
xxvii. Demetrias. — 2. atricapillus, L. G. W., Portland,
xxviii. Dromius. — I. linearis, Ol. G. W., Portland. — 2. agilis,F. G. W.
— 3. 4>-maculatus, L. G. W., Portland, Cranborne Chace. — i. 4-notatus,
Panz. G. W., Stourton Caundle, — 5. melanocephalus, Dej. G. W.,
Portland, Parley. — 7. fasciatus, Pk. Lulworth Cove, 1832. — 9. spilotus.
G. W., only one, Sept. 24, 1821. — 11. glabriatus, Dej, Charmouth. —

COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS FOUND IN DORSETSHIRE. 409

13. foveolus, Gyl. G. W., Portland. — 15. maurus,Srv. Portland, Char-
mouth. — 16. truncatellus, L. G. W.

xxxi. Clivina. — 1. fossor, L. G. W., &c.

xxxii. Dyschirius. — 2. nitidus, Dej., or 3. polities, Dej. Portland. — 5.
arenosus. Between Poole and Bourne Mouth. — 9. tlwracicus, Pk. Port-
land.— 11. gibbus, F. G. W. and Middlemarsh Woods.

xxxiv. Stomis. — pumicatus, Clv. G. W., Sturminster, Newton, &c.

xxxv. Broscus. — 2. cephalotes, L. Parley Heath, Portland, sandhills.

xxxvi. Steropus. — 1. madidus, F. G. W., Portland, &c.

xxxvii. Omaseus. — 5. nigrita, F. G. W. — 7- melanarius, III. G. W.

xxxviii. Platysma. — 1. nigra, F. Parley Heath, Lulworth.

xxxix. Abax. — 1. striola, F. G. W., Portland, Swanage.

xl. Pterostichus. — 1. macer, Mar. Near Sherborne, Mr. Beverley Mor-
ris ; Isle of Purbeck, in plenty, Mr. Serrell.

xli. Patrobus. — 1. rufipes, F. G. W., rare. A small variety.

xlii. Pogonus. — 2. littoralis, Stu. Parley Heath, very rare. — 3. chalceus,
Mar. Portland, Purbeck, &c., on the coast.

xliii. Ophonus. — 2. obscurus, F. Portland, Weymouth. — 3. sabidicola, F.
Portland. — 5. azureus, III. Portland. — 6. nitidtdus, Sch. Portland.—
9. puncticollis, Pk. Portland. — 12. cribellum, St. Portland. — 14. pu-
bescens, Pk. Portland, Lulworth, Swanage.

xliv. Harpalus. — 1. ruficornis, L. G. W., Portland- — 2. binotatm, F.
Parley. — 6. ceneus, F. G. W. — 7- pumilus, Stu; Chesil bank, Port-
land.— 8. vernalis, Duf. Chesil bank, or Isthmus of Portland. — 15.
rufimarginatus, Wilk. Chesil bank. — 17. annulicomis, K. Portland and
Parley. — 23. atrocceruleus, K. Parley, Lulworth. — 25. limbatus, Duf.
Parley .. — 29. fidvipes, Stu. Portland, Lulworth. — 33. rubripes, Gyl.
Portland, Parley. — 35. thorathicus, Leach. Portland. — 35b. melampus,
Duf. Portland, near Pensylvania Castle. — 39. anxius, Duf. Portland.
— 39. piger, Duf. Portland. — 40. nigripes, Stu. Portland and Parley.
— 44. rufimanua, Mar. Portland. — 48. Portlandica, Dale. Chesil
bank, July 13, 1831, and Mr. Streatfield.

xlv. Zabrus. — 1. gibbus, F. Portland, West Stafford, Parley, and Lul-
worth.

xlvi. Masoreus. — 1. laxatus, Dej. Portland, Mr. Curtis and Professor

Henslow ; near Weymouth, Mr. Saunders.
xlvii. Curtonotus. — 1. aulicus, III. G. W., Portland. — 2. convexiusculus,

Mar. G. W., Portland,
xlviiii. Bradytus. — 2. apricarius, F. G. W., &c— 2. /errugineus, L.
Parley.

410 COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS FOUND IN DORSETSHIRE.

xlix. Amara. — 1. eurynota, III. Parley. — 4. vulgaris, L. G. W., Port-
land.— 6. trivialis, Gyl. Parley. — 8. Icevis, Stu., or nitida ?, Stu. G.
W., Parley. See the " Notes on the Amarce, by Peter Rylands, Esq."
— 19. communis, F. Portland. — 22. erylhropa, St. Parley. — 2G. tibialis,
Pk. Parley. — 27. infima, Duf. G. W.

1. Oodes. — 1. helopioides, F. Parley.

li. Pcecilus. — 2. dimidiatus, F. Parley Heath. — 3. cupreus, L. G. W.,
Portland, &c. &c. — 4. versicolor ?, Stu. G. W.

liii. Calathus. — lb. angustatus, Dale. Parley, 1823. — 2. cisteloides, III.
Portland, Parley. — 3. fiavipes, Pk. Parley, Portland. — 4. fuscus, F.
Portland. — 5. rufangulus, Mar. Portland. — G. mollis, Mar. Portland.
— 7- melanocephalus, L. Portland, Parley.

liv. Platyderus. — -1. ruficollis, Mar. Portland; Charmouth, Mr. Morris.

lv. Argutor. — 3. strenuus. III. — 4. erythropus, Mar. G. W. — 6. inter-
stinctus, Stu. G. W., West Stafford. — 8. incequalis, Mar. — 9. vernalis,

F. G.W.

lvi. Synuchus. — 1. vivalis, II. Portland, Lulworth, West Stafford, Cran-

borne Chace.
lvii Odontonyx. — 1. rotundatus, Pk. Portland.
lviii. Agonum.— 1. marginatum, L. G. W., &c. — 4. parumpunctatum,¥.

G. W. — 6. viduum, II. G. W. — 7. emarginatum, Gyl. West Stafford,
on the bark of the Willow. — 9. mcestum, Stu. — 16. piceum, L. — 17-
Simpsoni, Sr. Parley Heath. — 18. pullum, Hop. Sherborne, Mr. B.
Morris.

lx. Pristonychus. — 1. subcyaneus, II. Blandford.

Ixi. Platynus. — 1. angusticollis, F.

lxii. Anchomenus. — 2. albipes, II. G. W., Portland. — 3. prasinus, F.

G. W., Portland.
lxv. Chljenius. — 3. vestitus. Portland, Charmouth.— -6. nigricornis, F.

G. W. and Holnest.
lxvi. Licinus. — 1. silphoides, F. Portland; and Messrs. Curtis and Ser-

rell. — 3. depressus. Cranborne Chace ; and Mr. Streatfield.
lxvii. Badister. — 2. bipustulatus, F. G. W., Portland, Swanage. — 2b. mi-

crocephalus, St. Cranborne Chace, and Knowle Hill,
lxviii. Stenolophus. — 1. vaporariorum, F. Parley Heath, found dead.
lxix. Trimorphus. — 1. sodalis, Stu. G. W. ; Charmouth, Mr. Morris.
lxx. Trkchus. — meridianus. G. W., Weymouth. — 3. minutus. G. W.,

Portland, Parley. — 5. fulvus. G. W., Portland, Parley. — 7. suturalis.

Parley. — 8. ruficollis. G.W. — d-fiavicollis. Parley. — 10. par vuhis. Par-
ley.— 11. dorsalis. G. W.

COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS FOUND IN DORSETSHIRE. 411

lxxi. Blemus. — 4. paludosus, Gyl. Near Lulworth Castle. — 5. pallidus,
Stu. Portland, Mr. Curtis.

lxxvi. Tachys. — 2. binotatus. G. W. — 3. vittatus. - G. W. — 4. immunis.
Near Dorchester. — 5. obtusus. G. W. — 9. minimus, Curt. Charmouth,
May 12, 1827.

Ixxvii. Philochthus. — subfenestratus. G. W. — 4. guttula. G. W. — 5. &£-
morrhous. G. W. —6. ceneus. G. W.

lxxviii. Ocys. — 1. currens, Ste. Parley. — 2. melanocephalus, Stu. G.
W. ; not rare. Head not black ! — 3. rubens. F. G. W., Blandford, rare.

lxxix. Peryphub. — 3. femoratus. Charmouth. — 4. rupestris. G. W. — 6.
decorus, Pz. Charmouth. — 7. nitidulus. G. W.

lxxxi. Lopha. — 1. pozcila. G. W. — 2. ^-guttata. G. W., Weymouth,
Portland.

Ixxxii. — Tachypus. — 1. celer. G. W. — 2. proper ans. G. W. — 7. bipunc-
tatus. G. W.

lxxxiii. Bembidium. — 3. fiavipes, L. G. W., Charmouth.

lxxxiv. Elaphrus. — 1. uliginosus. Near Wareham, Mr. Curtis. — 2. cup-
reus, Meg. Parley ; Sherborne Park, Mr. F. Morris.

lxxxv. Notiophilus. — 1. aquaticus, L. G. W., Portland. — 3. biguttatus,F.
G. W., Portland. — 4. 4-bunctatus, Dej. Portland, Mr. Streatfield.

lxxxvi. Blethisa — 1. multipunctata, L. Parley.

lxxxvii. Haliplus. — 1. elevatus, Pz. G. W. Took three in our pond,
Sept. 22, 1830. — 3. ferrugineus. G. W. — 4. obliquus. G. W. — 5. con-
finis. G. W. — 6. lineato-collis. G. W., Portland. — 8. ruficollis. G. W.
12. impressus. G. W., Parley.

lxxxix. Hyphydrus — 1. ovatus. G. W., and a variety.

xc. Hygrotus. — 4. confluens, F. G. W., gravel-pits, &c. — 5. collaris.
Parley. — 6. reticulatus. Parley. — 7. incequalis. G. W., Parley, Port-
land.— 8. scitulus. Parley Heath. — 9. pictus. G. W., Parley.

xci. Hydroporus. — 1. 12-pustulatus, F. G. W. A few in our pond, Sept.
1830. — 2. depressus, F. G. W., Portland. — 8. lineatus. Sherborne,
Mr. Morris.— 9. picipes, F„ G. W. Hollwell, Oct. 23, 1839.— 11.
latus, Curt. G. W. Two taken in our pond in the spring of 1813. —
12. dorsalis,¥. G. W., Sherborne, Charmouth, Mr. Morris. — 13. sex-
pnstulatusy F. G.W., Portland, &c. — 17. rufifrons, Duf. Parley, 1824 ;
Holwell, Oct. 1830. — N. S. Parley, 1824; much smaller, and new to Mr.
Curtis. — N. S. (Small black). Parley, 1824.* — 23. minimus, III. G.
W., Parley, &c. — 25. ovalis. G. W., Parley, Holwell. — 28. planus.

* Are these two species named in the second edition of Curtis's Guide ?— Ed.

412 COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS FOUND IN DORSETSHIRE.

G. W. — 29. melanocephalus. G.W. — 30. erythrocephalus. G. W. — 81 >

flavipes. G. W. — 33. pubescens. G. W.
xcii. Laccophilus. — 1. minutus. G. W. — 2. hyalinus. G. W.
xciii. Noterus. — 2. sparsus. Holwell.
xcv. Colymbetes. — 1. obscurus. G. W. — 4. fenestrates. Parley. — 6. fuli-

qinosus. G. W. — 7. maculatus. G. W. — 8. abbreviates ? — 9. vitreus.

G. W. — 10. femoralis. Parley, Mr. Ingpen. — 17. chaleonotus. G. W.

— 19. bipustulatus. G. W. — 23. Sturmii. G. W. — 25. paludosus. G.

W. — 26. pulverosus. Holwell. — 31. bipunctatus. G. W. — 33. guttatus.

G. W., rare. — 34. oblongus. Holwell.— -fuscus. G. W.
xcvii. Dytiscus. — 5. marginatus. G. W. — 6. punctulatus. G. W.
xcix. Acilius. — 1. sulcatus, L. G. W. — 2. Scoticus, Curt. G. W. ;

Sherborne, Mr. Morris.
c. Gyrinus. — 1. ceneus, Leach. Parley, Wareham. — 4. natator, L. G.

W. — 5. substriates, Stu. G. W. Looks like a dull variety of the last.

— 8. villosus, F. Wareham, Mr. Curtis ; Charmouth, Mr. Morris.
ci. Parnus. — 1. prolifericornis, F. Parley. — 2. bicolor. G. W., only one.

— 5. auriculatus. G. W., Wareham.
cii. Heterocerus. — 3. Icevigatus, F. G. W.
civ. Elmis. — 7. ouneus. Parley. — 8. obscurus. G. W.
cv. Hydrochus. — 1. elongates, F. Parley, rare, April 5, 1824. — 2. cre-

nates, F. G. W., Portland.
cvi. Elophorus. — 1. aquaticus, L. G. W., Portland. — 2. granular is, L.

G. W., &c. — 2b. griseus. G. W. — 3. dorsalis, Mar. G. W., rare. — 7.

nubilus, Oliv. G. W., Parley, Portland,
cvii. Ochthebius. — 5. pi/gmceus. Portland. — 6. marinus, Pk. Portland,

Wareham. — 7. dilatatus. Parley,
cviii. Hydr;kna. — 1. riparia. G. W., Parley. — 3. testacea. G. W., only

one. — 3b. pidckella. Holnest, Mr. Curtis.
cix. Limnebius. — 1. ater ? G. W. — 3. truncatellus ? G. W. — 4. margi-

nalis. G. W. — 5. nigrinus. G. W. — 8. minutus. G.W. — 9. nitidus.

G. W.
cxi. Hydrous. — 1. piceus, L. G. W., rare.
cxiii. Hydrobius. — 3. fuscipes, L. G. W. — 5. griseus. G. W. — 6. tor-

quatus. — 7. testaceus. G. W. — 9. fulvus. G. W. — 11. margipaUens,

Mar. Parley. — 13. bicolor. G. W., Parley. — 14. minutus. G. W.,
Parley. — 16. globulus. G. W. — 18. bipustulatus. G. W. — 19. colon.
G.W. — 21. bipunctatus. G.W. — 22. orbicularis. G.W.
cxiv. Berosus. — 1. (sriceps. Holnest gravel-pits. — 2. lucidus. Holnest
gravel pits.

COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS FOUND IN DORSETSHIRE. 4l$

cxv. Cercyon. — Several unnamed species. — 14. piceum. G. W. — 18. la-
terals— Under sea-weeds, Weymouth. — 19. hmmorrhoidale. G. W. — 25.
melanocephalum. — 36. lugubre. G. W., &c. — 52. quisquilium.
cxvi. SPHiEBiDiUM. — 1. scarabceoides. G. W«, &c. — 2. bipustulatum. G. W.

6. marginatum. G. W.
cxvii. Onthophagus. — 1. ovatus. Portland, Mr. Quekett ; St. Caundle,
Mr. Serrell. — 2. nuckicorhis. G. W. — 3. Dillwynii. Portland. — 4.
coznobita. — 5. fracticornis ? — 6. medius. Portland.
cxix. Aphodius. — 1. fossor. G. W. — 2. subterraneus. — 3. hcemorrhoidalis.
G. W. — 4. erraticus. G. W. — 5. fimetarius. G. W. — 7> unicolor. — 9.
scybalatius. G. "WV— 10. foetens. G. W. — 15. inquinalus. G. W. —
17. sticticus. G. W. — 19. terrestris. G. W. — 23. pusillus. G. W. —
25. anachoreta. Portland. — 26. ruf.pes. G. W. — 27. nigripes. G. W.
27a. luridus. G. W. — 28. depressus, F. Portland. — 29. sphacelatus,
Panz. G. W., &c. — 31. prodromus. G. W. — 32. ciliaris, Mar. G.
W. — 34. sms, F. Portland, Professor Henslow and J. C. Dale. — 35.
merdarius, F. G. W.

cxxi. ^Egialia. — 1. globosa, III. Portland.

«xxii. — Trox. — 1. sabulosus, L. Parley.

cxxiii. — Geotrupes. — l.lcevis. Puddletown Heath. — 4. sylvaticus,F. Par-
ley.— 5. stercorarius, L. G. W. — mutator (green variety). Portland,
Mr. Matthews ; G. W., Mr. Serrell.

cxxiv. Typhceus. — 1„ vidgaris, Leach. Parley.

cxxviii. Melolontha. — 2. vulgaris, F. G. W. — 3.jsolslitialis, L. Lulworth,
Blandford, Dorchester.

cxxix. Serica. — 1. brunnea, L. Knighton Heath.

cxxx. Omaloplia. — 1. ruricola, F. Lulworth. — [2. varius, Mar. var. ?
Near Marleywood by Winfrith.]

cxxxi. Anomala. — 2. Frischii. Portland. — £3. Julii, F. Parley planta-
tions.]

cxxxii. Anisoplia. — 1. horticola. Parley, Stafford, on trees. Not at G.
W. ! — \_2. arvicola, Mar. var. 1"]

cxxxiii. Hoplia. — 1. pulverulenta, III. G. W., on Alder; Parley.

cxxxv. Cktonia. — 2. aurata, L. G. W. Very small at Lulworth.

cxxxvi. Sinodendron. — 2. cylindricum, L. G. "W.

cxxxvii. Lucanus. — 1. cervus, L. Bryanston, where called Branston Bucks ;
near Blandford, Wimborne, &c. — 1. parcdlelipipedus, L. Charmouth, Mr.
Morris.

cxl. Dendrophilus. — 5. punctatus. Blandford.

cxli. Hister. — 2. unicolor. G. W. — 3. cadaverinus. Parley. — 8. bimacu-
No. 14, Vol. II. 3 I

414 COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS FOUND IN DORSETSHIRE.

latus. Isle of Purbeck, Mr. Serbell. — 12. carbonarius. Parley. — 1C.
ceneus. Portland.

cxlii. AbRjEUS. — 9. minutus.

cxliii. Onthophilus. — 2. striatus, Forst. G. W.

cxliv. Micropeplus. — 1. porcatus. G. W., Maiden Castle. — 2. staphyli-
noides. [G. W., Maiden Castle.]

cxlvi. Catheretes. — 1. bipustulatus. G. W. — 2. pedicularis. G. W. —
3. caricis. Parley. — 4. junci. Parley. — 8. pyrrhopus. G. W.

cxlvii. Meligethes. — 1. erythropus. — 2. nigrinus. — 5. cceruleus. — 8. ru-
fipes. G. W. — 10. dulcamara.

cxlviii. Strongvlus. — 1. strigatus, F. G. W. — 4. luteus. Cranborne
Chace, July 13, 1835.

cxlix. Nitiduxa. — 3. villosa, Thunb. G. W., Parley, &c. — 5. obsoleta.
G. W. — 7. obscura. G. W. — 8. bipustulata. G. W. — 10. discoidea.
G. W. — 11. colon. — 12. depressa. G. W. — 14. punctatissima.

cli. Ips. — 2. 4-punctata, Ou Middlemarsh Common, on a gate.

clii. Engis. — 2. humeralis. G. W.

cliv.b Mycet^b a..— -furcata, Mar. G. W.

civ. Antherophagus. — 2. pallens, L. Near Dorchester; West Stafford.

clvi. Cryptophagus. — 3. fumatus. — 6. cellaris. — typhts ?

clyii. Byturus. — 1. tomentosus, F. G. W.

clviii. Triphyllus. — 4. bifasciatus. Parley.

clix. Mycetophagus. — 1. 4>-pustulatu$, L. G. W.

clx. Tetratoma. — 3. fungorum. Parley.

clxiv. Phalacrus. — 3. ovatus. — 4. corticalis. — 5. coruscus. — 7. caricis. — ■
12. bicolor. — 17. consimilis.

clxvii. Leiodes. — 13. polita. G. W.

clxviii. Agathidium. — 4. globulus. — 8. nigrinum.

clxxii. Cypha. — 2. rufipes.

clxxiii. Scaphisoma. — 3. agaricinum.

clxxv. Trichopteryx. — 1. atomaria.

clxxvii. Ptomaphagus. — 1. truncatus.

clxxviii. Catops. — 5. chrysomeloides.

clxxix. Choleva. — 1. angustata.

clxxx. Phosphuga. — 1. atrata,L. G. W. — 2. subrotundata, Leach. Port-
land, Charmouth.

clxxxi. Silpha. — 1. laevigata. Portland. — 3. obscura. Parley, Portland. —
4. tristis. Portland, Parley. — 7. reticulata. Parley.

clxxxii. Oiceoptoma. — 3. rugosa. Parley, Portland.— 5. thoracica. Sher-
borne.

COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS FOUND IN DORSETSHIRE. 415

clxxxiii. Necrodes. — 1. littoralis. Sherborne, Parley, &c.

clxxxiv. Necrophorus. — 1. mortuorum. Parley, G. W., St. Caundle. — 3.

humator. G. W., St. Caundle. —6. vespillo. G. W.
cxxxv. Emus. — 1. kirtus, L. Parley.

cxxxvii. Creophilus. — 1. maxillosus. Parley, Charmouth, &c.
cxxxviii. Staphylinus. — 1. nebulosus. G. W. — 2. murinus. G. W. — 4.

erythropterus. G. W. — 6. stercorarius. Portland. — 8. ceneocepkalus. Port-
land.
cxxxix. Ocypus. — 1 . o/ews, F. G. W.
cxcii. Quedius. — 1. picipennis, Pk.
cxciii. Philonthus. —3. splendem. — 6. politus. — 16. marginatus. — 33. bi-

maculatus.
cxcvii. Cafius. — 1. fucicola? Lulworth. — 1. xantho-loma. Charmouth.

— 3. lateralis. Portland, Swanage, &c.
cxcviii. Achenium. — 1. depressum. G. W.
cc. Gyrohypnus.— 5. cruentatus. G. W. — 9. linearis. G. W.
cci. Lathrobium. — 3. elongatum. G. W.
ccii. Tachinus. — 2. pattens'? — 3. subterraneus. — 5. cinctus. — 7. rufipes.

11. marginellus.
cciii. Tachyporus. — 5. pubescens. — 11. marginatus. — 14. obtusus. — 17.

chrysomeloides.
cciv. Boletobius. — 3. trimaculatus, F. G. W.
ccvi. Megarthrus. — 2. depressus. — 3. macropterus.
ccvii. Proteinus. — 1. brachypterus.
ccviii. Anthobium. — 10. piceum. — 11. melanocepkalum.
ccxi. Lesteva. — 7. obscura.
ccxii. Elonium. — 1. striatum.
ccxvi. Oxytelus. — 8. carinatus. — 9. rugosus.
cexix. Oxyporus. — 1. rufus. West Stafford.
ccxx. Drusilla. — 1. canaliculaia. G. W., Portland, &c.

Glanville's Wootton, Dorsetshire^
May 18, 1837.

£The student will form some idea of the immense numbers of insects belong-
ing to the British Fauna, when he is told, that in the preceding paper only one
order is taken into consideration ; and that, numerous as are the species men-
tioned by Mr. Dale, perhaps he has not included one-fourth of the British
insects appertaining to the group. We hope to present the remainder of our able
correspondent's article on a future occasion. — Ed.]

3i2

416

ON THE NIDIFICATION OF THE GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET.
By the Rev. R. P. Alington.

In the first volume of Bewick's British Birds, page 23G, I find the following
account of the nest of the Goldcrest {Sylvia regulus, Temm., Man.) : —

" In these (the largest trees) it builds its nest, suspended from a branch, of a
kind of cordage made of the materials of which the nest is chiefly composed ; it is
of an oblong form, having an aperture on one side."

As far as I have been able to examine the nest of this beautiful little species,
the above passage appears to be incorrect. Yet I should not have troubled you
with the following remarks, did not so recent a publication as Wilson's Ameri-
can Ornithology seem to favour the same opinion, from which I am led to sup-
pose that Bewick's description is still received as authentic. The passages al-
luded to in Wilson, I take from the edition published in 1832, with illustrative
Botes, &c. &c, by Sir William Jardine, in which it is said that the " Regulus
reguloides (Jard.) covers it (the nest) entirely round, leaving a small hole on
one side for entrance." (Vol. i, page 130). And Lucian Bonaparte, in hi3
continuation of Wilson, remarks that " they both (Regulus reguloides and R.
cristatus) build their nests of the same admirable construction, having the
entrayice on the upper part ;" (vol. iii. page 285). The Golden-crested Wren
appears not generally to build in the larger trees, though sometimes the nest is
found in the Spruce Fir, but then not far from the ground. But its favourite
place of abode seems to be in the thick Juniper bushes. I have found it, also, in
quick hedge-rows, and more than once on the taper branch of the Labernum.

In every specimen, too, that I have examined, the nest has always been (as in
that of most other species of birds) entirely open at the top, the parent sitting
with its bill and a portion of its tail projecting over the edge, though the back is
much sunk down, owing to the great depth of the nest. In the year 1834 I
examined four, two built in the Spruce Fir, and two in Juniper bushes ; except-
ing in one specimen, and in that only in a slight degree, there was no appearance
of any cordage whatever to support the nest. In 1835 I examined four more,
with nearly the like result. In one specimen there was certainly the appear-
ance of cordage, but it was much broken and disjointed. In another, on one
side of the nest, an entire cord made chiefly of moss ; but it gave no support to
the nest, merely serving to secure a twig that ran underneath. In 1836 I pro-
cured only two nests ; one was placed in a thick thorn hedge, and had not the
least appearance of any cordage, the other was situated underneath the branch of a
Labernum, not far from the extremity, and had all the appearance of being sup-
ported by two cords running from the opposite edges of the nest to the main

THE ECONOMY OF COSSUS LIGNIPERDA. 417

branch, under which it rocked to and fro in every gust of wind. But upon nearer
examination, even before the young were hatched, I found the cordages broken
in several places, and displaying in the interstices tht> real supports of the nest,
namely, slender twigs that run down each rope, and were firmly fixed into the
bottom of the nest. This present year I have not been able to obtain one spe-
cimen.

From this it would seem, that when' the cordage is used, which is only in
particular cases, it is not for any support to the nest, but for the purpose of
bringing into play certain leaves and branches, until the time that the nest is
firmly fixed to them. During the period of incubation these little birds are re-
markably tame, not only allowing the branch to be lifted up, but the nest to
be touched, without alarm.

Within, the nest is about one inch and a quarter in diameter, and two inches
and a quarter in depth ; but it is much deeper on the outside, being firmly
and compactly made.

Swinhope House, Lincolnshire,
September 1, 1837.

REMARKABLE FACT RESPECTING THE ECONOMY OF

Cossus ligniperda.

By R. H.'Cowlishaw.

Having paid some attention to the study of Entomology, nothing has more
astonished me than the wonderful economy of the Cossus ligniperda ; and al-
though much interesting and valuable information has already been afforded by
eminent and distinguished naturalists, I feel assured by their continued research
much more will be acquired than we are yet in possession of, perhaps to facilitate
this object.

It perhaps may not be unworthy of observation or notice in your valuable
publication, for those who are not in possession of the fact, and those who are
disposed to investigate the wonderful phenomena of this interesting insect, that
the larva is capable of living to a surprising length of time without sustenance or
food, and also without preventing its coming to maturity or the perfect imago, a«
the following circumstance will corroborate.

On the 13th of June, 1836, I took an excursion for the purpose of procuring a
few specimens of the Cossus, in company with an intelligent naturalist, in the
neighbourhood of Nottingham, where they so greatly abound amongst the Willow-

418 CORRESPONDENCE.

trees. I was fortunate in procuring a dozen chrysalids. I also found abundance
of the larva, in all its stages, one of which was in its second year, and this I put
into a tin box (the lid being perforated with small holes to admit air). On my
return home I placed the box in a situation which for six months afterwards
escaped my recollection, when I again laid my hand upon it, and, on opening it,
to my surprise the caterpillar was not only alive and healthy, but to all ap-
pearance larger than when I first saw it. I afterwards removed it into a large
box, which could not be perforated, and watched its process very closely for a
considerable length of time, when I put in a small quantity of sawdust, for the
purpose of allowing it to spin itself a coccoonor nest, respecting which, at the time,
it appeared careless. But about the beginning of May, 1837, commenced opera-
tions which it completed in a few days, since which time it remained until the
17th of July, when it emerged into the perfect Moth (which I placed in my ca-
binet), thus remaining without food or support in the larva ten months, and two
in the chrysalis.

Nottingham, Aug., 1837.

P. S. It is but right to observe, that the box was placed in a very warm si-
tuation, in a cupboard near the fire.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Derivation and Accentuation op the Name Veronica.

Dryadville Cottage, August 11, 1837.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

My dear Sir, — Feeling a slight attack of the " cacoethes scribendi" I am
inclined to send you another stave before leaving home, and if I fail to fill up
my paper will do so on my route.

I perceive great enquiry has been recently made in The Naturalist as to
Veronica, its derivation and mode of pronunciation. As no one seems to have
grappled with this doughty question, I will just state what I know about it.
Dr. Thornton says there was a princess of that name, who was, we are left to
infer, complimented by having her name transferred to the bright-eyed modest
flowers of this family, just as, in the present day, birds, insects, and fishes, as
well as plants, are named, it is thought, to honour various individuals, who will,
at last, doubtless profit as much from it as the princess Veronica has in the
present case. Not having the honour of the said princess's acquaintance, I am
unable to refer her to any existing European family. I find, however, another

CORRESPONDENCE. 419

claimant in the Circle of the Seasons* in the person of " St. Veronica, Virgin
of Milan, A. D. 1497," whose festival occurs on Jan. 13, and under that date
we are informed that " the Wall Speedwell being in some early years in flower
on this day, it would seem as if it had been so called after the saint above re-
corded. Indeed, the monks, friars, and vestals, of the religious ages, being our
first British botanists, the names of most popular plants then known have re-
ceived religious names ; but whether Veronica be or be not an exception to this
mode of origin of names we cannot quite determine." So that, after all, the claim
of the " Virgin of Milan " appears but slender, although we are further edified
by the statement that " she exhibited a wonderful example of austerity and vigi-
lance, and was said to be a living model of the rule of her order." In Retd's
Historical and Literary Botany a third claimant to the honour of being repre-
sented by our blue-eyed plant is made in favour of Verron, who, it appears,
accompanied Commerson the botanist round the world, and who, it is said,
named this genus in memory of his friend. But as Commerson died in 1773,
this must be a mistake, the similarity of the name having probably misled the
editor of the work in question, for " the maid of Milan " had established her
right long before this time. Some other plant must, therefore, have been in-
tended by Commerson to record his friend Verron. Sir W. J. Hooker, in his
British Flora, says the name Veronica is of " doubtful origin." Hoffman, how-
ever, as quoted in Phillips's Flora Historica, derives it from Qtponxw, meaning
ftpu to bring, mm victory, " because it was said to bear the bell among plants."
This observation is re-echoed in Withering's Botany, where it is particularly
urged, that "in Veronica the ni is to be the accented syllable, and not the ro, which
is a common error." No doubt the English name Speedwell refers to the u great
vertues " as old Gerarde has it, attributable " to the same," but this same speed
being prejudicial to modern practice,its qualities are now voted " insignificant " by
the faculty, according to the dictum of Sir J. E. Smith, though the French
name — " The d' Europe" seems to speak something in its praise. Having,
as you must admit, thus given abundant scope for choice as to the origin
of the name Veronica, I shall now, by way of a wind up, produce a solu-
tion of my own, which I need hardly say / believe to be the best ! Discarding,
therefore, the princesses and virgins, I consider the word compounded of ver,
spring-time, and onychinus, of a purple colour. This, if literally translated,
would give us the appropriate appellation of Spring-purple, and there are many
worse names. In this case, of course, the accent must be on the second syllable,
Veronica, and not on the i, in which way, in fact, I have always heard it pro-

• Edited, 1 believe, by Mr. Forstbr, author of the Encyclopedia of Natural Phenomena,

4'20 CORRESPONDENCE.

nounced. If it be objected to this that the flower of the Veronica is blue, I cart
only say that several species are purple, especially before expansion ; and indeed in
Scotland, Phillips tells us that "the sprigs of Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga)
are brought to market under the name of Water-purpie." I think this last fact is
decisive. The poets, too, have often given the appellation of " purple " to the
spring, no doubt having in view the various flowers then springing up, which
combine their roseate and blue tints at a little distance into a blush of purple, as
in the following quotation from Mason : —

" Pride of the year, purpureal Spring I attend,
And in the cheek of these sweet innocents
Behold your beauties pictured."

I wish Mr. Morris, who has ably assaulted the ornithological nomenclature, or
some other correspondent of The Naturalist, would, seriatim, give us the deri-
vations of the names of genera in the British Flora. It would doubtless call
up some agreeable criticism. For, of course, when Greek meets Greek then
comes the tug of war. My present derivation, however, is Soman versus Greek.
I am afraid you will feel inclined to say to this verbose disquisition — vox et prce-
terea nihil!

Anecdote op a Dog.

Welchpool, August 18, 1837.

I open my letter again to announce — as the correspondents of the daily press
say — that I was unable to fill up my sheet before leaving home, and therefore
advance to the attack again. As I think myself legitimately entitled to rest my
understanding when flitting about, I become, as you will easily perceive, a picker
up of " unconsidered trifles," having my eyes open even to the vagaries of a fly.
I can only say, in justification of myself, that " trifles make the sum of human
things."

In travelling by coach between Worcester and Bridgenorth, I noticed a little
Dog of a half terrier breed following the coach at the top of his speed, and at
first concluded that he must belong to a passenger, who was thus rather cruelly
trying his powers. I found, however, on enquiry, that this was not the case,
the coachman stating that the Dog had followed the coach from Cheltenham, it
was presumed on some business of his own, as nobody knew him. As the coach
stopped a moment at a public-house on the road an attempt was made to capture
the Dog, but to no purpose; he rushed forward alone, and was soon again visi-
ble in his old position, rattling along in the wake of the coach. Curiosity
induced me to watch his motions, and I now found whenever the coach stopped
to change horses, he walked quietly on, and was found resting on the edge of a

CORRESPONDENCE. 421

field waiting till the coach came up. At Kidderminster he walked on completely
through the town, and was supposed to be lost, but when we had cleared the
houses he soon became visible again. He finally left us at Bridgnorth, after a
" severe run " of 52 miles ! Now it certainly seems rather odd what object
should induce the poor animal to distress itself in this manner. It was, however,
an entirely voluntary task on his part, or rather a work of supererogation, since he
could neither be driven off from the object he had in view, nor, on the other
hand, would he on any account accept a lift, though the passengers were all anx-
ious to make room for him ! It must be borne in mind, too, that this was not a
slow coach, as we generally galloped at from ten to twelve miles an hour. The
coachman thought the Dog would return by the same conveyance in the evening,
but as I did not witness this, I do not vouch for it. The guard assured me that
Dogs not unfrequently followed them in the way I witnessed, for many stages,
apparently for the mere love of the run, and he once knew one to keep on to
Chester, where he was caught. I must here, however, close this doggish chro-
nicle, lest you should feel strongly inclined to snarl.

Scarcity op the Feathered Tribes at Aberystwith.

Aberystwith, August 27, 1837.

If it be any curiosity to receive a letter with three different dates, this, at least,
will be one in that respect, for since I left Welchpool I have had this letter in
my pocket-book, looking out for a favourable opportunity to finish it, but in
vain ; so that I shall be something like Johnson, who commenced the translation
of an Ode of Anacreon's at 16, and could never find an opportunity to finish it
till he was turned 60 ! Like other birds of passage, I am now got down to the
sea, among faded dowagers, and a precious assortment of female commodities —
" on sale or return " ! Fortunately I am a " dead man " — a technical term well
understood — or I should be netted to a certainty by some of the naked naiads, who
splash the brine about at a famous rate, and, what is worse, scare all the birds
away, for I protest only one Gull and two Cormorants have met my eye since I
have been here. I could have seen ten times the number at home. I had a
scramble over Plinlimmon the other day, but found birds nearly as scarce even
there, one poor solitary Grous being the only one left as far as I saw on the
mountain. There were, however, two or three flocks of Golden Plovers about
the stones of the summit. The Swifts have been all invisible for the last fort-
night, but I saw three flying about the Abbey Tower, Shrewsbury, as late as
the 13th.

I am really almost ashamed to send you such an anomalous, heterogeneous,
mithridatic hodge-podge as this, but to this conclusion I am come at last, al-

No. 14, Vol. II. 3 k

422 CHAPTER OP CRITICISM.

though it is like the " conclusion " in Rasselas, a " conclusion in which nothing
is concluded."

Believe me, my dear Sir,

Yours very truly,
Neville Wood, Esq. Edwin Lees.

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

On the Habits of the Wagtails.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.

My dear Sir, — On my return home I found your interesting communication
of the 17th of July; but the bustle of electioneering, and various other engage-
ments, have prevented me from giving you an earlier reply. In the first place, I
find, in a " Commentary on Nos. vii. and viii. of The Naturalist" (No. xii., p. 294),
that Mr. Blyth expresses some surprise at my remarks relative to the habits of
Motacilla flava, Temm. You are of course aware that they were written in
reply to the statements at p. 221 of the British Song Birds, that " you must not
look for the Spring Oatear near the margins of running streams, <fyc.,"* the fallacy
of which was the object of my remark, it being the very situation to which the
pairs that annually resort to this locality prefer. In consequence of the inci-
dental remark of Mr. Blyth, at p. 294, of the difference of habits between
Motacilla flava and M. neglecta, as observed by Mr. Hoy, I was induced the
other day, very reluctantly, to shoot two pairs of the species that frequent the
banks of our river, in hopes that they might have belonged to the latter species,
which, however, I regret was not the case, as they proved, upon examination, to
be M. flava, although in one specimen the throat and line above the eye was
nearly white ; but the absence of an ash-grey head, similar to that of the Red-
backed Shrike, at once distinguished it from M. neglecta.

1 must say, with deference to the various opinions advanced as to the peculiar
habits of M. flava, that they differ very materially from those of M. Yarrellii
(Gould); for during the period of nidification, and through the summer, both
ere to be found alongside the margins of the river. Perhaps the former, on its

* As a general rule, and especially in comparison with the habits of the other Wagtails in this
respect, we believe the sentence Mr. Salmon has quoted to be perfectly true ; though it cannot be
denied that the Spring Oatear may occasionally approach the margins of streams.— Ep.

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. ' 423

first arrival in spring, may be more generally met with in the Sheep-folds, but
from the limited number that visit this district I cannot determine ; for in such
situations it is no uncommon occurrence to see M. Yarrellii, the nest of which I
have more than once found on a heathy common, far away from any water.
Both species delight to be in the vicinity of cattle, more particularly when they
are grazing in the lands adjoining the river. The only difference I have been
able to detect, is that M. Yarrellii resorts to the homesteads, and on that account
may be looked upon in the light of a domestic bird. This is certainly not the
case with M. flam, which does not approach very near the habitations of man.

Perhaps it may be as well to mention that there is little or no low ground
adjoining the river at this place ; the heath and warren often approach close to
the margin of the stream, which flows very rapidly, and is navigable ; for several
miles below this town, where the low ground is contiguous, the river does not
exceed a stone's-throw across it ; still it so happens, that where it is of the
greatest breadth is the situation selected by M. flava for its common residence.

I have lately ascertained from a friend, that this species is to be seen through
the summer very abundantly alongside the edges of the drains intersecting the
fens of Norfolk, Huntingdonshire, &c. This I can myself in part confirm, and I
saw it very plentifully in similar situations as I passed through those fens in the
spring of 1836.

Structure of the Kingfisher's Nest.
I find Mr. Alington, at p. 274, describes the structure of the Kingfisher's
nest, " excepting the mixture of fish bones, as not very unlike that of a Thrush."
I have had many opportunities of examining the place of nidification of this
bird, and in no one instance could I find the least appearance of a nest ; with
the exception of excavating the hole, I should most certainly say that it con-
structs no nest whatever. A pair of birds will occupy the same situation for
more than one season : and from the accumulation of fish bones, and the castings
of young birds, mixed with sand, an artificial nest will be formed of a very frail
structure, which I suspect was the case in the instance described, as it stated
that it crumbled to pieces on being touched. I scarcely need observe that the
Thrush's nest is of a very compact structure.

Does the Hooded Crow breed in Lincolnshire ?
At p. 322 Mr. Alington remarks, in his " ornithological notes": — " The
Hooded Crow (Corvus comix) sitting on the 10th." May I ask if that bird
breeds in the neighbourhood of Swinhope House, as it is the first instance I have
seen of its breeding on this side the Tweed.

My observation relative to the egg of the Ortolan Bunting (p. 323) was to

3k2

424 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

correct a previous communication of mine on the analysis of Gould's Bird* of
Europe, in The Analyst.

I remain, my dear Sir,

Yours very truly,
Thetford, Norfolk; J. D. Salmon.

Sept. 6, 1836.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION AT
LIVERPOOL,

SEPTEMBER, 1837.

President— W. S. Macleay, Esq., F.S.L. ; Vice Presidents— Dr. Richardson, Prof. Graham,
Prof. Lindlby ; Secretaries— C. C. Babington, F.L.S., W. S\VAiNsoN,Esq., A.C.G., F.L.S., Rev.
Leonard Jenyns, F.L.S.

Committee— Rev. Dr. Hincks, N. A. Vigors, Esq., M.P.,'D.C.L„ F.R.S., F.L.S., Rev.F.W.
Hope, F.R.S., Dr. Neill, Prof. Henslow, Dr. Traill, Earl of Derby, Rev. W. Hincks, F.L.S.,
John Curtis, F.L.S., T. C. Eyton, Esq., P. B. Duncan, F.L.S., J. E. Gray, F.R.S., C. S. Par-
ker, Rev. J. Yates, J. E. Bowman, Esq., C.Horsfall, R. Ball, P. J.SELBY,Esq.,F.R.S.E.,
-M.W.S., L. W. Dillwyn, J. N. Walker, A. H. Haliday, J. T. Mackay, Capt. J. Ross, Sir
W.Jardine, Bart., F.R.S.E., M.W.S., Messrs. R. Harrison, H. Sandbach, Tinne, J. Salis-
bury, Green, F. Archer, G. Cooke, Dr. Duncan,

The general arrangements at Liverpool for the reception of the seventh meeting
of the Association were not at all inferior to those made in other places. But
as these have been so fully and generally reported through the medium of the
daily and weekly press, we shall only advert to those points, and detail those
proceedings, which we think will most interest the readers of The Naturalist.
We shall, therefore, at once proceed to give a full account of the transactions of
that section of the Association devoted to Zoology and Botany. The meetings of
this section were held in the Theatre of the Royal Institution. On Monday
morning (Sept. 11) the chair of the section was taken by William Sharpe
Macleay, Esq.

The business commenced with a paper by Dr. Traill, on a species ofArgas,
from the province of Mianneh, in Persia. He proposed to name it A. Persicus.
He said he had called the attention of the members to this insect on account of
the painful wounds and dangerous constitutional effects produced by its bite.
He thought it belonged to the class Arachnidce: It was an octopod, and re-
sembled the parasitic insect that infects Pigeons. The constitutional symptoms
following the bite were similar to those of typhus fever.

The president observed that some of the statements with regard to these
insects were erroneous, and frequently derived from popular prejudice.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 425

Dr. Traill stated, that having brought the subject before the Wernerian
Society of Edinburgh, General Wright, who had been in Persia, confirmed the
observation of his informant.

The President remarked that among the specimens exhibited by Dr. Traill
there were two genera (Argas and Ixodes), and that if they were both poisonous,
it would lead to the supposition that the whole family of Ixodidce were poisonous.
He had seen insects of this family in Cuba, where they attacked Horses,* but so
far from being poisonous, they were thought to be beneficial to the animal.

The Rev. F. W. Hope observed that he knew the Horses in the Island of St.
Domingo were infested with a species of Ixodes, which attacked their ears, but
was not aware that it was poisonous.

Mr. Gray then brought before the meeting a notice of experiments on the repro-
duction of insects by Galvanism, performed by Mr. Children. He stated that these
experiments were undertaken in order to ascertain the correctness of the results of
some experiments by Mr. Crosse, in which he supposed he had organised or revivified
insects by the power of Galvanism. The greatest care had been taken that the
circumstances under which the experiments were performed should resemble those
described by Mr. Crosse. A solution of Silica was obtained from Mr. Garden,
and submitted, both with and without access to the atmosphere, to the action of
a powerful galvanic battery; the intensity and quantity of the galvanism were
varied, but no insects were obtained.

The Rev. F. W. Hope thought it quite impossible that insects so high in the
scale of organisation as those described by Mr. Crosse should be produced. If
matter had been vitalised, we should have looked for it in its simplest and most
elementary forms. The insects said to have been reproduced were a species of
Acarus. The ova of these insects might have been accidentally introduced into
the solution, and have become developed during the course of the experiment.

Mr. Gray related some instances of the ova of insects becoming developed
after exposure to circumstances that might be supposed would destroy them.
The larvae of the Common Fly were not destroyed by exposure to prussic acid.
The ova of various insects which must have been confined for several years, had
produced larvee on exposure to moisture.

These remarks led to a discussion, in which Professor Graham, Mr. Gray and

* At a subsequent meeting the President stated that those Ixodes which attacked Horses in
some instances literally covered the animal. They inserted their serrated proboscis into the
animal's skin, and remained fast attached to it for some days, when they dropped off, leaving their
rostrum behind. If the insect was captured at this stage of its existence, it was generally found
full of ova, which did not escape at the termination of the oviduct, but at the orifice which had
been produced by the breaking off of the rostrum. After falling off the Horse, the insect generally
retreated under stones, wood, &c, where it deposited its ova.

426 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

other gentlemen, took part, as to what kind and degree of vitality existed in plants
and animals which had been for a long period secluded from the ordinary stimu-
lants of vitality.

The President related the fact that seeds had vegetated after being confined
for the space of 2,000 years. He had also seen the Gordius and Filaria dried
up and apparently dead, become alive by exposure to a damp atmosphere.

Mr. Golding Bird stated that he had repeated Mr. Crosse's experiments,
but unsuccessfully. He had taken every precaution, and varied his experiments,
but the results were always the same. He believed in the mode in which Mt.
Crosse had prepared his solutions of silica that no silica was left in solution at all.
He had performed his experiments in precisely the manner described by Mr.
Crosse, submitting the solution to the action of the electrodes of the galvanic
battery, by means of a cotton filter.*

The Rev. F. W. Hope read a letter from Sir Thomas Phillips, on the subject
of preserving books from the attacks of insects. The writer thought the paste
was the principal object of attack. He had observed that the insects which
attacked the books deposited their larva? in the wood of the library, and he there-
fore placed several pieces of Beech wood smeared with paste in his library ; and
when he found, by the perforations in it, that the insect had deposited its ova, he
removed the piece of wood and destroyed it ; and he had thus succeeded in pro-
tecting his books from further attacks. This insect was the Anohium striatum.
He had two other Coleopterous insects in his library — a small black Beetle, and
another six times as large, imported from Frankfort, belonging to the family
Curculionidce, and which deposited its ova in Oak wood.

Mr. John Curtis observed that he believed the paste of books was not the
only object of attack, as he had seen the leaves of books destroyed by insects.

Several members then detailed their experience with regard to the preservation
of objects in Natural History from the attacks of insects. Some placed great
confidence in frequently exposing the specimens to turpentine. Some used
nothing but camphor, whilst others' had employed a spirituous solution of corro-
sive sublimate with the greatest success.

The President observed that his books had suffered greatly from the boring

* From what passed at the above meeting there can be no doubt that Mr. Crosse had exposed
the materials of his experiments to the deposition of the ova or larva? of the Acari, the most com-
mon of which is the Acarus domestica that infects cheese, 'lhe ova of this insect is so small that,
by computation, it is said, 90,000,000 may be contained in a space not larger than a Pigeon's egg.
There are two ways by which insects might have gained access to Mr. C.'s experiments: — 1st,
by being accidentally swept or blown from some substance containing them into the solution ;
or, 2ndly, they might have been deposited on the cotton used as a filter in order to bring the
solution in contact with the electrodes of the battery.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 427

propensities of Dermestes minimus. He believed that the paste was most fre-
quently attacked by Acaridce, and the leaves of books by Coleopterous larvre.
He had tried many means to defend his library, but the most successful was the
securing the circulation of fresh air round the books, which could be done by
removing them an inch or two from the wall, and a few lines from each other.

The Rev. F. W. Hope stated, that in America paper had been dipped in an
infusion of Quassia as a preservative against insects.

Mr. Ball exhibited some living specimens of a new species of Heath named
Erica Mackaiana. It most nearly approached E. tetralix, from which it differed
in the whorls of leaves of the flower-stalk being continued quite up to the pedicels
of the flowers. In E. tetralix the whorls gradually disappear, and the flower stalk
is quite naked for some distance below the pedicels of the flowers. The plant was
found growing in the same districts with E. tetralix, and invariably retained the
above character perfect.

Professor Graham objected to admitting this plant as a species. He thought
it nothing more than a variety of E. tetralix, and was very much opposed to the
system of multiplying species.

Mr. Lankester remarked that there was great difficulty in determining what
constituted a species and what merely a variety. Unless some rule could be laid
down, by which the value of the characters of a species or variety could be deter-
mined, the arranging a new and constant form of a plant under either head must
be left to the taste and judgment of the discoverer.

Professor Henslow thought that if the seeds of new forms of plants could be
collected and grown in botanic gardens, the value of their characters might be
determined by the constancy of their reproduction.

After some further remarks on the subject, from Messrs. Babington, Ball, and
Mackay, the section concluded its meeting for that morning.

On Tuesday the section was better attended than on the former morning. The
President commenced the business of the morning by stating that he was about
to read a letter which, although not from a professed naturalist, would throw
some light on a question at issue between two eminent comparative anatomists*
He alluded to the difference of opinion on the development of Crustacea that
existed between Mr. Thompson and Professor Rathke of Berlin. The former
denies that Crustacea pass through any changes previous to their assuming their
perfect form, whilst the latter contends they do undergo certain changes. It
might appear at first sight, strange, that animals so high in the scale of organisa-
tion as Crabs and Lobsters should undergo the same changes as insects ; but he
thought the facts contained in the letter would settle the subject. It was
extraordinary that Mr. Thompson should take the view he did, as he had long

428 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

ago pointed out the development of the Cirrhapods, which are first deposited free,
and afterwards become fixed. The letter was from Captain Du Cane, of
Southampton, who had been led accidentally to investigate this subject. He
had obtained the ova of what he supposed at first to be the Common Prawn, from
a ditch to which the sea had access, but on examining the water he found it only
slightly brackish, and therefore he inferred it was not the Common Prawn, and
proposed to name it the " Ditch Prawn." After keeping these ova for some time
they produced a number of minute diaphanous animals, altogether different from
the full-grown Prawn. On attentively watching them he found that they assumed
different forms as they increased in size. He was, however, unable to trace their
changes beyond the third day, as they invariably died at this period. The letter
was accompanied by drawings of the various forms the animals had assumed.
The President observed that it was generally difficult to keep salt-water
animalculae alive, as the water became so soon decomposed. The letter of Capt.
Du Cane was valuable, and he hoped that the subject of the development of
Crustacea would meet with more attention than it had done at present. He
questioned whether many of the received species of Crustacea were any thing
more than one animal in its several stages of growth.

Dr. Richardson inquired if it were not possible for Capt. Du Cane to have
mistaken some parasitic animals for the young Prawn ?

The President replied that he did not think this probable, as the ova were
found several times in great abundance, and their development led to the same
results.

The Rev. W. F. Hope suspected the animal whose development had been
observed belonged to the Shrimp and not the Prawn family. The Ditch Shrimp —
which he suspected this to be — was common on the Norfolk and Suffolk coast.

Some general remarks then followed by various members on the economy of
Crustacea.

Mr. Halidav exhibited some plates of the Argas and Ixodes, which produced
the poisonous bites alluded to yesterday. — The President observed that the term
" bite " was improperly applied to the wound produced by these insects. They
were the result of the introduction of their long serrated proboscis, and he thought
the painful consequences were the result of violently extracting the part from
the skin.

Mr. Babington then read a " Notice, with the Results, of a Botanical Tour
in Guernsey and Jersey." He spent two months on the islands, collected about
500 species, and obtained a list from Mr. Saunders, nurseryman, of 225 others.
Of plants not before recorded he had found the following : — Hypericum lanci-
folium, Neottia cestivalis, Sinapis incana, Mercurialis ambigua, Arthrolobium
ebracteatum, Atriplex rosea. Of plants common in England he had not seen in

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 429

the Channel islands : Anemone nemorosa, Bromus asper, Campanula (none
of the genus), Hypericum hirsutum, Listera ovata, Betula alba, Caltka pa-
lustris, Habenaria chloranthus, Helianthemum vulgare, Juncus glaucus,
Of those common in England and rare in the Channel islands he had found
Cardamine pratensis, Lamium album, Primula veris, Ranunculus ficaria,
Mercurialis perennis. Of those rare in England and common in the islands, he
had met with Orobanche ccerulea, Scrophularia scorodonia, Lotus hispidus,
Erodium moschatum, Iris foetidissimus, &c.

Mr. Allis then read a paper " On the Sclerotic Bones of the Eyes of Birds^
and Reptiles." He began by adverting to the little attention this subject had
received from naturalists and comparative anatomists. When he commenced
his investigations he had no idea of the difference in size, form, number, and
texture these peculiar organs presented. He then made quotations from Cuvier,
Blumenbach, Yarrell, Carus, and Buckland on this subject ; and having
demonstrated the points of agreement and difference between his observations and
those of the authors above quoted, he stated that " the shape of the individual
bones is so various, that it cannot be given in any general terms ; the external
edge of the bones is, in most instances, beautifully serrated, but the serration is
not visible in the bony ring : this serration being generally destroyed by the
process of boiling that is necessary to their preservation. The rings generally
overlap each other, there being a depression on the under side of one bone, and
a precisely corresponding one on the upper side of its fellow ; so that when over-
lapping each other they present nearly an even surface, having one bone with both
depressions on its inner surface, and forming an interior key to the arch, another,
having two depressions externally, and forming an exterior key. They form a
defence and protection to the eye, and those birds which are pugnacious, or have
a peculiarly rapid flight, or vary their attitude in flying, &c, have the sclerotic
rings of larger size and more convex form, and are of greater strength ; the same
remark holds good with respect to water-birds. Another use of these bones is,
altering the convexity of the cornea, as mentioned by Dr. Buckland." He then
exhibited a great number of specimens of these bones, and observed that in the
Eagles and Vultures they were strong and large, and varied in number from
fourteen to sixteen; in Owls soft and porous, and not hard, as Cuvier had
stated ; in the Gallinidce the number varied from thirteen to seventeen ; in the
Columbidce they were small and feeble ; in the Ostrich tribe they were large ;
in the Grallce small and feeble ; in the Scansores the same, and twelve or thirteen
in number ; in the Swimmers they were weak and small, and from twelve to
sixteen in number ; in Divers strong and large, and twelve to fifteen in number ;
in the Passerince they varied considerably, but were generally weak ; in Reptiles
they varied considerably in number, shape, and size.
No. 14, Vol. II. 3 L

430 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

A paper by the Rev. J. Reade, " On the Chemical Composition of Vegetable
Membrane and Fibre," was read by the Secretary. The author stated that his
attention was directed to this topic by Professor Henslow's observations in his
work on Botany, that the chemical composition of the membrane and fibre of
plants was very difficult to be obtained. Having noticed the success with which
his friend Mr. Rigg, of Walworth, analysed vegetable substances, he requested
him to undertake this subject, and he had obtained the following results.
Spiral vessels from a Hyacinth yielded —

Carbon 41.8

Hydrogen 1.1

Nitrogen ,... 4.3

Water 51.8

Residuary matter 1.0

100.0

Cellular tissue : —

Carbon „ 39.2

Oxygen 7.4

Nitrogen « 3.9

Water 48.5

Residue 1.0

100.0

An analysis of different parts of the flower-stalk of the Hyacinth gave the
following results : —

C. H. O. N. W. Res.

Epidermis and stomates 41.7 — 2.0 4.0 50.8 1.5 100

Cellular tissue beneath epidermis 41.8 — 2.1 4.1 50.5 1.5 100

Woody fibre under bark 39.2 0.5 — 5.7 55.6 1.0 100

Spiral vessels , 35.8 1.7 — 3.9 58.1 0.5 100

In these experiments the existence of nitrogen to so great an extent was
pointed out as remarkable. The author also thought they tended to prove that
vegetable fibre was not a form of membrane, as generally supposed.

Professor Henslow observed that, in his work, he had alluded to the great
difficulty of isolating entirely either fibre or membrane. The cells of the cellular
tissue must contain some fluid matter in their interior, besides the fibre that lined
them externally. Mr. Rigg had experimented on spiral vessels which contained
both membrane and fibre ; therefore, the ultimate composition of membrane and
fibre were still a desideratum.

Professor Lindley remarked that in a subject of this kind it was necessary
that the facts should be properly understood. He was not at all satisfied with
the conclusions of the paper. In the first place, he feared the author was not
well acquainted with the structure of plants, for he had mentioned that the

PROCEEDINGS OP THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 431

petals of the Hyacinth contained no spiral vessels, when in fact they existed
there in great abundance. In the next place, it appeared to him that the author
had confounded cellular membrane and woody fibre with elementary membrane
and fibre. The analysis of the former was easily obtained, but that of the latter
must still be a desideratum.

The Rev. F. W. Hope then read some " Remarks on Filaria, a Genus of
Parasite Worms, recorded as infesting Man and Insects." His object, he stated,
was to call the attention of the Section to this class of parasites, and to solicit
authentic information respecting them. He believed they first attacked insects
in their larval state, and grew with their growth. He thought one of the uses
of parasites might be to control the exuberance of species. He presented to the
meeting a table of forty genera, and several species of insects, infested by Filaria.
To confirm the opinion of these parasites attacking the larvse of insects, he in-
stanced those genera, as Acilius, Colymbetes, and Phryganea, in which the larvae
are aquatic. Phryganicn are frequently the subjects of these attacks, which could
not well take place after they had emerged from the pupa state. He had not,
however, succeeded in detecting Filarise in larvse of any kind. Rudolphi had
stated that he thought all the parasitic Filarice were of the same genus : but he
doubted this ; and even Rudolphi had marked one as " genus doubtful." The
Filaria found in Phryganidca differed from those of Coleoplera. The species of
the genera Ascaris and Filaria, he thought would bear distributing into several
other genera. The species found in Phryganidcn appears intermediate between
Gordius and Filaria. The author concluded by suggesting that the term Filaria
be restricted to the Filaria Medinensis (or Guinea- worm) and its congeners; while
several other sub-genera may be formed, to include the parasites infesting insects.
Mr. Duncan inquired if it was the opinion of Mr. Hope that each genus of
insects was attacked by its peculiar parasites ? It had been stated, at a former
meeting of the Association, that this might be one means of determining the
genus or species of animals ; and, if the parasites were constant, it would un-
doubtedly be a valuable means of diagnosis. — The President observed that he
had seen parasitic worms in the Arachnida ; and in the Bibliotheque Universelle
there was an account of a Filaria found on a species of Gryllns. The economy
of these animals is very curious : they may be dried, and brought to life again by
moisture at an indefinite period. They are common in the waters of clay soils,
and may probably be introduced into the system in the same manner as the Fas-
ciola, which produces the " rot " in sheep, and which exists in the water from
which the animals drink. — Mr. Hope replied that he believed each genus o*
insects had its distinct parasite, and he thought that even now he could tell to
what order an insect belonged by examining its parasitic invaders.
Mr. Bowman read a paper by Mr. Gardner, " On the Internal Structure of

3l2

432 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

the Wood of Palms." The attention of the author was directed to this subject
by the remarks of Professor Lindley in his Introduction to Botany. Being
situated where he had access to abundance of Palms, he determined to test the
truth of the views of Mohl. He accordingly made a vertical section of a Palm-
tree about four inches in circumference, and whose leaves were about three
inches separate from each other. Having done this> he could trace the fibre of
the wood proceeding from the base of the leaves, passing from this point to the
centre of the stem, at an angle of about 1 8 degrees. It then turned inwards and
outwards to within a few lines of the bark, forming an arc about two feet and a
half in length. The fibres of the wood were distinctly traced for some way up
into the substance of each leaf. Several Palms of varying age and size were
examined, and all exhibited the same appearance. The author then proceeded
to answer the following queries of Dr. Lindley in his work : — 1. Is the whole of
the lower part of the stems of Palms choked up by the multitude of descending
fibres ? Answer. — The fibres of the leaves do not descend from the upper leaves
to the bottom of the plant, but terminate at various distances, according to the
situation of the leaf; the fibres of the older leaves extending further than the
more recent ones.

Question 2. — Is the lower part of the bark harder and much more filled with
woody fibres than the upper ? Answer. — The fibres of the lower leaves being
longest, make the lowest portions of wood harder than those of the upper, by the
greater quantity of interlacement produced. The lower part of the stems of the
Palms is the only portion used by the natives of the country in which they grow
ior economical purposes.

Professor Lindley observed that this paper confirmed the views of the struc-
ture both of endogens and exogens, which had been increasingly embraced by
botanists. In the first place, the views of Mohl on the structure of endogens
were confirmed. There was, however, a slight difference between Mr. Gardner
and Professor Mohl ; the latter having stated that the woody fibres of endogens
terminated in their cortigal integument, whilst the former had traced them only
within a few lines of this point. In the next place, the paper confirmed the
theory of the formation of wood from the emanation of fibres from the leaves.
Whatever might be the difference between the arrangement of the fibres of exo-
gens and endogens, there could be no doubt that their origin was the same. Mr.
Gardner had referred, in his paper, to the glandular disks on the woody fibre
that were, at one time, thought to characterize the order Coniferce. He, would,
however, draw the attention of the Section to a fact that had lately been dis-
covered, and not hitherto published, that these glandular disks existed on all the
woody fibres of plants that yielded resinous matter. Brown first discovered
them in the wood of Tasmannia ( Winteracece), and Griffiths had since demon-
strated them in Sphcerostema ( Schizandrece).

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION,

433

r-O/

i-OJ

'—CD

In the accompanying diagram (Pig. 1.) we have
endeavoured to shew the course of the fibres in
the stem of Palms, as given by Mr. Bowman.
a. a. a. leaves from which the fibres proceed, b.
a fibre proceeding throughout its whole length,
but terminating in the bark as supposed by
Mohl.

Mr. Nevan read a paper on the results of some
experiments performed by him, on certain points
of Vegetable Physiology.

The experiments were performed on Elms, forty
years of age, in February, 183G.

Experiment 1. — The stem of the tree was de-
nuded, in a circle, of its cortical integument alone,
leaving the alburnum and cambium beneath unin-
jured. On the May following the denuded part
was filled up by the exudation of bark and wood
from the upper surface of the wound, and the
tree had not suffered in growth.

2. — The bark and cambium, without injuring
the alburnum, were removed in the same manner.
In August 1837, this tree sickened, and there was
no formation of wood or bark in the wounded part. Two developments, how-
ever, took place, one from above, the other from below ; the former having the
appearance of roots, the latter were branches with leaves.

WtfL

Appearance of Elms, in second Experiment, as
exhibited to the Association.

434 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

3. The bark and two layers of alburnum were cut away. The tree was at the
time unhealthy ; it, however, put forth its leaves on that and the ensuing spring,
but shortly after died. No sap was observed above or below the wounded part.
Roots were developed from the upper, and branches from the lower part of the
section.

4. The bark and six layers of alburnum were taken off. The tree became
much less vigorous, but did not die, and otherwise presented the same appear-
ance as the last.

5. The bark and twelve layers of alburnum were stripped. The consequences
were again similar to the last two ; the alburnum above and below the cut being
dry, but an accidental cut that penetrated into the heart-wood exuded sap.

6. This was a repetition of the experiment of Palisot de Beauvais, but on a
much larger scale, by cutting away a circular ring of bark around a single branch.
The branch continued to grow, and roots sprouted from the under surface of the
isolated bark and branch.

7. In this the whole of the wood of the tree was cut away, except four pillars,
composed of bark and sap-wood. In this case the sap first appeared from above,
descending by the pith, and then from the heart-wood, the alburnum being dry.
In this case the sap must have passed up the alburnum, and horizontally through
to the heart- wood.

Mr. Nevan inferred from these experiments — 1. That the life of the tree does
not depend on the liber or cambium. 2. A descent of sap takes place before the
development of leaves. 3. That new matter arises from below ; which had not
previously been allowed. He thought there were two distinct principles in the
tree, — one the ascending, or leaf-principle; the other the descending, or root
principle. Mr. Nevan had also performed some experiments on the conversion
of roots into branches, and came to the conclusion that buds or branches might
be developed from any part of the root above its extreme end, from which point
it was impossible for buds to be developed.

Professor Lindley remarked that these experiments confirmed entirely the
theory of the structure of wood adopted by Du Petit Thouars. He did not
think that the existence of any new principle could be inferred from the experi-
ments. In the seventh experiment the horizontal circulation of the sap was
proved, which confirmed the accuracy of Hale's experiment, in which he cut a
tree on alternate sides, almost through, and found the sap still ascended perfectly
well. With regard to buds proceeding from roots, their occasional formation on
these parts had long been well known, and they might always be certainly
developed where the roots assumed the situation or character of the stem. He
then alluded to a plant lately brought to Europe (Cissus hydrophora) in which
the fibres of wood, as they descended from the leaves, separated in the form of

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION". 435

network, and gave a strong confirmation to the theory of the formation of wood

of Du TETIT THOUARS.

Mr. Gray then made some remarks on a few rare Mammalia in the Liverpool
Philosophical Museum. 1. A new species of Otter from Brazil, intermediate
between the genera Lutra and Enkydra. It possessed broad flat feet and tail,
and flat head, but not so marked as in the marine Otter, and much more so than
the land Otter. 2. A young specimen of the Hysena of New Holland (Tkyla-
cinns cynocepkalus), perhaps the only one in Great Britain. 3. Two specimens
of the Antelope Philantomba, which had only been described from a young speci-
men in the British Museum, and on this account the size had been un-
known. One of these specimens, being fully grown, determined that point.
4. Vivcrra Linsans, a rare animal, only known in this country through a bad
specimen brought from Java, and called Felis Javanensis. 5. Pkoca lemura,
1 2 feet long, being a very fine specimen, and probably one of the largest Seals in
a preserved state in this country. — Mr. Gray observed that all these animals
were acquisitions to science, and would be valued as such by the zoologists pre-
sent. He also observed on the inducement it offered for further exertions on the
part of local museums.

Professor Lindley then read a paper on a new plant, belonging to the natural
order Nympkceacece, that had lately been introduced to the attention of botanists
by M. Schomburgh, agentof the Geographical Society of London ; but, he was
sorry to say, only drawings of the plant had at present been obtained. He read
an account given by M. Schomburgh of his discovery of it. (See report of Bo-
tanical Society, in our current number.) He also made some observations on the
structure of this plant, and proposed to give it the name Victoria regalis. He
concluded by stating that he hoped the opportunities afforded by the trade of
Liverpool with America would soon be the means of introducing this truly splen-
did exotic to our shores.

Wednesday. — Some papers were read, and subjects discussed arising out of
questions which had occupied the meetings on preceding days, before the room
was opened for the [reception of visitors. As our pages are intended for general
perusal we shall not give an account of this portion of the business of the sec-
tion.

The Rev. James Yates was requested to read the Report of Dr. Daubeny on
the cultivation of plants under glasses without ventilation.

In the latter end of last April, the Doctor introduced into globular glasses, co-
vered over with bladder, three several sets of plants. In the first were Solum,
Lobelia, &c. ; in the second, Primula, Alchemilla, &c. ; in the third, Armeria,
Sempervivum, &c. At the end of ten days the plants were healthy, and had
grown. The air in the jars was examined, when it was found that the first and

436 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

second had 4 per cent, more oxygen than the atmosphere, and the third 1 per
cent. more. This was the result of examination during the day, but at night the
excess of oxygen had disappeared. On the eleventh day the first jar contained
2 per cent., the second and third 1 per cent, excess of oxygen. At night there
was less oxygen than in the atmosphere. On the 20th of June the following
results were obtained : in first jar 2| per cent., in second jar 3i per cent., and in
third jar 4 per cent, less oxygen than in atmospheric air. Some experiments were
then made to determine the rate of access of air to the plants through the blad-
der, and it was found that when the jars were filled with oxygen, the average
rate at which it escaped till the internal air was like that of the atmosphere, was
1 1 per cent, daily.

Professor Lindley then read a paper by Mr. Ward on the same subject. The
Professor observed that Mr. Ward, of Wellclose Square, London, had made
many experiments on the subject of keeping plants in unventilated vessels, and
was the original proposer of the plan for preserving plants in this manner. The
discovery of their being able to be thus preserved, was of great practical import-
ance, as it enabled us to bring plants from foreign climates that could in no other
way be introduced into this country. The paper commenced, " Consider the
Lilies how they grow." The attention of the author was first directed to this
point by accident. He had placed under an inverted jar a chrysalis, and on
looking at it some time after, he found a Fern and a blade or two of grass had
grown under the jar, the sides of which appeared to be covered with moisture.
Taking the hint, he introduced some plants of Hymenophyllum under a jar,
which grew and flourished in this situation. The Messrs. Loddige then enabled
him to perform some experiments on a larger scale. The plants were inclosed in
glass cases, or small green-houses, made tight with paint and putty, but, of
course, not hermetically sealed, and were watered once in five or six weeks.
From his experiments the author came to the following conclusions : — First,
that confining the air secured a more equal temperature for plants, as its expan-
sion and contraction by change of external temperature, by its relation to heat in
those states, prevented any great or sudden change. This was remarkably
exemplified in some plants that were brought from India, which were in the
course of three months successively exposed to 20°, 120°, and 40° of Fahren-
heit. The enclosed plants were very frequently found surrounded by a temper-
ature higher than the external atmosphere. Secondly, that Vascular plants
required to be grown in a greater quantity of air than Cellular. Thirdly, that
light must be freely admitted. Fourthly, that the enclosed air must be kept
humid. This can be done by occasional watering, provided any means of escape
for the water are allowed, but is not necessary where the water has no means of
escape. Besides the advantage of enabling us to bring plants from abroad, it

PROCEEDINGS OP THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 437

would also furnish to the physiological botanist the means of observing those oper-
ations of Nature in his study, for which, before, he had been obliged to resort to
the forest and the plain. As an instance, the author had been enabled to observe
the rapid growth of a Phallus fcetidus, by merely devoting to it a few hours of
the night. The writer concluded by suggesting that this mode of preserving tro-
pical productions might be extended from the vegetable to the animal king-
dom.

Professor Lindley also read a letter from the Messrs. Loddige to Mr. Ward,
etating that in every case in which his instructions had been attended to, fo-
reign plants had arrived in a state of safety.

The Rev. J. Yates read a paper on the same subject. The Committee of the
section of Natural History, wishing to make an experiment, on a large scale,
which might be exhibited at the meeting of the British Association in Liverpool,
a green-house, 9 feet by 18 in dimensions, and with a southern aspect, had been
erected in the yard of the Mechanics' Institute, in Mount-street. It was stocked
with foreign plants of all kinds, to the number of about 80 species. A list of
the plants, and observations on their condition and progress, by Mr. Murray, of
Liverpool, was laid upon the table. The general result of the experiment was,
that the plants had flourished perfectly well, being in a vigorous and healthy
state, without any extraordinary growth. Many of them had flowered, and
Canna and some Ferns had ripened seed. The green-house had no flue, and no
provision for any artificial heat. It was judged best to construct it without a
flue, both as least expensive, and for the purpose of trying, by a fair experiment,
to what extent plants might in this state be kept alive, even during the severity
of winter, which would certainly die if fresh air were more freely admitted. It
was also to be observed, that nothing had been done to prevent the water from
escaping through the yellow sandstone rock, on which the green-house was erected,
and hence it had been necessary to give the plants occasionally a fresh supply of
water.

Mr. Gray stated that he had grown Droseras under glass jars : one circum-
stance with regard to them he thought worthy of remark, their leaves did not
turn red, as is usual when exposed to the atmosphere. Professor Graham observed
that although in Mr. Ward's experiments atmospheric air had been admitted, he
did not think it essential to the welfare of the plant. Plants grown in this man-
ner only required a glass large enough to contain a sufficient quantity of air, to
permit of the absorption of oxygen without deteriorating the air of the vessel to
such an extent as to injure the plant. The want of red in the leaves of Drosera,
he thought, depended on the presence of moisture. A singular point was, that
the plants growing naturally in arid soils and climates, flourished in the humid

No. 14, Vol. II. 3 m

438 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION,

•and confined atmosphere of the closed jars. He had placed under jars completely
closed some plants of Cacti, which had flourished more than those now so situ-
ated. He did not think that animals could be sustained in the same manner, as
they consumed all the oxygen which they inspired. — Dr. Travers remarked that
he had seen common Mould, which was a species of Fungus, in a tube which had
been heated and hermetically sealed for two years.-^Mr. Bowman had observed
that Droseras did not under the jars change the colour of their leaves as in open
air. He wished to know of Dr. Graham, how long his Cacti had lived in a moist
atmosphere ; they were naturally at certain seasons of the year exposed to heavy
rains. He thought it was very possible for plants and animals to live together.
— Mr. Duncan inquired, if plant3 were healthy and fit to be transplanted to the
open air, when treated in this manner.- — Professor Graham stated, that the
Cacti had lived without accession to air eighteen months. He believed that
plants and animals might live together, provided the vessel in which they were
inclosed was sufficiently large to enable the plants to absorb the carbonic acid gas
expired by the animals. This would be a representation in miniature of what
takes place in our own world. — Professor Lindlet, in reply to Mr. Bowman's
question, stated that plants suffered little when confined in carefully closed ves-
sels. From improper treatment they may become debilitated, but he had seen
them arrive from foreign countries, when treated in this manner, in the most per-
fect state of health. Want of skill in the management of those brought from
abroad was the most frequent cause of injury. Too much water was frequently
given to plants when just packed. They had better be placed in too dry, than in
too moist, an atmosphere. He had seen this illustrated in plants from India ;
plants exposed to too much moisture rotted very soon. He thought the change
of colour in the leaves of plants depended on their free exposure to light : the
Droseras mentioned had not been exposed to the free access of light ; this was
certainly the case with the Droseras at Chatsworth, and those of Mr. Gray. The
discovery of Mr. Ward was not only important in enabling us to import foreign
plants, but it also rendered the ventilation of green-houses less necessary, and
would enable gardeners to manage the artificial climate of their hot-houses with
less difficulty. The fact that cellular plants grow best under this mode of treat-
ment was well established. — Professor Graham stated that the order in which he
had found plants to grow best, was, 1. Lycopodiums; 2. Grasses; and 3. Be-
gonias.

Mr. Pooley then made a few remarks on some Swallows which he had found
■embedded in ice in Germany. He thought this fact involved the probability of
the hybernation of these birds. A discussion arose, in which Mr. Allis, Mr.
Selby, and Professor Jones, pointed out the impossibility of animals so

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 430

high in the scale of organisation as the Swallow being capable of hyber-
nating.*

Mr. Gould exhibited several drawings of birds, and proceeded to make some
remarks on the family Trogonidce. Tnis family, he stated, might be regarded as
strictly tropical, as by far the greater number of the species inhabited South
America ; none of those inhabiting Asia and Africa having any specific relation
with those of America. It is a remarkably isolated group, no direct affinity with
other forms having been discovered. In organization and economy they are
perhaps nearest the Caprimulgidce. They inhabit the most retired and gloomy
forests, remaining secluded during the day, and appearing at night ; evening and
morning being the only time in which they take their prey. They usually feed
on insects, capturing them during flight, but sometimes they feed on berries.
They incubate in the holes of trees, and, like the majority of Fissirostral birds,
produce white eggs. The tribe present among themselves but little difference of
structure. There are, however, well marked divisions according to their geogra-
phical range. Mr. Swainson divides them into five minor groups, Trogon,
Harpactes, Apaloderma, Temnurm, and Calurus. The species of bird that Mr.
Gould presented before the Section belonged to the latter group, and he proposed
to call it Calurus Peruvianus. This subgenus comprises the most beautiful
birds of the whole family, and perhaps in the creation ; it contains five species,
only one of which until lately had been characterized. The present species,
although it has not the lengthened upper tail feathers of the C. resplendens,
(which was exhibited), yet its relations to that species were sufficiently obvious.

Dr. Vigors, M.P., remarked on the necessity of not. only knowing the structure
and plumage of birds, but also their general economy, in order to arrange them
in a proper manner. The kind of food this family, the Trogonidce, partook of,
would, in a great measure, determine their relations. They appeared to stand
between the Scansorial and Fissirostral birds. Their feeding and colour brought
them near to the latter group, but their powers of wing were not so great.

Mr. Bickersteth then presented some milk that had been obtained from the
Galactodendron utile, the Cow-tree of Humboldt.

* We wonder at this subject being seriously discussed by the members of the Section, as
there exist so many facts proving the impossibility of birds hybernating. There is nothing re-
markable in a bird living for a few days imbedded in ice ; all animals (even Man) will bear to be
surrounded for many days with ice or snow which never have a temperature less than 32°. Some
of the members inquired how could the animals respire ? We believe that ice contains air and is
pervious to the atmosphere, and thus afforded an abundant supply to maintain the low state
of vitality in which the Swallows must have existed. The notice of Swallows issuing from Gras-
mere Lake, in The Naturalist, p. 381, requires a more minute and definite description of the
circumstances before the occurrence can be looked upon as a fact.

3m2

440 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

The milk was handed round to the members ; it smelt sour, an d tasted bitter
and disagreeable.

Dr. Traill related that he had obtained from Caraccas some milk of a
reputed species of Galactodendron ; it kept very well, and at the end of six
months was quite sweet. It differed from the milk of the Cow-tree of Hum-
boldt in not possessing Caoutchouc.

Mr. Sandbach exhibited two new birds from the museum of the Royal Insti-
tution, Liverpool, and proposed calling them Pyronites superciliosu, and Parus
melanotus.

Mr. Forbes read a paper on some new forms of animals and plants. He ex-
hibited two new mollusca of the order Nudibranchia. The first allied to Doris
pinnatifida, Montagu, the second to D. longicornis and T). ceerulea of the same
author. They were both from the Isle of Man. The next animal was the
Asterias rubens of Johnston, which, he stated, was not Asterias spinosus of
Link, as had been supposed. This rare animal had been lately obtained by Mr.
Wallace, of the Douglas museum, Isle of Man. He also exhibited two spe-
cimens of Polygala and Euphrasia, which he thought might be found to be
distinct species of those genera.

Professor Graham stated that Dr. Macnab had lately added to the Scotch
Flora, 1. A new species of Arenaria, 2. Lathyrus pisifolius, 3. Cochlearia
Anglica.

There was no meeting on Thursday, in order to enable the members to visit
the collections of the Earl of Derby, at Knowsley.

Friday. — The meeting commenced this morning by Dr. Vigors proposing a
vote of thanks to the Earl of Derby for his liberality to the members who
visited Knowsley yesterday.

The President stated that he had a new plant to introduce to the section, and
which he had discovered on the body of a dead Fly on a window-sill in Liverpool.
He observed that the appearance this gave to the Fly had not escaped the
notice of Kirby, who had ascribed it to a kind of plethora in the insect. He
was convinced, however, that it was a plant, and he believed at present unde-
scribed. It was an interesting fact, as we had now positive evidence of the
capability of the vegetable and animal kingdom living parasitically on each other,
as well as on themselves. Plants living on plants, animals on animals, and
animals on plants, have been long known, but now we have the singular fact of
plants living on animals. They must be called Epizooites.

Professor Lindley stated, through the President, that a disease called " Mus-
cardine," had existed among the Silk- worms of France, which had occupied the

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 441

ttention of the Academie des Sciences, and this was supposed to arise from a
parasitic plant upon the animaL He thought the present plant was a species of
the genus Botrytis*

Mr. Mallett read a paper on " The power possessed by Aged Trees to repro-
duce themselves from the centre of the Trunk."

He observed that trees, at a certain period of their growth, became decayed
and hollow in the centre. This process was frequently followed by the splitting
up of the trees, so as to make it resemble several trees, instead of one. He then
described this process as arising from the power the bark possessed of depositing
new wood, when the old became decayed. The new wood thus deposited, be-
coming covered also with fresh deposited bark, was the cause of the entire
removal of some parts of the old bark, and the formation of the separate trunks
alluded to. But the process did not stop here, as the deposition of wood kept on,
and frequently filled up the interior of the tree, that had been formerly decayed.
The centre of the tree appearing to be filled up with " liquid wood." In proof
of his views, the author exhibited several drawings of old trees, as the Mulberry
at Battersea, the Cobham Chesnut, the Fortingal Yew, &c. — Mr. Mallett also
exhibited some very fine specimens of crystallized Haematine, the colouring
principle of the Logwood tree ( Hcematoxylon Campeachianum.)

Professor Henslow differed from Mr. Mallett ; he had seen tree grow within
tree, and was more inclined to attribute it to the accidental deposition of a seed
within the old tree, than to any deposition of new wood. According to Mr.
Mallett, the growth of trees might be eternal, but this was an unphilosophical
assumption. — Mr. Duncan stated, in confirmation of Professor Henslow's views,
that he had seen a Sycamore growing within a Lime.

Professor Graham stated that he had lately seen an instance in which the
branch of one Fir tree had been transferred to another, by the union of the wood
of the two branches, which had been accidentally brought together, and subse-
quently separated. He had seen also a Beech and Horse Chesnut united, and
another instance of union between the Ash, Elm, and Holly. He thought it
impossible that the fluids of the different trees in these cases should be trans-
mitted generally through the united trunks. There must be, however, organic
connexion between these trees, and he was puzzled to know the kind of union
that existed. — Professor Henslow doubted whether organic connexion existed in
the cases related ; a very close approximation might take place, but he questioned
the possibility of an organized interval.

* The dead flies in the town of Liverpool assumed generally the appearance adverted to by the
President, and an eminent comparative anatomist, to whom we mentioned it afterwards, stared
his belief that it was some excrescence [arising from disease in the fly. He remarked that it
always occurred in the same spot and on both sides of the fly.

442 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

Mr. J. Smith exhibited to the meeting two species of undescribed shells of the
genera Fusus and Serpula.

A paper was announced, but not read, by the Rev. J. Reade, " On the solid
Materials found in the Ashes of Plants and animals."

Professor Lindley made some remarks " On the structure and affinities of
Orobanchacece." He stated that this order had been usually placed near Scro-
phulariacece, and in his Natural System he had included it in the Scrophulal
alliance. In their didynamous stamens, superior ovary, and monopetalous
flowers, they resembled Scrophulariacece. Schultz had placed this order near
Gentianacece, on account of their fruit and placentation resembling those of this
order. Other botanists had placed Orobanchacece near Monotropacece, on account
of their membranaceous foliage and parasitical habits. One important point in
which they differed from Scrophulariacece, was the position of their carpels, with
respect to the axis of inflorescence. In Orobanchacece the carpels were right and
left, or perpendicular to the axis, While in Scrophulariacece they were fore and
aft, or parallel to the axis. This pointed out another affinity with Gentianacece,
which had its carpels in the same position. With regard to its affinity to
Monotropa, there was a point which had been much overlooked by botanists, the
presence and absence, or large and small quantity, of albumen in the seeds of
plants ; he had found this a very constant character, and one of the best for
indicating the affinities of plants. Both Monotropacece and Orobanchacece were
distinguished for a minute embryo, lying in a large quantity of albumen. Mono-
tropacece was a polypetalous order, but its structure generally compelled botanists
to place it amongst monopetalous plants, near Pyrolacece and Ericaceae. He
remarked, by the way, that the division of plants according to the presence or
absence, cohesion or non-cohesion, of the petals, was very artificial, and hoped
that it would soon be abandoned. He thought that the affinities of Orobanchacece
were stronger with Monotropacece, Pyrolacece, and Gentianacese, than with any
other orders. The Professor then made some remarks " On the Placentation
of Orobanche," which he said had made him doubt the correctness of the present
theory of the situation of the placenta. It was generally supposed that the
seat of the placenta in the carpellary leaf was its margin, so that it would be
necessarily placed alternating with the dorsal suture or pistil. Exceptions, how-
ever, frequently occur, as in Parnassia, Papaveracece, &c. ; and the placenta is
spread over the whole surface of the carpellary leaf, or on various parts of it.
In the carpels of Orobanche there are evidently two placentae, but having no
communication with the margin of the carpellary leaf. He therefore inferred
that any part of the surface of the carpellary leaf might become ovulized. He
was borne out in his opinion by the fact that leaves which occasionally produce
buds, produce them from all parts of their surface, as seen in Ornithogalum,

PROCEEDINGS OP THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION". 443

Nymphcea, Btttomus, &c. ; the production of buds on leaves and ovules in
carpels being analogous processes.

The jaws of a very large Shark, and some oil from its liver, with a specimen
of Goliathus magnus, were exhibited. This is the largest species of insect
known, measuring three or four inches in length, and one and a half in breadth.
It is also very rare, only three specimens existing at the present time in the
cabinets of Europe.

The President observed that he believed this insect to be Goliathus giganteus.
It was one of the rarest insects known. It had been offered for sale at the price
of fifty guineas, and he had himself offered twenty guineas for a specimen. It
belonged to the family of the Cetonidce. This family was one of the most ex-
tensive and best known groups of insects that we possessed, and afforded the
best opportunities for acquiring ideas of general arrangement. It contained 600
species, only six of which were British. The family Buprestidae perhaps equalled
them in numbers. He then made some remarks on the forms of the section
Goliathides. They might be reduced to five principal forms of structure ; the
four first characterized by the forms of their labium, the last by the situation of
its epimera.

The President then exhibited some wood from the new pier at Southampton,
that had been attacked by the Limnoria terebrans. He had been applied to by
Captain Du Cane, mayor of Southampton, for his opinion as to what was the
best course to be pursued, as the existence of the pier was threatened by these
devastating animals. He had recommended that stone be substituted in the pier
for wood. He believed that this was the only plan, for wherever wood was
exposed to the gentle action of salt water, these crustaceous animals attacked it.
They never attacked wood exposed to the more violent action of the waves of
the sea.

The Rev. F. W. Hope stated that a memoir had been published on this
subject by Mr. Coldstream, in the last volume of the Transactions of the Ento-
mological Society. He had heard that Kyanised wood was not attacked by
White Ants, and he thought it might be applied to prevent the attacks of these
terebrating animals. These remarks led to a general conversation on the subject
of preserving wood from the attacks of insects and Crustacea, as well as the
bottoms of vessels from the adhesion of plants.

Mr. Francis stated that sap-wood, exposed to the action of chloride of mercury,
became as durable and fit for use as the heart-wood.

Mr. Gray then introduced to the attention of the meeting several new species
of the shells of Gasteropoda. He observed that not a day passed in Liverpool
but he found some new or undescribed species of animal, and he trusted this fact
would awaken the naturalists of Liverpool, if there were any, to a sense of the

444 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

splendid opportunities their port afforded, of extending our acquaintance with
both the animal and the vegetable kingdom. The first was a new genus of land
shell, intermediate between Helix and Anostoma. 2ndly, Several new species
which he designated as follows : — Achatina Funita, Carocolla JHomarginata^
from India, and Paludina Yatesii, one of the largest and most beautiful
species of this elegant genus. He then introduced a species of Unto, new to
this country, and discovered by Mr. Gilbertson, of Preston, a zealous and ex-
emplary naturalist, at Broughton, near Craven, in Yorkshire. The species was
Unto Roysii.

Dr. Vigors stated that he was sorry not to be able to read his paper " On the
Classification of Birds" to the Section, at their present meeting. He was not
sufficiently prepared to lay before them, distinctly, his views on this important
subject. He stated that he should have had great pleasure in doing so, on account
of the presence of their honoured President, whose philosophic views of the
arrangement of the Animal Kingdom he had endeavoured to apply to his classifi-
cation of birds.

The Rev. F. W. Hope exhibited some rare insects he had found in the col-
lection of Mr. Melly, of Liverpool. The first was a female specimen of the Che-
loderma Childreni. The second Chiasognathus Grantii> and the third a very
curious species of Curculio.

Other papers had been announced, but as the time for closing approached, they
were postponed.

The President then took a general survey of the subjects on which they had
been occupied. He pointed out the importance of the inquiries in which the
section had been engaged. This section bore on all, and the investigations which
they met to pursue, were essential to improvement in other branches of science.
It was this Section alone that could explain the anomalous results of the experi-
ments of a Crosse; it was this Section alone that could decipher the fossil
hieroglyphics discovered by the geologist ; and it was to this Section that the
medical philosopher must repair for obtaining rational and philosophic views of
the phenomena of both healthy and diseased bodies. He trusted that the meet-
ings of the Association would be the means of directing increased attention to
these branches of science, by shewing to the public the practical value of their
investigations.

[We have supplied a full report of the Section of Natural History at the
British Association, as we have been enabled, with the kind assistance of a
gentleman who attended the meetings, not only to correct the errors of previous
accounts, but likewise to add much new and interesting matter, not hitherto
presented to the public. — Ed.]]

445

PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

June 14. — Rev. W. Whewell, Pres., in the chair. — A letter was read,
addressed to C. Lyell, Esq., from Dr. M'Clelland, who had been associating
with Mr. Griffith in the scientific expedition sent by the Indian government
under the direction of Dr. Wallich, to investigate the Natural History of the
country, and the circumstances under which the Tea plant is found wild in
Upper Assam.

Some high land was seen between the channels of the Ganges and Burram-
pooter rivers, at the foot of the Kossiah Mountains, or that portion called
Garrow-hills ; rounded knolls are interspersed throughout the partially inundated
plain, and are composed of layers of sands, clays, gravels, and boulders, appearing
to be the remains of a talus of great extent, which had been partially swept
away by the great hill streams. The foot of the mountains is composed of a
rock in which Nummulites are found. On ascending the mountain acclivity over
limestone and sandstone rocks to Cherra Ponji (a station established at an eleva-
tion of above 5,000 feet, and reaching a height of 1,500 feet above the level of
the sea), the author discovered a stratum filled up with shells and marine exuviae
two feet thick, reposing upon sandstone and covered by soil, which resembled a
well-defined marine beach. Several hundred specimens were, and many thou-
sands might have been, obtained. The species were about 100 in number, and
when compared with about an equal number from the Paris basin, no less than
twenty species were found to be identical in the two collections.

The sandstone higher up the mountains than this deposit, contained impres-
sions of shells and other organic remains. On this sandstone reposes a deposit of
compact limestone, from which 37 species of shells were extracted, consisting of
species of Trockites, Ceritkioe, Mediolce, and of Pileolus plicatus, Sowerby. On
this formation reposes a bed of coal to the depth of about twenty or thirty feet,
in which remains of an exogenous plant were found.

On crossing the mountain towards the centre of the group, the sandstone on
which the limestone and coal rest at Cherra Ponji was found for 15 or 18 miles,
forming in horizontal lofty undulating lands. Beyond this the strata displayed
marks of confusion, and in the first deep river valley, a mass of greenstone was
found with the adjoining sandstone tilted up in highly-inclined tabular masses,
and compact and glassy in the neighbourhood of the greenstone.

Beyond this (the Bogapani) all traces of sandstone disappear, and the centre
of the mountains from Mufiong to the highest ridges is composed of syenite.

No. 14, Vol.11. 3n

446 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Granular quartz in slaty and vertical strata is found in contact with this, and
displaying progressive changes to the sandstone. The northern side of the
mountains from Muflong into Assam is composed of granular, foliated felspar
penetrated by quartz veins. Extensive bed3 of syenite and central nuclei of
granite are found as far as the valley of Lower Assam. Hot and salt springs
were met with. It was at the base of the mountains that fossil bones were
observed by the late Mr. Scott. The author also collected about 160 species of
the animals, chiefly birds, of the forest of Assam, as well as 120 species of the
fishes of the Burrampooter.

A paper was then read on the remains of a fossil Monkey from the tertiary
strata of the Sewalik Hills, in the north of Hindostan, by Capt. P. T. Cautley,
F.G.S., Bengal Artillery, and Hugh Falconer, M.D., Bengal Medical Service.

In this communication the authors minutely describe, and compare with that
of Semnopithecus entellus, an astragalus which had been found in the fossil state,
as already mentioned in the letter from Capt. Cautley to Dr. Royle. Though
they have for some time possessed this specimen, they were unwilling to risk the
announcement on any thing less characteristic than the cranium and teeth,
Messrs. Baker and Dura, of the Bengal Engineers, have since found a consider-
able portion of the face, and the whole series of molars of a quadrumanous
animal, belonging to a much larger species than theirs. The fossil astragalus is
that of the right hind leg, and was sent, as well as that of a recent S. entellus,
with the paper. The former was completely mineralized, having a specific
gravity of about 2.8, and appearing to be impregnated with hydrate of iron.
Although only a solitary bone of the foot, the relations of structure are so fixed,
that the identity of the fossil is as certain as if the entire skeleton had been found.
This astragalus closely resembles in size and general form that of the recent
Semnopithecus entettus, but the points of difference are sufficient to leave no
doubt about a difference of species.

In the debris or different beds of the formation which yielded to the quadru-
manous fossil astragalus, the authors have also discovered the remains of a species.
of Anoplotherium, also of the Crocodile and Gavial, which now inhabit the
Ganges. The Camel, Antelope, and Anoplotherium have been exhumed from
the same bed. The Elephant, Mastodon, Hippopotamus, Rhinoceros, Hog, and
Horse, have been found in the same formation with the Sivatherium giganteum,
armed with four enormous sheathed horns ; with these have been found several
Carnivora. Of the feathered tribes there are huge Grallce — of reptiles, besides
those already mentioned, there are other Crocodiles and Testudinata, both of
enormous size.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 447

BOTANICAL SOCIETY.
Sept. 7.— J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., Pres., in the chair.— The Secretary read a
communication from Mr. R. H. Schomburgh, Corresponding Member of the Geo-
graphical Society, dated New Amsterdam, Berbice, May 11, 1837, on a new-
genus allied to the Nymph ule or " Water-lily " (Nymp/icea), named Victoria
regalis, by permission of her Majesty. The communication was accompanied by
magnificent drawings of the plant, one half the natural size, which may be seen
at the rooms of the Society on any of the nights of meetings. The following ac-
count is extracted from Mr. Schomburgh's paper: — " It was on Jan 1. this year,
while contending with the difficulties Nature opposed in different forms to our
progress up the river Berbice (in British Guiana), that we arrived at a point
where the river expanded and formed a currentless basin : some object on the
southern extremity of this basin attracted my attention — it was impossible to
form any idea what it could be, and animating the crew to increase the rate of
paddling, shortly afterwards we were opposite the object which had raised my
curiosity, — a vegetable wonder 1 All calamities were forgotten ; I felt as a bo-
tanist, and felt myself rewarded. A gigantic leaf, from five to six feet in dia-
meter, salver-shaped, with a broad rim of a light green above, and a vivid crim-
son below, resting upon the water : quite in character with the wonderful leaf
was the luxuriant flower, consisting of many hundred petals, passing in alternate
tints from pure white to rose and pink. The smooth water was covered with
them ; I rowed from one to another, and observed always something new to
admire. The leaf on its surface is of a bright green, in form orbiculate, with
this exception opposite its axis, where it is slightly bent in : its diameter mea-
sured from five to six feet : around the margin extended a rim, about three to
five inches high, on the inside light green like the surface of the leaf, on the
outside, like the leaf's lower part, of a bright crimson. The stem of the flower
is an inch thick near the calyx, and is studded with sharp elastic prickles, about
three quarters of an inch in length. The calyx is four-leaved, each upwards of
seven inches in length, and three in breadth at the base ; they are thick, white
inside, reddish-brown and prickly outside. The diameter of the calyx is twelve
to thirteen inches : on it rests the magnificent flower, which, when fully deve-
loped, covers completely the calyx with its hundred petals. When it first opens,
it is white with pink in the middle, which spreads over the whole flower the
more it advances in age, and it is generally found the next day of a pink colour ;
as if to enhance its beauty, it is sweet-scented : like others of its tribe it possesses
a fleshy disk, and petals and stamens pass gradually into each other, and many
petaloid leaves may be observed which have vestiges of an anther. We met
them afterwards frequently, and the higher we advanced the more gigantic they

3 n2

4-lS PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

became: we measured a leaf which was six feet five inches high, and the flower
across fifteen inches high. The flower is much injured by a coleopterous insect

( Thrineius ?), which destroys completely the inner part ; we have

counted from twenty to thirty in one flower."

Another paper on a new species of Loranthus (also accompanied by a highly-
finished drawing), named by Mr. Schomburgh Loranthus Smgtkii, in honour of
Lady James Carmichael Smyth,* a great admirer of Botany, was also read. —
The thanks of the Society having been ordered to be returned to Mr. Schom-
burgh for his kind assistance, he was unanimously elected a Foreign Member. —
The meeting was then adjourned till Thursday, Oct, 9.t

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Sept. 5. — Two communications were read before the Society, viz. " Notes on
the Cultivation of the Chlidanthus fragrans by the Rev. J. Belfield," and
" Observations on the Vegetation of Seeds after boiling, by William Wells,
Esq." A silver Knightian medal was awarded to Mrs. Marryatt, F.H.S., for
the collection of plants exhibited by her, and silver Banksian medals were also
given for the seedling Dahlias from Mr. Ansell, of the Camden Town Nursery,
and for the Maltese Melon from Mrs. Nichols, of Hammersmith. We noticed
also Melons from an open-sided frame, from John Williams, Esq., C.M.H.S. ;
Peaches from J. A. Knight, Esq. ; a very fine sort of Fuchsia, named Fuchsia
fulgens, from Mr. John Lee ; a new sort of Barley of a blue colour, from Mr.
J. A. Henderson; some highly-finished drawings of Orchidacece, from Mrs.
Withers ; and some newly-invented artificial stone flower-pots from Mr. Stiff,
of Lambeth Walk. William Duckworth, Esq., and William Hawkins, Esq.,
were elected Fellows.

The report of the Meteorological Observations between the 15th of August and
the 5th of September, was as follows : —

Barom.— Highest, Aug. 24 30.206

Lowest, Sept. 1 29.363

Therm.— Highest, Aug. 17 87° Fahr.

Lowest, Sept. 4 40° Fahr.

Total amount of rain, 2.38 inches.

Sept. 19. — Remarks on the growth of Melons in open-sided frames, and on
two fruits this day exhibited, illustrating the above, from John Williams, Esq.,
C.M.H.S., were read. The above sort of frame, a figure and description of which

* Mr. Schomburgh seems determined that the ladies shall not be forgotten in his nomencla-
ture !— Ed.
f See The Athenaeum, No 515.

MISCELLANY- 449

is given in the last part of the Society's Transactions, is described by Mr. Wil-
liams to be peculiarly adapted to the growth of the Persian varieties of the Me-
lon, as well as to fruits of that species generally, on account of the greater ven-
tilation carrying off a larger portion of the watery exhalations of the plants.

A large silver medal was awarded to Mr. John Lee, for the Fuchsia fulgens ;
silver Knightian medals to Mrs. Marryatt, for the Hedychium Gardnerianum ;
and to Messrs. Chandler, for the Bignonia jasminoides ; and silver Banksian
medals to Mr. R. Buck, for Cannon Hall Muscat Grapes ; to Mrs. Lawrence,
for Gesneria rutila, &c. ; and to Messrs. Chandler, for Dahlias, this day exhi-
bited. The following was the Meteorological Report from September 5th to Sep-
tember 19th : —

Barom — Highest, Sept. 19 30.144

Lowest, Sept. 13 29.072

Therm— Highest, Sept. 17 71° Fahr.

Lowest, Sept. 5 39° Fahr.

Total amount of rain, 0.G9 inch.

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

ZOOLOGY.

The Red Squirrell (Sciurus vulgaris) a Carnivorous Animal. — A
friend of mine had in his garden an aviary in which he confined several of the
Fringillidce (or Finch family), with a pair of the Red Squirrel. Having several
times found one or two of the birds dead, which, from the wounds that were
apparent on the head and elsewhere, had evidently been killed by some animal,
he suspected that the Cat had seized them with her claws through the wires, and
therefore made the cage more secure from her attacks. Still the birds were des-
troyed, find my friend was considering in what manner the Cat could seize them,
when, on visiting the aviary a few days since, in the morning, he found the
Squirrels very busily engaged in eating one of their feathered companions. Still
he was doubtful whether the Squirrels had themselves slain the birds, and there-
fore left them in the cage for further trial. Their next meal consisted of two
more of the birds, which they devoured entirely, leaving the bones very tidily
picked. A second pair subsequently shared the same fate, when my friend,
thinking the game had lasted long enough, confined the depredators in another
cage. Now, although we must always reason very cautiously respecting the
habits of animals in a wild state from those of individuals kept in confinement,

450 MISCELLANY.

yet I am inclined to believe, from this occurrence, that Squirrels do occasionally
feed on young birds, especially as a similar carnivorous propensity is exhibited by
allied species. — Peter Rylands, Bewsey House, near Warrington, Sept. 26,
1837.

The Nest of Vespa Britannica. — We are informed, by the Rev. F. W.
Hope, F. R. S., that the Wasp's nest mentioned in No. xii., for September, p.
312, of The Naturalist, as having been found by Mr. Lankester, near Camp-
sail Hall, belongs to Vespa Britannica. — Ed.

Engraving of the Cirl Bunting. — The figure of the Cirl Bunting (Embc-
riza cirlus), at the beginning of our current number, was intended to illustrate
a paper on that bird by Mr. Blyth (No. xiii., p. 341 et seq.), for which, how-
ever, it arrived too late. E. cirlus is true to the Bunting type, as will be no-
ticed on comparing it with any familiar typical Emberiza, either British or fo-
reign. Its nearest approach is to E. citrinella. — Ed.

A live Toad embedded in Stone. — One of those curious facts the origin of which
remains unexplained, is believed to have taken place in the limestone quarry of
J. Johnson, Esq., near the cast iron bridge of the Earl of Morley, over Cat-
water. As the workmen were removing a quantity of dislodged limestone that
lay in the bottom of the quarry, they discovered a Toad, which when first seen
appeared to be but just removed from a state of torpidity. It is supposed that the
Toad had been an inmate of its lonely dwelling in the limestone rock, shut out from
all communication with the air we breathe, ever since its formation. One of the
animal's eyes was rather singular, being no larger than a pin's head, the other the
usual size. The Toad appeared to be of more than the ordinary dimensions. Jour-
nal.— [[Some naturalists altogether deny the possibility of a circumstance similar
to the above. Accounts of Toads, and even other animals, embedded in stone, not
unfrequently appear in the newspapers, but they are in general not sufficiently
authenticated, considering the interest of the subject. We, however, perceive no
such insurmountable barrier in the way of the thing as many appear to imagine.
The fact of so notoriously sluggish and long-lived a creature as the Toad being
most frequently the subject of these reported incarcerations, renders the occur-
rence at least possible. The chief obstacles appear to be the entire exclusion of
air, and the fearful length of time which the Toad must have remained in its
gloomy prison. In theory such an occurrence seems impossible. We believe,
however, that well-authenticated instances of it have happened ; it therefore only
remains to be ascertained, by experiment, whether this circumstance can or
cannot happen, and to draw inferences accordingly. — Ed. Nat.~\

Extraordinary Fowl's Egg. — An egg laid by a hen belonging to Mr. John
Lowe, of the Cheshire Cheese, Temple-Street, near Dale-Street, in this town,

OBITUARY. 451

Weighs three ounces and three quarters, and measures in circumference seven
inches and a quarter by six and a half. — Liverpool Standard.

The Portland Veneer (Crambus tentaculellus). — Why this insect is called
the Portland Veneer I am at a loss to know : whether from its having been
taken there or from the Duchess of Portland. There is one in Mus. Bentley,
taken at Coombe Wood, Surrey, by Mr. King, and I believe Sir P. Walker has
one, taken by Mr. Neale, and there should be one in the British Museum, ex
Mus. Portl. — J. C. Dale, Glanville's Wootton, Dorsetshire, July 9, 1837.

A Black Hare. — Early in the present month the Rev. Mr. Musters shot, in
Annesley Park, near Nottingham, a Hare which was entirely black. This is
considered a remarkable sporting incident. — Taunton Courier, Oct. 11. [We
have noticed jet black Rabbits in great numbers on several occasions, but we think
we never saw or heard of a black Hare. The latter species inclines, in its
natural state, more to varieties of a light hue ; and white, cream-coloured, or
grey Hares have not unfrequently fallen under our observation, some of them
being prettily marked. — Ed.]]

Engraving of the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo ispida.) — As far as regards
shape, I am fully disposed to admit that the representation of the Kingfisher
published in your last number (p. 387), is the best that has hitherto been pre-
sented to the public. It surprises me, however, a little that so eminent an artist
as Branston should still have given so " dumpy" an appearance to the bird, a
defect, I should think, which might easily have been obviated. I trust you will
excuse my noticing so trivial a circumstance, as it may prove useful on future
occasions. — J. B. Tatum, Lincoln, Oct. 13, 1837. [[Injustice to Mr. Branston,
to our readers, and to ourselves, we have caused an impression of the figure of
the Kingfisher to be struck off from the same block as before. This representa-
tion— which will be found at the beginning of our present No. — will amply prove
Mr. B. to have performed his part with his wonted success. — Mr. Tatum's note
reached us at the eleventh hour, and could not therefore be inserted in the
" Chapter of Criticism." — Ed.]

OBITUARY.

Joseph Sparshall, Esq., F.L.S., died, after a few days' illness, April 15, 1837,
at his residence in Norwich, aged 45. Though Entomology was his fort, Ornitho-
logy, and the Zoology of the district, claimed no small share of his attention. At
an early age he exhibited a fondness for collecting and observing the habits of the
lower classes of animals, which increased with his maturer years. He was

452 LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

destined for the medical profession, which, however, he never practised. While
a pupil at the Norwich Hospital he captured, at that institution, on July 22,
1809, a specimen of Odonestis pini, which is now in the British Museum. About
this time he became acquainted with other kindred spirits, among whom were
Joseph Hooker (brother to Sir William), Howard Sims, Richard Griffin, Rev.
J. Burrell, A. H. Haworth, Sir J. E. Smith, S. Wilkin, Rev. W. Kirby,
Rev. J. Skrimshire, J. Curtis, J. Scales, Dawson Turner, Dr. Leach, J. C.
Dale, Esq., J. F. Stephens, Lily Wigg, A. Macleay, Esq., &c, with all of
whom he kept up a friendly intercourse. In 1824 Mr. Sparshall, in conjunc-
tion with Mr. Wilkin, Mr. R. C. Taylor, Mr. Sothern, and Mr. S. Woodward,
originated the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, of which he continued an active
member until his death.

In his manner Mr. Sparshall was plain and unostentatious, of easy access,
and never appeared so happy as when aiding his fellow creatures. To any
individual — however humble his sphere — who exhibited a fondness for the study
of insects, he was ever ready to afford assistance, by his own experience, his
valuable cabinet, and his library ; and to those whose future prospects he felt an
especial interest in advancing, his exertions were unbounded, and his disinterested-
ness and kind-heartedness most exemplary. He was ever ready to afford relief
to the distressed, many of whom will have to lament the loss of a generous and
cheerful benefactor. Mr. Sparshall was the sixth member of his family who
had died within a few months. — Abridged from the Mag. Nat. Hist., No. X.,for
Oct. 1837.

On the 6th of July, 1837, Dr. James Woodforde, of Castle Carey, Somerset.
Dr. W. completed his medical studies at the University of Edinburgh, where he
graduated M.D. in 1825. The year previous he published a Catalogue of the
Indigenous Phenogamic Plants growing in the Neighbourhood of Edinburgh, —
the result of much industry, and a useful companion in botanical excursions. —
Can we suppose that in the motto prefixed to this work Dr. W. had the antici-
pation of his own brief .career ? 'iBrevi cadentia hcccce, Brevem docentne vitam ?"
—Mag. ofZool. and Bot., No. X., Oct. 1837.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

The second volume of Swainson's Birds of Western Africa is just published.
— The great length to which the report of the British Association has extended
in our present number, compels us to postpone notices of the Entomological Magi-
zine, No. xxi., a popular work on animals, by the Rev. W. Tiler, the Address
of Earl Stanhope to the Medico- Botanical Society, and many other publications.

MEALY LINNET.

REDPOLL LINNET.

THE NATURALIST.

ON THE MEALY LINNET (Linaria canescens, Gould.)

with remarks on the close affinity of particular species.

By Edward Blyth.

Within the range of Ornithology a number of inextricable little groups occur,
which, on a superficial view, most naturalists would be disposed to consider as con-
sisting of varieties merely of as many species ; but which, when numerous facts and
considerations that can be adduced come to be thrown into the scale of evidence,
induce us to suspend our judgment a while, and are finally apt to impress a full con-
viction (since the doctrine of transmutation of species is inadmissible) that veritable
specifical diversity does not absolutely require to be indicated by a single appreci-
able distinguishing character. Our native Barn Owl belongs to a group of this
description, as does also the Common Gallinule ; and it is not likely that orni-
thologists will ever be agreed as to the number of species which each of these
forms presents ; both are of general distribution, but exhibit modifications in
different parts of the globe, the value of which is variously estimated by sys-
tematists ; and the advocate for the opinion that such (often very slight) variations
are to be ascribed to local or climatal influence upon the descendants of the same
primitive stock, will not only find it impossible to fix the limits between his
species and varieties, and be compelled, by the most urgent analogies, to bring
obviously distinct species together, but, in following out his theory through the
entire series, will find it irreconcileable with numerous instances wherein the
very species (?) assumed to be thus variable prove to be dispersed over an exten-
sive area — embracing great climatal and other differences — without undergoing
any perceptible modification ; while, within a circumscribed range, and even in
the same locality, a plurality of those more or less distinguishable races occur,
the existence of which had been prematurely attributed to local causes.

It is only by taking a series of examples, illustrative of the grades of approxi-
mation from manifestly distinct species to such as are undistinguishable, that the
possible non-identity of certain of the latter becomes apparent ; that is to say,
the probability that some original races may have been alike. To expatiate on
the close similitude which many universally-acknowledged species display, would
be taxing the reader's patience to little purpose ; it is sufficient to refer to those
very numerous instances of species which, a few years back, were considered
to be mere varieties of each other, but which are now, by general consent,
admitted separately, — as the Waxwings, Crows, and Coots, of America

No. 15, Vol. II. 3 o

454 ON THE MEALY LINNET.

and Europe. Should there be any, however, still disposed to regard these as
mere varieties superinduced by the long-continued influence of external cir-
cumstances, we have only to recede another step, and place in juxta-position
- the Buboes, Woodcocks, and Bitterns, of the two Continents ; and after them
any two species of the same genus, however dissimilar, and whether inhabiting
different or the same localities. Or the (Jttestion may be fairly propounded, how
the European Sparrow Hawk comes to be represented by more than one closely-
allied species in the corresponding latitude of America, and the Kestril of that
continent by more than one analogous species in Europe ? — But as no one, in
fact, now hesitates to admit all the above-named species as really distinct — inas-
much as the contrary opinion is quite untenable — we may forthwith proceed to
the other extremity of the scale, and examine the claims of more intricately
approximate races to be ranked as species.

The remarkable parallelism subsisting between a large proportion of the
American and European birds is too obvious to have escaped the notice of the
most cursory observer. It obtains, less or more, throughout every group which
is common to the two continents ; and abounds in instances tending to support
the theory for which I contend. Thus, of twelve transatlantic species pertain-
ing to the typical primary division of the Ardeidce, or Heron family, corresponding
to the genus Ardea, as defined by Temminck, six are represented by as many
analogous races in Europe, and may be opposed to them, commencing with the
most diverse ; those on the left being the European species, and the right their
American representatives.

Botaurus stellaris. B. lentiginosus.

Ardea cinerea. A. herodias.

Ardeola minuta. A. exilis.

Egretta garzetta. E. candidissima.

Egretta alba. E. leuca.

Nycticorax Gardenii. N. Gardenii ?

Of the remaining species, the elegant European Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
can only, as belonging to the same restricted genus, be opposed to the magnificent
White Heron (A. occidentalis) : and the abnormally structured Egretta russata
and E. ralloides to the two dark-plumaged Egrets E. ccerulea and E. rvfescens ;
though the former also deviate from the pure unsullied white adult garb which
distinguishes the numerous typical representatives of the subdivision to which
they pertain. The fauna of Europe is deficient in species to counterbalance the
Ardea (?) virescens, Egretta (?) Ludoviciana, and aberrant Nycticorax violacea,
— of which the last-mentioned, as also the Bittern of America, have been met
with in England, wherefore the occurrence of a solitary instance or so of Nycti-
corax Gardenii (?) of the American dimensions (to be presently noticed) on this

ON THE MEALY LINNET. 455

side the water, cannot be adduced as satisfactorily conclusive evidence of its
identity with the European bird.

The two counter-ranged Bitterns, which are considerably the most unlike of
the several races thus posited, were regarded as mutual varieties by Dr. Latham ;
but are now, together with the six following, independently acknowledged, I
believe without a single dissentient. Some difference of opinion still exists as
to the establishment of Egretta leuca as distinct from E. alba, but the majority
of systematists certainly incline to the opinion that it is a separate species. The
Nightherons alone offer no difference of plumage ; and be it remarked that the
dissimilarity in this respect is but very inconsiderable in any of the foregoing
races, with the exception of the Bitterns ; that of structure being still less, and
the disparity of size trivial in some. The Nightheron of America, however, is
described by Wilson to measure "two feet four inches in length," and by
Nuttall " twenty-eight inches or upwards ;" whereas that of Europe, according
to Montagu, is only " twenty inches," and " twenty-one" as given by Mr. Jenyns.
Analogy with all the rest of the tribe would alone lead to the supposition that
these two races were distinct, even were not the above diversity so considerable.
Audubon indeed asserts that the American bird is subject to vary much in size ;
but I have repeatedly seen, in the London markets, a dozen or upwards of the
European race together, and could never discern any extraordinary inequality
among them. It will be necessary, however, to recur to this particular, which is
far from being unexplainable.

Let us, in turn, consider all the differential characters upon which systematists
proceed to distinguish species ; and which, in dead specimens, may be reduced to
three, — structure, size, and colour. In living birds, the notes, nidification, eggs,
and general habits, may likewise be taken into consideration ; though perhaps
merely as adjuncts to the former.

In the genus Tyrrhula, then, we have two races, the common European, and the
Japanese, which exactly resemble each other in size and structure, but differ slightly
(though perpetually) in colour ; also two European races, inhabiting the same
locality, which differ constantly and considerably in size, but in no other particu-
lar ; and the only invariable distinction prevailing between the African Elanus
melanopterus and American E. dispar, consists in the structure of the tail, the
outer feather of which is in the former rather the longest, and more than half an
inch shorter than the next in the latter.

In three of the four cognizable races of Crossbill, the plumage is absolutely
alike ; their only differences being those of size and comparative strength of con-
formation. Mr. MacGillivray has consequently brought them together as a
single species, having noticed (what, I believe, is pretty generally known) that
aged or at least old specimens of each successively less robust of these races are

3o2

456 ON THE MEALY LINNET.

scarcely, if at all, distinguishable from some that might be picked out from a
number of examples of the race immediately superior. Still, I cannot help
thinking that he is premature in thus uniting the three, as the great mass of
individuals are readily distinguishable, and as we have yet to learn whether their
song-notes are precisely similar, and indeed all that relates to the largest of them —
the Parrot Crossbill — in its living state ; besides which, of many American speci-
mens which I have examined, I have never seen one that equalled the average
size of the smaller European race, nor, of a considerable number of examples killed
on this side the Atlantic, have I hitherto observed any so small as in the average
size of the race inhabiting North America ; neither, among heaps of the ordinary
European Crossbill, has a single specimen occurred which had attained the normal
contour of L. pytiopsittacus: again, the existence of the closely-allied L. leucoptera,
which fails to exhibit corresponding variation to that implied by the union of the
other three as a single species, while it varies to the extent of either considered
separately, affords analogical evidence of the others being truly distinct ; and the
near resemblance of its plumage, also, excepting merely the white upon the wings,
may suffice to remove our marvel, nay tend even to create an anticipation that
a ny other species still more allied to the common one, and wanting the peculiar
white markings of L. leucoptera, would be scarcely, even if at all, distinguishable
from it.

The two British species of Budytes correspond precisely in size and structure,
also in their nidification, eggs, and even notes ; and their only difference in colour
— there being none in markings — is confined to the head : yet their haunts are
somewhat different, and they have now been generally recognised as distinct species.

Between the Colymbus halticus and C. arcticus a few shades of difference in the
colour of the head, superadded to a considerable superiority of size on the part of
the former, constitute the sole distinctions; and both inhabit the very same
localities. The common Teals of Europe and America differ less in size, but more
in the development of particular markings in the former, which are wanting or
rudimental in the latter. There are three Jays (including the European), each pos-
sessing a distinct geographical range, which can only be distinguished by slight
diversities of colouring on the head ; yet which there is no reason whatever to
regard as not having been pristine.

It .would be easy to fill several pages with similar examples ; and while, on the
one hand, every gradation might be traced to the utmost dissimilarity ; on the
other, the very next step would be absolute resemblance, wherein the light of
analogy only could lead to the suspicion of non-identity. In some few cases,
indeed, a slight difference might obtain in the secondary or adjunctive characters ;
as in the instance of the American Creeper, as opposed to the European ; for the
eggs of the former (as described by Wilson and others) decidedly differ from

ON THE MEALY LINNET. 457

those of our native bird, «ven allowing for a moderate degree of variance more
than is observable — the birds themselves appear to be quite undistinguishable.

We have now seen each character, in its turn, stand forth as the sole exception
to complete resemblance, though reduced to the very minimum of non-conformity ;
and this in races inhabiting the same districts, as well as in those which people
different parts of the globe, — thus negativing the assumption that external
influence had necessarily produced the diversity, which theory obviously requires
for its support the existence of intermediate specimens in all their progressive
stages, and is consequently inconsistent with the observed permanency of the
various races in question. At the same time, as I have remarked on a former
occasion, although these closely-allied races, when inhabiting the same locality,
apparently manifest no disposition to intermix and blend, as is uniformly the
case with even the most distant of true varieties, such as are caused by domes-
tication— and it may be that many such races constantly keep apart, even though
so similar that we possess no means of distinguishing them — yet that, in the
case of an occasional union (brought about by peculiar circumstances), it is highly
probable that the tendency to barrenness in the mule progeny would decrease
in the ratio of the amount of physiological affinity subsisting between the parents,
until in the most approximate races (though not descended from a common origin,
and therefore specifically distinct) the hybrid offspring would be even mutually
as prolific as individuals of unstained descent. In connexion with this specula-
tion, the highly curious physiological fact may be borne in mind — which possibly
may have for its object the continued separate existence of each primitive
race — that very closely-allied species, and (as an apparent consequence of the
same law) similar varieties also, less frequently produce, on intermixture, offspring
of blended character, than progeny entirely resembling one or the other parent.

However, having launched into conjecture, it may, on the other hand, be sup-
posed, as perfectly consistent with this presumed law, adjudged to regulate the
productiveness of hybrids, that the aversion to interbreed would lessen with each
additional degree of affinity ; till in the most approximate races of all, though
still not descended from the same original parentage, all mutual unwillingness to
reproduce would be entirely extinguished, — so that, in a few generations, nothing
would prevent their becoming effectually blended, save that inexplicable tendency
(so remarkably evinced by even emigrants) to return to pair and propagate in the
native locality, which must necessarily occasion relatives to transmit their race in
far greater proportion than individuals of diverse lineage, — a circumstance which
it is truly surprising does not induce a much greater splitting into varieties than
is actually observed ; and this, if climate or locality really exercised the amount
of influence which many naturalists imagine, would confer distinctive characters
on the individuals of almost every province.

458 ON THE MEALY LINNET.

It is needless to remind the reader that the supposition last advanced, in-
volves the possibility of numerous existing races, or species, being derived from
a plurality of original stocks ; and the variableness of the American Nightherons
may thus, it is not unlikely, have originated in the admixture of a smaller race,
perhaps the European. So likewise the anomalous irregularity in the number of
tail feathers in Bewick's Swan — eighteen or twenty — may indicate that two
primitive races have become united ; which is the more probable, in this instance,
as, over and above certain other discordances which I have noticed in individuals
of the same sex and parentage, the Cygnus Bewickii, as now existing, inhabits
alike America and Europe, whereas the Hooper Swan, which is peculiar to the eastern
continent, is represented by an analogous but obviously distinct race in the western,
namely the Trumpeter Swan (C. buccinator), which has not hitherto been observed
elsewhere. That many scarcely distinguishable races, however, do, at the same
time, exist in the very same districts, apparently without intermixing, is a fact
that has been already sufficiently descanted on.

Now the general corollary on all the foregoing detail, I conceive to be a fair
inference (of what is necessarily incapable of demonstration) that many true
species, or originally-created races, exist, which it is utterly impossible to distin-
guish— a conclusion of startling consequence to the student of Geology. It will be
sufficient to mention one additional case, wherein probability strongly militates
against the supposition of identity, but in which the most scrupulous comparison
fails to detect a single differential character to bear out the suspicion. — I allude
to the Common Cormorants of Europe and America. The birds of this genus,
though remarkably powerful on the wing, and capable of long continued exertion,
besides being able to recruit themselves by alighting on the water, are notwith-
standing only met with in the near vicinity of land ; and it would consequently
be inferred, that, of races inhabiting the Atlantic coasts of Europe or America,
those of which the range extended farthest northward would be the most likely
to occur on both continents ; yet such is not found to be the case ; inasmuch as
P/ialacrocorax carlo, Auct., which becomes rare in the northern isles of Scotland,
and soon disappears along the Scandinavian coast, and which in America scarcely
reaches beyond the southernmost extremity of Labrador, is deemed to be identical
on both shores of the ocean, whereas the European Ph. cristatus, and the American
PL dilophus, two nearly-allied but evidently distinct species, both of which
extend to high northern latitudes, appear to be quite confined to their respective
continent, where each is very numerously diffused.

I commenced this essay by entitling it a disquisition on the Mealy Linnet ;
but I have little now to say exclusively relative to that particular race, — Montes
parluriunt, §c. — It belongs to one of those intricate knotty groups of which I
have spoken, comprising a number of undefinable species ; though of which two,

ON THE MEALY LINNET. 459

inhabiting this country, are mutually distinguishable, namely, the little common
Redpole, or Rose Linnet, and the subject of the present remarks ; their exotic
relatives I see no hopes of extricating.

The Linnets of this form inhabit northern countries, or elevated tracts of cor-
responding climate and productions. After the breeding season they descend in
numerous flights to the plains. Their habits are more exclusively arboreal than
in the typical representations of this genus, which resort more to the brake, and
nidificate in bushes ; the former according rather with the Siskin Goldfinches in
their general economy, and frequently building like them on trees at a consider-
able height, though more commonly in Willow-beds or brush-wood. The cha-
racter of their plumage likewise resembles that of the allied group in question,
being less hard than in the more characteristic Linnets, and agreeing also in tex-
ture with that of the Crossbills, and Erythrospizce, which inhabit the same coun-
tries, and are all nearly connected by the tie of affinity, though presenting struc-
tural modifications, requiring to be duly recognised in a systematic arrangement.
The nestling plumage of all these groups, and more that could be added, pre-
sents the same general longitudinally-streaked markings, which are permanent in
a large proportion of them, more especially the females ; and it is curious to
observe how minute is the correspondence which prevails in the distribution of
these markings, as well as in their subseqent colours. Thus, a young Crossbill,
Siskin, or Redpole, will be found to accord feather by feather, exhibiting even
the same medial pale streak along the back, and a similar dusky space on the
throat ; and when they have moulted, though the Crossbill loses its streaks, the
red upon the male is brightest upon the crown, breast, and rump, where only the
cock Redpole assumes that hue ; and the beautiful crimson tint which coronates
the latter, is represented in the male Siskin by a patch of black. There is a
peculiarity in the red or roseate which the males (and less commonly the females)
of all these birds, with the exception of the Siskin, assume to a varying extent,
namely that it is never acquired by them in a state of captivity, — save in the
instance of the young Crossbill very imperfectly, which species further differs in
naturally fputting forth the tint in its full brightness at the autumn moult ;
whereas the common or Song Linnet developes dark brownish-maroon feathers
(with deciduous greyish edgings), when it renews its plumage, which in Spring
suddenly brightens into crimson ; and the Redpole group, at their autumnal
renovation, produce pinkish feathers similarly margined, the colour of which is
also much enhanced towards the breeding season ; in connection with which facts
it may be remarked that the Crossbills very commonly (though not always,
as has been asserted) fail to re-acquire the red plumage at their subsequent
moultings, obtaining a saffron-tinted garb in its stead, resembling what the Red-
poles assume when in confinement ; also that the wild Song Linnet occasionally,

460 ON THE MEALY LINNET.

but much more rarely, has the crown and breast of the same hue, in which state
I possess a remarkably fine specimen, killed in the height of the breeding season ;
and that the Redpole Linnets, also somewhat less unfrequently than the last,
exhibit a sort of Salmon-coloured tint on the corresponding parts, which I deem
to be analogous. The genus Corythus apparently accords exactly with the Cross-
bills in all that relates to plumage ; and it is most probable that the Erytkro-
spizce are occasionally subject to a like variance : though in no instance, not even
in the Crossbills, am I disposed to consider such as a normal state of plumage
proper to any particular age. In captivity, that portion of the coronal and breast
feathers of the Song Linnet which should become red in summer, is developed of
a faintly shining dusky-brown, which undergoes not even the slightest seasonal
change ; and the terminal margins to the feathers, which in the wild state dis-
appear coincidently with the alteration of colour, are retained permanently ; yet
this bird propagates freely in confinement, and manifests no sign whatever of phy-
sical debility.

The above digression might seem a little out of place, did not the tracing of
the affinities of species constitute a highly interesting portion of their history,
and the capability of being followed into such details affords a sure proof that the
assumed relationship is not arbitrarily assigned. I am unaware that an}'- writer
has before insisted on the close proximity of the Siskins and Redpoles to the
Crossbills ; and perhaps it is necessary to know them well in their living state to
be enabled to appreciate the full amount of their mutual agreements. Even in
the dead Crossbill, however, conceal the head, and the dissimilarity is reduced to
comparative robustness ; and its extraordinary beak is merely that of a Siskin,
still more elongated, and anomalously curved ; its peculiar functions of course
necessitating the relatively superior size of the head, to furnish attachment to
the very powerful muscles which work the mandibles. Still it is in the living
birds, and particularly as observed in a captive state, when their manners can
be leisurely examined, that the affinity here intimated is most obviously mani-
fested ; and it is impossible to witness a Crossbill delivering its squeaking song,
and uttering its loud call-notes, analogous to those of a Goldfinch, and accompa-
nied with the same peculiar swing of the body, without being instantly struck
with the resemblance ; moreover, all these birds are in confinement perpetually
clambering over the wires of their cage, and seizing them with the bill as they
creep along, which is only the more noticeable in the Crossbill from the singular
form of its mandibles, which enables it to hold in the manner of a Parrot, as has
often been remarked ; they are alike familiar, very docile in disposition, and
in the wild state are usually engaged so earnestly in picking forth their similar
food; as not only to allow of a very close approach, but to suffer themselves to
be taken without difficulty with a bird-limed switch ; their constrained attitudes

OX THE MEALY LINNET. 461

when thus in search of sustenance have been noted by all who have written on
them.

It is in the adaptation to cling on pensile twigs, Fir-cones, and the like, that the
Redpoles structurally differ somewhat from the true Linnets ; and they have the bill
rather more drawn out at the point, insomuch that our common species has been
ranked as a Siskin in Carduelis. The males acquire the shining crimson on the
crown at the first moult, but the rosy colour on the breast (except merely a trace
of it in a few specimens) not before the second, and it is not fully developed till
the third. Females also exhibit more or less of this colouring, but it is in general
quite wanting in the sex, though the crown, after shedding the nestling garb, is
of a saffron tint. Their seasonal changes have been before adverted to.

Of the two British races, one is a constant resident, migrating seasonally
within the limits of the island ; the other apparently an occasional winter visit-
ant, of very irregular appearance, and I think most commonly met with in the
eastern counties, particularly Suffolk and Essex, according to my own expe-
rience. This bird is every way larger than the other, and rather more bulky in
its make ; its wings measuring, from the bend, three inches, and tail two inches
and a quarter. The plumage only differs in the markings being somewhat less
defined (a constant character), and in the greater intermixture of whitish on the
upper parts, particularly the rump, wrhich exhibits scarcely an obscure trace of
the roseate tinge so distinct in the other ; the wing-coverts are also more broadly
and conspicuously tipped with yellowish-brown. It is impossible to overlook its
manifestly superior size, as seen alive ; and the mealy-white feathers of the
rump, being ordinarily thrown over the wings when the bird is at rest, accord-
ingly constitute another very conspicuous character.

The chirp and call-note of the Mealy Linnet are undistinguished from those of
its near congener, but its song, though equally trivial, is decidedly different ; it as
frequently introduces the call-note into its song as the other, but mingles this
with a low harsh chattering, very unlike the less unmusical repetition of which
the song- notes of the small Rose Linnet are composed, and which recall to mind
the more continuously sustained lays of the Carduelis genus.

Though decidedly of very rare occurrence near the Metropolis, the Mealy Lin-
net is tolerably well-known to the bird-catchers, who distinguish it from the
smaller race (or Common Redpole) by the name " Stony Redpole," which Mr.
Selby has mistakingly appropriated to the former. I endeavouredjjfor five or six
years (long previously to its being admitted into our catalogue*), to procure a
living specimen of the dealers, before I succeeded in the winter of 1835-6, since

* See a notice of the species in the Field Naturalist for April, 1834, p. 172.
No. 15, Vol. II. 3 p

462 ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE.

which time I have not heard of any being met with : about ten years ago they
were taken one winter in immense numbers.

This bird would seem to possess a more northern range than the other, and is
apparently the same on both sides of the Atlantic, whereas the smaller race does
not occur in America. I have seen many skins of a still larger species from
Russia and Siberia, and examples undistinguishable from the British Mealy Linnet
from Japan : but some of the foreign specimens are extremely puzzling, and I
very much incline to the opinion that all cannot be discriminated : even the
American specimens have generally rather more white upon them than those of
Europe.

It is worthy of notice, and a curious indication of the difference of size between
the two British races, that whereas both are equally fond of hemp-seed, when in
captivity, the larger only is enabled to crack their seeds for itself; and would
feed on nothing else if suffered to do so : the lesser kind may manage to husk an
unusually smatt one, but cannot feed on those of average dimensions.

North Brixton, Surrey,
Sept. 20, 1837.

SOME ACCOUNT OP THE PRINCIPAL WORKS ON ZOOLOGY AND

BOTANY.

Section 1. Zoology.
By Neville Wood, Esquire.

A correspondent has favoured us with a brief account of some of the most
important works on Botany ; but as no one has had the courage to grapple with
the zoological department, we shall, in compliance with the wish expressed by
Charles Han way, Esq., of Alton Hall, Gloucestershire (p. 359), attempt to
supply that information which our contributors appear to think should in cour-
tesy be allowed to fall to our own lot.

In soliciting information respecting not only the best complete works and
monographs, but also papers in transactions of learned societies and in periodi-
cals, Mr. Hanway can have but little knowledge of the labor such a task must
necessarily involve, or of the extent to which Natural Science has been studied
in the civilized World from the time of Pliny downwards. The mere titles of
all the works extant upon Natural History would occupy more pages than we
are at present Avilling to bestow upon the subject ; and as to the innumerable

ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE. 463

hosts of treatises in transactions and magazines, the laborious research required
for compiling anything like a complete or satisfactory catalogue of these would
absorb more time, patience, and money than most men would be willing to de-
vote to the undertaking. Even supposing it once accomplished, the list would,
in our estimation, be more interesting than useful. For although some of our
most eminent naturalists in every department have long been in the habit of
communicating the result of their scientific investigations to the public through
the medium of periodical publications of various sizes and characters, yet the
substance of these papers is in a short time sure to be incorporated in all the best
standard and elementary works on the subject. In fact we may go so far as to
observe, that the perusal of these isolated treatises, some years after their pub-
lication, would be almost as useless and absurd as the attempt to obtain a com-
petent knowledge of Natural History, at the present day, from the writings of
Aristotle or Pliny.

The cases we have adduced are, indeed, similar in kind, though doubtless not
in degree. The works of Aristotle and Pliny are not only surprising produc-
tions, but they were of incalculable service during their generation ; and, in days
of yore, he who wished to become a good naturalist, repaired, as a matter of
course, to the writings of these venerable authors. And no one will venture to
call in question the expediency — nay the necessity — of such a proceeding. We
venerate the works of Aristotle and Pliny as well for their antiquity as for
the inestimable services which they have, beyond all doubt, rendered to the study
of Nature's works. We should even be glad to possess a good English version of
Pliny's Natural History*, but we should be very sorry to place it in the hands
of a beginner. Let us, however, proceed with our retrospect of zoological liter-
ature, commencing with general and complete works on the animal kingdom.

From the circumstance of Mr. Hanway being a gentleman of fortune, and
especially from the extensive nature of his wishes, we presume he intends col-
lecting an extensive natural-historical library rather than to procure the smallest
number of books whereby to become acquainted with the science upon which he
proposes to enter, and our observations will be written accordingly, though we
neither are able nor desire to supply a complete catalogue.

After having possessed himself of the works of the ancients, the student will
find himself compelled to make a very long skip, the next general zoological
treatise of any value being the Systema Naturce of LinnjEUs. This book may
still be studied with advantage. It is only valuable at the present day as giving

* We are informed that such an undertaking is in contemplation. If illustrated by wood-cuts,
well translated, published in monthly part3, and, lastly, at a cheap rate, wc have very little
doubt but it would succeed.

3r2

464 ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE.

an idea of the outlines of Natural History, for which purpose it will always be
useful, whether or not the student intends further to prosecute his investigations.
For a knowledge of species, reference to Linn;eus's System is of no avail — in
fact it has long ceased to be valuable for the minutice of the science. — We pre-
sume every one is acquainted with Blumenbach's Handbtich der Naturgeschichte
(Manual of Natural History), and we shall therefore pass it over without com-
ment. In 1800 the late indefatigable Dr. Shaw commenced his General Zoo-
logy, which, unfortunately, he did not live to complete. The continuation, un-
dertaken by Mr. Stephens, is perhaps equal in merit to the previous volumes ;
but the circumstance of Dr. Shaw having embraced the system tof Linnaeus,
while his successor adopted that of Vigors, is not a little calculated to detract
from the merits of the publication. Notwithstanding the defects of this compi-
lation, it still remains a valuable work, the descriptions — though dry and con-
cise— and engravings being sufficiently accurate for ordinary purposes. It was
brought to a close in 1826, in fourteen octavo vols. The Rev. W. Bingley has
published popular works on animals which are familiar to every one. The volu-
minous productions of Buffon, likewise, stand in no need of introduction to our
readers. On the contrary, it may be necessary to caution the student against
being led away by the eloquence of this author ; neither his " facts " nor his
reasoning deserve implicit reliance. The same may be said of an equally popular
compiler in this country, whose Animated Nature is in almost every one's
hands.

We now approach an important era in Zoology, introduced by the appearance
of Cuvief.'s Regne Animal, an original and admirable work. We are no ad-
mirers of the new system propounded in this work. Although its author has
characterised a large number of genera with great accuracy, he failed in the
attempt to establish the larger groups upon an equally sure basis as that adopted
by LiNNiEUS. Consequently — notwithstanding the eminent services of Cuvier
in Systematic Zoology — his classification is, as a whole, far inferior to that of
the Systema Naturce. The beginner may, nevertheless, study the Regne Ani-
mal with considerable advantage.

Dr. Fleming's Philosophy of Zoology contains much useful and interesting mat-
ter, but the wheat is mixed so inextricably with a considerable portion of chaff,
that we shall not recommend this work. A recent volume, entitled The Observ-
ation of Nature, by Robert Mudie, will be perused with interest and advan-
tage, though it is, perhaps, too abstract in character either to answer the expec-
tations or the wrishes of its readers. Those who can afford it should add Les-
son's Illustrations de Zoologie to their libraries. It was published at Paris, in
numbers, price Gs. 6d. each, with coloured plates. Swainson's Zoological Illus-
trations, a superb work, with coloured plates, should likewise be procured, if
possible.

ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE, 405

But perhaps the best and most philosophic work on general Zoology still
remains uncompleted. We allude to the series in course of publication in Lard-
ner's Cabinet Cyclopaedia, by William Swainson, Esq. It professes to be a
condensed text-book of the science, and this purpose it will, we confidently anti-
cipate, fulfil in a most satisfactory manner. This series contains an exposition of
the quinary system well worthy of careful and repeated perusal, and will tend yet
further to increase the well-merited celebrity of its talented author. The
Naturalist's Library is too extensively known to require any notice in this
place.

The last work to be mentioned treating of Zoology in general is Partington's
Cyclopaedia of Natural History. It is too evidently published with a view to the
publisher's purse, and contains faults of all kinds ; but still it conveys an im-
mense mass of instructive matter in a cheap and portable manner, and, though
imperfect, it will be found very useful for reference.

We now turn to works on general Zoology treating of particular countries or
districts, and this department will be found much richer than that which we have
ju6t left. Catesby's Natural History of Carolina (1731, 2 vols, folio), is a
splendid publication, with fine coloured plates, and descriptive letter-press. The
edition published by Edwards in 1771 is, we presume, still to be had. The
Fauna Grosnlandica (1790) of Fabricius, and Linn^eus's Fauna Suecica, are
both esteemed valuable, as also is Illiger's Prodromus Mammalium et Avium.
Muller may be consulted for his Zoologia Danica (4 vols., folio, 1788 — 1806).
Berkenhout's Synopsis of the Natural History of Britain (2 vols., 1789) and
Turton's British Fauna (1807, 12mo.) are too antiquated to be of any value
at the present day : the same sentence may be passed on a book, on the whole,
excellent for the time at which it appeared (1828), but which is now useless, —
Fleming's British Animals. We have much pleasure in recommending, in its
stead, Mr. Jenyns's Manual of British Vertebrate Animals (8vo., 1835), a
highly creditable volume. Pennant's British Zoology, once a popular book, may
now safely be laid aside, but his Arctic Zoology, with figures (3 vols., 4to., 1792),
is excellent. Shaw's Naturalists Miscellany and Zoological Lectures are not now
highly thought of. Gilbert White's Natural History of Selborne has passed
through innumerable editions. It is a perfect model for the spirit in which
it is written, and will ever be esteemed valuable. Nor ought we to forget the
" amiable wanderer," Charles Waterton, Esq., of Walton Hall, in this county,
whose delightful and original Wanderings in South America has passed through
three editions.

We must, however, now retrograde a little in order to notice a few works of
older date, and amongst these Brisson's Regnum Animate, Swainson's Zoological
Illustrations* and Richardsons and Swainson's FaunaBoreali Americana (3 vols.)

466 ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE.

i — especially the two last — are well deserving of attention, on account of the
accuracy of their descriptions, and the admirable character of the coloured plates.
To these we may add other valuable and expensive publications, as Dr. Hors-
Field's Zoological Researches in Java (1824, 4to.), the Faune Francaise, by
MM. Vieillot, Desmarest, De Blainville, Audinet-Serville, St. Fargeau,
Walkenaer (1824, 8vo., incomplete), Bonaparte's Fauna Italica (Rome, 1832,
folio, in course of publication), his Genera of North American Birds (New York,
1828, 8vo.), and Illustrations of Zoology, by James Wilson, Esq., containing
representations of rare species. — Pulteney's Catalogue of the Birds, Shells, §c,
of Dorsetshire, is frequently referred to. Sowerby's British Miscellany (1806,
8vo., with coloured plates), and Capt. Brown's Zoologist's Text-book (1833, 2 vols.,
l2mo.), are books of little worth, but Low's Fauna Orcadensis is both interest-
ing and useful. We shall conclude this department of our paper by recommending,
for general perusal, three popular and recently published works : — Mudie's British
Naturalist (WhittaKer & Co., 1835, 12mo.), Jesse's Gleanings in Natural
History (1832 — 5, Svo., Murray), and Knapp's Journal of a Naturalist (Mur-
ray, 8vo., 1829).

The works treating exclusively of Mammalogy are both few in number, and,
for the most part, indifferent in quality. Those deserving of the most favourable
notice are of continental origin. In 1820 — 22 M. Desmarest published, in two
4to. parts, at Paris, Mammalogie, ou descriptions des especes de mamm feres; and
Temminck issued, at the same city, his Monographies de Mammalogie (1827,
4to.). All the works of these two naturalists are of the highest order. The
Synopsis Methodica Animalium Quadrupedum et Serpentini Generis (1693,
8vo.), of our worthy countryman Ray, is more interesting in an historical point
of view than instructive at the present comparatively advanced period of our
knowledge. A whole host of popular books on " beasts " have at various times
issued from the press. At the head of these stands Bewick's General History
of Quadrupeds, now chiefly valuable for its wood-cuts and vignettes. Donovan's
History of British Quadrupeds (1820, 3 vols., 8vo.) appears to be but little
known : we have never met with a copy of it, or heard it mentioned either with
praise or censure. But the recent appearance of Bell's British Quadrupeds ( Van
Voorst,, 1837, 1 thick 8vo. vol.) has had the effect of completely placing in the
shade all the previous labours of British authors on this subject. Its admirable
letter-press, and equally excellent illustrations, render it indispensable to the
mammalogist, who needs no other work to render him perfectly acquainted with
the quadrupeds of this country.

The first purely ornithological work to which we shall allude is the Ornithology
of Willughby (folio, 1678), not because it is the first book in this department
of Natural History which we would place in the hands of the beginner, but on

ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE. 467

account of its having commenced a new era in Ornithology. It is really a sur-
prising work when we consider its time of publication : the engravings are, of
course, as bad as they can well be Ray's Synopsis Avium (1713) is in some
measure a transcript of his friend Willughby's book. Frisch's Vorstellung der
Vogel (Berlin, 2 vols., folio, 1739 — G3), and Albin's Natural History of Birds 1
barely deserve notice. It were impossible to bestow too high commenda-
tion on Edwards's Natural History of Uncommon Birds and Gleanings of
Natural History (7 vols. 4to., 1743 — 64). They are invaluable works. Sepp's
Nederlandiscke Vogel, though indifferently executed, is perhaps useful as a fauna
of the Netherlands. The descriptions in Brisson's Ornithologie (6 vols. 4to.,
1760) and Ornithologia (2 vols. 8vo., 1672) are accurate, but the plates very
indifferent. It is with sincere pleasure that we here recommend the General
Synopsis of Birds, by our late friend the distinguished Dr. Latham, published,
so long ago as 1782, in five 4to. volumes. Though it necessarily contains many
faults, both of omission and commission, it is to this day constantly quoted as a
standard authority by the best ornithologists. The General History of Birds
(10 vols., 4to., 1821 — 4) is only an enlarged edition of the Synopsis, and has not
increased the reputation of its amiable and venerable author, who must ever
be considered one of the greatest ornithologists this country has produced.
Bechstein's Gemeinnutzige Naturgeschichte der Vogel Deutschlands, his Orni-
thologisches Taschenbuch, and his Cage Birds (translated by Rennie), have
earned for the author a well-merited fame.

W. Lewin's Birds of Britain (8 vols. 4to., 1795 — 1801), once valuable, has
long since ceased to be so considered ; but W. J. Lewin's Birds of New South
Wales contains plates " of permanent value." Bewick's British Birds is familiar
to all our readers. The vignettes or tail-pieces in this publication still retain
their original charm ; otherwise the work is any thing but indispensable. We
shall not fatigue the reader with an enumeration of the splendid and costly illus-
trated monographs of the continental ornithologists Desmarest, Vieillot,
Lesson, Audebert, and others, especially as we have supplied their titles in full
elsewhere. {Orn. Text-book, pp. 24 and 47). Levaillant's Histoire Naturelle
des Oiseaux of Afrique is an inestimable work (6 vols., folio or 4to., Paris, 1799).
Montagu's Ornithological Dictionary is deserving of all praise ; and so far from
being — as its name might imply — a dry book, it is one of the most interesting
works on birds with which we are acquainted. A new edition is in preparation ;
and we would advise those who propose procuring the Colonel's dictionary to wait
for its publication rather than submit to purchase Rennie's edition.

Alexander Wilson's American Ornithology has long been familiar to the
reading public as one of the liveliest and most accurate works on this delightful
subject in existence. Professor Jameson has published a cheap and good edition

468 ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE.

(1831, 4 vols., 12mo., lGs.). The Taschenbuch der Deutschen Vogelkunde (1810,
2 vols.), by Drs. Meyer and Wolf, is more recent than that of Bechstein, and
is in many respects preferable to the latter. Temminck's celebrated Manuel
d' Ornithologie (1820) will without doubt be procured and duly studied. The
Dutch Professor's Histoire Naturelle Generate des Pigeons et des Galinaces, and
his Nouveau Recueil de Planches colorices d Oiseaux, though valuable, are less
indispensable.

Illustrations of British Ornithology (2 vols. 8vo., 2nd edit., 1833), by Pri-
deaux John Selby, Esq., only wants illustrative engravings to render it a com-
plete manual of our native birds. The plates belonging to the work (elephant
folio) are very expensive, and, consequently, beyond the reach of the majority of
students. Illustrations of Ornithology, by Sir W. Jardine and Mr. Selby, now
in course of publication, is rather a " work of luxury" than one which it is
absolutely necessary to possess. Of Dr. Savi's Ornitologia Toscana (Pisa, 1827,
pp. 302) we know but little ; and we shall content ourselves with merely noting
the titles of Werner's Atlas of the Birds of Europe, Mudie's Feathered Tribes
of the British Islands (a delightful book), his Natural History of Birds, and
Meyer's Illustrations of British Birds.

Gould's Birds of Europe (22 parts, just completed, folio) is the finest and
most perfect ornithological work ever published, and, all things considered, by no
means dear. Intending purchasers will do well to send their names to the author
early, as only a small number of copies remain on hand. Mr. Gould has, we
think, carried ornithological painting — a most difficult art, be it observed — to the
ultimatum of perfection in some of his splendid plates. The accompanying
letter-press is excellent.

Audubon's Ornithological Biography is a truly fascinating description of the
birds of America, and contains much new matter. We do not in general so
much admire his immense plates, some of which, however, are very fine.

We have frequently spoken, in terms of high eulogium, of Hewitson's beauti-
ful British Oology, and need not, therefore, here repeat our opinion of the work,
which will shortly be completed, in three handsome volumes, royal octavo, or the
same size as The Naturalist.

Yarrell's British Birds is beyond all praise ; it is now in course of publica-
tion. MacGillivray's British Birds (also in course of publication), and his
Rapacious Birds of Britain, are likewise good books.

The treatises on reptiles, &c, are not numerous. The following are perhaps
among the best : — Roesel's Historia Naturalis Ranarum nostratium, Nurnberg,
1758, folio; Latreille's Histoire Naturelle des Salamandres de France, Paris,
1800, 8vo. ; Daudin's Histoire Naturelle des Reptiles, Paris, 1805, 8 vols., 8vo. ;
and J. E. Gray's Synopsis Reptilium, London, 1831, part 1, Cataphracta. Of

ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE. 46#

the latter work we believe only one part has appeared. If we are not mistaken,
Mr. Bell has published a large work on Testudinata ; and he is about to under-
take the British Reptiles in Van Voorst's zoological series.

Fishes were at an early period illustrated with considerable success. Wil-
lughby's De Historia Piscium Libri Ojuatuor, edited by Cromwell Mortimer,
physician (London, 1743, folio), is a valuable book, as are also the following: —
Histoire Naturelle des Poissons, par MM. Cuvier et Valenciennes (Paris,
1828—33, 9 vols. 4to.) ; Block's Ichthyologie (Berlin, 1785— 95, 12 parts, folio) ;
Lacepede's Hist. Nat. des Poissons (Paris, 1798 — 1803, 5 vols., 4to.) ; Ronde-
letius De Piscibus Marinis (1554, folio); Nilsson's Prodromus Ichthyologies
Scandinavicce (1832, 8vo.) ; Ray's Synopsis Piscium (1713, 8vo.) ; Mrs. Bo w-
dich's Fresh-water Fishes of Britain (1828, 4to.). Donovan issued a History of
British Fishes, which, however, has been entirely eclipsed and rendered useless
by the publication, in 1836, of Mr. Yarrell's work with a similar title (Van
Voorst, 2 vols., 8vo.).

Having thus brought our rapid retrospect of the works relating to vertebrated
animals to a close, we may be expected to furnish some account of those dedicated
to insects. This, however, we shall do in a very few words, both because that
department would require a chapter — nay a volume, aye, and a thick one too —
to complete it in a manner satisfactory to ourselves and our readers, and because
we have at present neither time nor space to devote to the undertaking. If Mr.
Dale, Mr. Rylands, or any other of our entomological readers would furnish a
condensed paper on this subject, for The Naturalist, it could not fail to be both
interesting and instructive.

Latreille's Entomology, Stephens's Illustrations of British Entomology, and
Newman's Grammar of Entomology, will suffice to impart a very fair knowledge
of the subject, if combined with field study. Curtis's British Entomology, illus-
trative of the genera, is a truly splendid work ; many volumes are published, and
it now rapidly approaches its close. Every one who can afford it should possess
a copy of this publication. Mr. Samouelle has written an Entomologist's Use-
ful Compendium. Need we add any further commendation of this volume ?

Lest we should perchance bewilder and alarm the student of Natural History
by our retrospect, and the numerous works noticed, rather than encourage him to
pursue the course upon which he has entered, and lead him in his selection of
literary guides, we purpose concluding the present essay by mentioning a few of
the works indispensable to every naturalist.

For Zoology, then, Cuvier's Regne Animal, or Dr. Shaw's General Zoology,
will suffice. In Mammalogy Bell's British Quadrupeds; in Ornithology
Latham's General Synopsis of Birds, Wilson, Audubon, or Nuttall's Ameri-
can Ornithology, Montagu, Selby, or Yarrell's British Birds; in Erpetopology,

No.15.Vol.il. 3q

470 ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE:

any of the works before mentioned ; in Ichthyology Yahrell's British Fishes,
and the works of Cuvier and Valenciennes, will be found sufficient ; and, lastly,
that of Latreille for the insect tribes.

Whatever department of Natural Science the student intends to pursue in
detail, we would recommend him to obtain, in the first instance, a general know-
ledge of the whole subject ; and even if he wishes to turn his especial attention
to any one order or genus of animals, let him still first, in some degree, acquaint
himself with the class to which that order or genus appertains. As it is our firm
conviction that this is the safest, and, in the end, the speediest method, we have
purposely omitted, in almost every case, noticing monographs or separate treatises.
If, however, either Mr. Hanway or any other reader of The Naturalist be
desirous of learning further particulars relative to the books we have briefly
noticed, or concerning those which we have not introduced, it will give us sincere
pleasure, as far as in us lieth, to comply with their wishes.

CampaaUHall, Nov. 1, 1837-

Section II. Botany.

By Edwin Lankester, M.R.C.S.

If the following notes on a few botanical works will be of any assistance to
you in making up a list of books, in answer to your correspondent Mr. Hanway,
they are much at your service. With regard to structural and physiological
Botany, Professor Lindley's Introduction to Botany stands decidedly first. In
this work the most recent views of German and French botanists are given, and
the author, by developing the theories of the structure of the parts of the plant,
and introducing a strictly correct and scientific nomenclature, has enabled the
British student of Botany to keep pace with the progress of that science on the
Continent, which, till the publication of this work, was absolutely impossible.

Professor Henslow has also published a small treatise on the same subject,
forming one of the volumes of the Cabinet Cyclopaedia. This book is very well
adapted for commencing the study of Botany, and, as far as it goes, is in accord-
ance with the advanced state of the science. The Society for the diffusion of
Useful Knowledge has also published a treatise on Botany. This work contains
all the herniation necessary for commencing the study of the science, and in
addition co\ ^ains remarks on the classification and nomenclature of plants which
are to be founi in no other work, and which, from their value, lead to the con-
clusion, that this vVatise is the production of the most advanced botanist of the
present day.

Several other works on this department of Botany might be mentioned, but for
the student no other can be so safely recommended. As for monographs on this

ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE. 471

subject, Dr. Lindley's introduction contains references to all those deserving
particular attention.

In Systematic Botany the works of Lindley and Burnett are the best, being,
I believe, the only authors that have published complete works adapted for the
student of the natural affinities of plants.

The late Professor Burnett's Outlines is a laboured 'production, and contains
a large mass of information, but the want of condensation and simple arrange-
ment must ever render it an unacceptable book to beginners. Lindley has
published an introduction to the study of the Natural System, called by the
rather inappropriate name of Ladies Botany, seeing that the book is just as
well adapted for gentlemen as ladies. This book is probably altogether the best
that has been published for the commencement of the study of Botany. It at
once introduces the beginner to the study of the vegetable kingdom according to
its natural affinities, and discards altogether the artificial system of Linnaeus,
as prejudicial to the advancement of the science of Botany.

Lindley's Natural System is the only work in the English language that gives a
complete view of the vegetable world arranged according to its natural relations.
This is a work that deserves to be increasingly studied, as it is only by studying the
vegetable kingdom as a whole that the science of Botany can be advanced, or its
true ends as a science be attained. It has been too much the habit of British
Botanists to content themselves with studying the species of their own island,
whilst their structure and functions, and their relation to the plants of other parts
of the world, were entirely neglected.

Catalogues of plants with descriptions are numerous. Loudon's Cyclopaedia of
Plants contains descriptions of nearly 30,000 species cultivated in Great Britain.
Sir J. E. Smith's English Flora is the best account of plants indigenous in this
country. Dr. Lindley has also publised a Synopsis of British Plants, arranged
according to the natural system. Sir \V. J. Hooker has published a single
volume containing the British Phaenogamous Plants, and two other volumes
containing British Cryptogamia, which may be had separate. There is an
illustrated work on English Botany by Sowerby and Smith, containing beautiful
drawings of every species ; also drawings of British Fungi by Sowerby.

Lists of botanical works are given in Sir J. E. Smith's English Flora, in Gray's
Arrangement of the British Plants, and other works.

I have not pretended to furnish you with a list of botanical works, but have
referred to the above as those which would be most likely to be useful to your
correspondent, or any other of your readers, in commencing the study of Botany.

3<*2

472

ON THE ORGAN OF MARRIAGE IN MAN AND OTHER ANIMALS.*
By Joseph Vimont, M.D.

Is there a special faculty for attachment for life, or marriage ? Is it only the
result of the action of several faculties, or the modification of one only — that of
Adhesiveness for example — of which I shall speak hereafter ? A more profound
study of the organisation of the nervous system of animals and of their habits,
can alone throw light on the question.

If we watch closely the conduct of wild animals, we shall find that amongst
some species, the males, after having satisfied the desire for sexual intercourse,
separate themselves from their females — either to go to impregnate others — to
live in a state of solitude— or to unite themselves to several individuals of the
same species and of the same sex. Such we see is the case among wild Boars,
Wolves, and Stags. Other species again live constantly with their females — for
instance the Fox, the Marten, the Roebuck, amongst quadrupeds ; and the Raven,
the Jay, the Magpie, the Swallow, the Sparrow, amongst birds.

Gall, though seemingly disposed to believe that attachment for life depended
on a particular organisation, has not cleared up the subject by instances drawn
from Comparative Anatomy. Nor has he been more explicit with regard to Man.

Spurzheim thinks that marriage is but a modification of the faculty of Adhe-
siveness ; that the instinct of living in society, and that of living in family, are
only particular modifications peculiar in their nature — just as the taste for
vegetable or animal food is a modification of smell and of taste in herbivorous and
carnivorous animals.

These observations of Spurzheim are but specious, and are overturned by
studying the habits of certain species. I do not think that union for life is
merely a modification of Adhesiveness: — it appears to me to possess all the
characters of a fundamental faculty. To me it is sufficiently proved that an
animal may have great Adhesiveness and yet not live in company with its female.
The Dog is a striking instance in support of my assertion. Wolves live often in
large bodies, but do not remain in a state of union with their females. Stags act
in a similar manner. The Fox, though brought up very young, does not attach
himself to any one, but unites himself to his female for life. It is not then true
that where this union for life exists we find Adhesiveness ; which, however, ought
to be the case if it were, as Spurzheim affirms, only a modification of that
faculty.

Gall has not, in my opinion, given a more satisfactory solution of this question
when he says, " If I could place full confidence in my knowledge of Natural

* Translated from the Traite de Phrenologie , in the Phrenological Journal, Vol. X.} p. 653.

ON THE ORGAN OF MARRIAGE. '475

History, I would offer an opinion of my own. It appears to mc that in all those
species where the male and female mutually assist in taking care of the young,
there is union for life : but in those species, on the contrary, in which the male
contents himself with procreating young without assisting in any way in bringing
them up, that the first female met serves to satisfy his desires, and that the main
design of Nature is accomplished without the bond of union for life." This
observation of Gall in no wise settles the question. At the very outset, it is not
the fact, as he states, that in those species where the female gives her attention
to the young conjointly with the male, there is constantly union for life. The
Roebuck, which is attached to its female for life, does not in any way occupy
itself in the care of the young. Gall says that this animal defends it» family
against their enemies. I do not deny the fact, but I do not think that we must
necessarily attribute this conduct to the faculty of attachment to its young.
Supposing even — which is not proved — that in certain species where this union
for life exists, the male and female give themselves by turns to the care of their
young, — that does not by any means prove that the two faculties are not dis-
tinct : the one appears to me totally different from the other, since its action
continues long after the young are separated from their parents. The explanation
of Gall, then, is none at all. Spurzheim believes that it is attachment and
friendship which the male and female feel for each other which' determines them
not to separate after the instinct of propagation is satisfied, and to remain united
even beyond the season of desire. Is this not in other words saying that there
exists in certain species a sort of attachment which induces them to remain united
for life ; and after the observations which have been made, are we not compelled
to admit that it is not to Adhesiveness, properly speaking, that we ought to attri-
bute such conduct ?

Gall does not appear disposed to consider as a faculty belonging to man that
of union for life ; or at least he seems to view it as a modification of the organ of
Adhesiveness, and not as a special fundamental faculty. There are, says he,
men and women who, without any outward adventitious cause, have an aversion
for marriage. If we could read the bottom of their hearts, we might there find
the solution of the enigma. Are such persons incapable of attachment or friend-
ship ? Do they dread the charge a family imposes ? It will be seen that this
language of Gall is exceedingly vague, and that it is only presented to us under
the form of a doubt.

The more I have studied the conduct of men and the habits of many species of
animals, the more satisfied have I remained that the feeling which leads to
attachment to one companion for life, is the result of a fundamental faculty.
Some observation which I have made on the human species, and many more

474 ON THE ORGAN OF MARRIAGE.

which I have collected amongst animals, have enabled me to fix the situation of
the organ in man and animals. Before pointing out upon the brain and skull the
place where it is to be found, I must enter into some anatomical details.

The region of Philoprogenitiveness, as laid down in the works or on the bust
which phrenologists have in their hands, occupies too extended a space, and com-
prehends two distinct portions of the brain, the one placed at the middle part
(No. 11), the other (No. 8) more laterally
and outwards. The first appears to me to
be the seat of the organ of Philoprogenitive-
ness, the other that of attachment for life, or
marriage. I have already found this latter 3
region well developed in two persons who
had very early manifested the desire of be-
ing united to each other, and without being
induced to do so by other motives than such
as leads to four-fifths of marriages. I have
found, on the other hand, the same region little developed in persons who had
naturally a repugnance for marriage. As a feAv observations will not suffice to
establish a certainty, I would entreat phrenologists who have opportunities of
making numerous observations to ascertain if new and carefully noted facts might
be found to confirm my remarks.

Except in quadrumanous animals, it is not in the region of the occipital bone
that we ought to look for the seat of the organ which leads animals to become
united for life. It must be recollected that I maintained this point in Anatomy
while describing the occipital region of quadrupeds and birds ; in the former it is
entirely filled by the cerebellum ; in the latter it contains the cerebellum, and a
great part of the acoustic apparatus.

It is then in the posterior parietal region that we should look in these two
classes for the seat of the organ in question. I have compared with care the
skull and brain of a species of bird well known to live in a state of union, as well
as those of species which live separate from their female after impregnation.
There is a remarkable difference which I have observed between them. The
portion of the skull corresponding to the middle part of the posterior border of the
cerebral hemisphere (No. 8), is very prominent in all birds which live in a state of
union. Such are the following skulls and brains which have presented to me this
form of organization very apparent. The Buzzard, the Raven, the great Screech
Owl, the Hooded Crow, the Magpie, the Jackdaw. The brain of the Hooded
Crow, of the great Screech Owl, and of the Buzzard, will be found represented in
my work. We should remark, that in these three species, which live in a state of

ON THE ORGAN OF MARRIAGE. 476

union, the cerebral hemisphere is not only much raised and well rounded towards
its posterior edge, but that it is prolonged, even in a perceptible manner, over the
tuber xula quadrigcmlna.

Another fact which I should point out is, that, if we remark the extent of the
posterior part of the cerebral hemisphere from the point where it touches the other,
to the exterior side, this part is found much more developed in the cases just
mentioned than in those species which are not united for life. We may compare in
this respect the brain of the domestic Goose with that of the Buzzard ; and again
we may compare this region (No. 8) in the Raven with the same region in the
Turkey and the Common Fowl. With a little attention it will be found that the
difference is very striking. I beg those who possess a collection of skulls of
animals to place the skull of a Turkey and that of a Hooded Crow near each
other ; they will at once be struck with the difference which I have just now
pointed out ; in the Turkey all that portion is depressed ; in the Hooded Crow,
on the contrary, it is full and rounded.

The portion of the brain which manifests attachment for life in quadrupeds is
that which is found situated backwards and outwards from No. 11 (Fig. 7,
pi. lxxv.*). Let any one compare two brains having very nearly the same
volume and of the same class, — the one, for instance, which I have now pointed
out, being that of an animal which lives in the state of union ; the Martin
Weasel, with that of the Cat, which lives in the opposite state, and he will see
that, in the former, the convolution 10 is not prolonged so much backwards, and
covers much less of the cerebellum. The convolution 10 in the Cat is that which
gives rise to Philoprogenitiveness. In all the animals which live in a state of
union this convolution is extended more backwards. I have found these relative
positions well expressed in the brain of the Badger, the Fox, and the Fitchet,
Marten and Common Weasels, all animals living in a state of union. We may
compare with this view the brain of the Badger with that of the Dog. The
same part seems to me but little developed in the Rabbit, the Hare, and the
Guinea-pig. Again, to show the difference of development of the organ in ques-
tion, we may compare the brain of the Weasel, which lives in a state of union,
with that of the Guinea-pig, which feels no lasting attachment to its female.

Before closing the account of the faculty which leads Man and animals to be-
come united for life, I cannot pass over in silence certain remarks which might
seem to militate against the opinion which I have now offered. We are told, and
Gall himself relates the fact, that Wild Cats and Wolves had lived together in a
state of union. Even supposing this observation to be true, I do not think that
it oan overthrow the opinion that attachment for life is the characteristic of some

♦ This plate we have npt given.— Ed. Nat.

476 SOME ACCOUNT OF A VISIT TO KNOWSLEY.

species only, and consequently a fundamental faculty. Because one may have
seen a Wolf and a Cat, animals which do not live habitually in a state of union,
to be always together, we are not obliged, as it seems to me, therefore to conclude
that such is the ordinary state of those animals. It is not surprising that, living
isolated, two animals of the same species become attached so far as to remain to-
gether, but in order to make the observation conclusive, it would be necessary
that the Wolf and Wild Cat had lived in a state of union, though surrounded by
several animals of the same species.

SOME ACCOUNT OF A VISIT TO KNOWSLEY, THE SEAT OF
THE EARL OF DERBY.

By A MfiMBEB OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION".

As there was no meeting of the Natural History Section on Thursday, at the
late meeting of the British Association, I determined, with many others, to avail
myself of the Earl of Derby's liberality to the Members of the Association, by
visiting his collections. This we were enabled to do by obtaining a ticket of
admission from the Chairman or one of the Committee of the Natural History
Section. A party consisting of several eminent naturalists — in fact the majority
of the Members of the Committee of the Section, the names of whom, I per-
ceive, are given in the last number of The Naturalist,— ($• 424)— started in the
morning, at 1 0 o'clock ; but the weather was exceedingly wet, and prevented the
attendance of many more. The mode of conveyance was by the rail-way, which
passes within three miles of Knowsley, I was not fortunate enough to be one cf
their number, for the hours of starting are punctually observed by the trains on
the rail-way, and though I was but a few minutes too late, the party were un-
doubtedly nearly at their journey's end when I arrived at the station. As the rain
descended very fast, I hardly regretted my absence from them. However, at
noon it cleared up, and I again repaired to the rail-way station, and started for
Knowsley.

On alighting I found I had several companions on the road making for the same
destination. Without the formalities of introductions we were all soon known to
each other, and I found in my fellow-travellers some of the ardent and devoted
naturalists whose names had long been familiar to my ears and eyes, but with whom
for the first time I had the pleasure of conversing. This alone is a strong recom-
mendation of the British Association, that it brings into close contact men of kindred
minds, and offers to the student of science the example of eminent men, and his
intercourse with them a strong inducement to follow the course he has begun.

SOME ACCOUNT OF A VISIT TO KNOWSLEY. 477

He now knows and feels that the most eminent have had to work and labour as
he does himself. He is also assured of their sympathies, and by the enjoyment
of their society receives a strong incentive to persevere, though perhaps secluded,
and far removed from personal intercourse with any of kindred dispositions.

But I am wandering from the object of this communication. We arrived at
Knowsley about three o'clock, and after sending in our cards and tickets of
admission, we were directed to the aviary. We were first shown into a square
plot of ground surrounded by small buildings, and cages tor various birds and
animals. There were several Marsupial animals loose in this enclosure ; they
seemed but little annoyed at our presence, and allowed us to approach close to
them. There were several species of Deer, also free, and amongst them the Moos
Deer presented to the Earl by the Zoological Society of Dublin. One small
species of Antelope attracted our attention by its crouching towards a large fire in
one of the buildings. It stood so close that on laying our hands on its back we
were unable to stroke its skin on account of the heat. In this inclosure were
several fine Vultures, amongst others two species of the rare and singular genus
Percnopterus ; also several very fine Eagles, including all the British species.
Amongst the confined animals were several Opossums, a little family of that
curious animal the Jerboa, some Kangaroo Rats, and several Armadillos. There
was a fine specimen of the old English Mastiff in a kennel, and several other
specimens of Dogs were running about the premises. One wretched little crea-
ture without any observable hair upon its hide particularly drew our attention.

But although the quadrupeds are worth attention, the birds form the greatest
attraction in this collection. Most of the birds from tropical climates are kept in
warm rooms, whilst others, less dependent for health on heat, were kept in ex-
tensive cages, the wire- work of which extends over several hundred feet of ground.
The water-birds were allowed to swim about freely in a large reservoir of water
situated in the middle of the aviary. Amongst the smaller birds confined in
cages were several interesting specimens. An African species of the genus
Thamnophilus attracted our immediate attention by its large deep yellow eye,
which, contrasted with its dark purple plumage, gave quite a new character to
the bird. In size it is something less than the Common Starling, and exceedingly
elegant in form. It is the only specimen alive in this country. There were also
various forms of the American hard-billed birds ; likewise some beautiful speci-
mens of the American Thrush, commonly called the American Robin \_Turdus
migratorius. — Ed/]; these, we were informed, had been bred in the Aviary.
Several small birds from Australia, amongst them the Vanga destructor, a species
of the Shrike family, whose extraordinary powers of voice were fully exhibited.
Also a species of the beautiful genus Euplectes. Amongst the Scansorial birds
were several rare and beautiful specimens. There was a living Red-billed Toucan

No. 15, Vol. II. 3 r

478 SOME ACCOUNT OF A VISIT TO KNOWSLEY.

(Rampkastos erythrorhynchus). The other rare birds of this group which may
be named were the Nymphicus Novce-Hollandce, Pal&ornis Barabaudice, Platy-
cercus Stanleyii, Platycercus Bauerii, some species of Timranus, &c. Amongst
the Rasorial birds were several varieties of Grouse, as the Sand- Grouse, or genus
Pterocles ; also the Red Grouse and Black [ Grouse. There were several [young
specimens of these birds, which had been bred in the Menagerie, a circumstance
which, if not unknown before, is at least extremely rare.

In one large cage, occupying several square yards, were confined a great variety
of Pigeons and Gallinaceous birds. Some of the latter were of the rarest kind ;
amongst the former the Passenger Pigeon \_Columba migratoria,* Auct., Ectopistes
migratoria, Swains. — Ed.]] was pointed out to us ; and as there were a great
many of them it seems probable this bird may become extensively reared in this
country.

Of the Strutkionidce there were several noble specimens. Some of them were
very young. Of the Wading birds the most striking was the Stanley Crane (An-
tkropoides Stanley anus). Its tall figure, graceful carriage, and tame habits,
attracted considerable attention. It is between four and five feet in height ; its
plumage is of a bright grey colour ; its most remarkable feature is its large head,
which, according to the phrenologists, would indicate a most dangerous develop-
ment of the animal propensities, as the greater part of its bulk is situated behind
the articulation of the skull with the vertebrae.

Amongst the Swimming birds were some very fine Pelicans, several Black
Swans, and a great variety of this tribe, of a smaller kind. After having visited
the Aviary, we were kindly invited to partake of some refreshment in the house,
and were afterwards shewn through the extensive range of apartments, which to
the lover of the Fine Arts afforded abundant delight, in the splendid collection of
pictures they contain. The Earl possesses a large library, and upon the table I
observed copies of the most costly and splendid works on Natural History.
There is also a magnificent collection of stuffed birds ; but it must be obvious
that we could take nothing more than a hasty glance at the various objects of
interest that presented themselves in this extensive establishment. We did not
see the noble owner of these collections, but I understand his lordship went
round with the party in the morning, and endured the pains and penalties of the
pouring rain for two or three hours, thus demonstrating the interest he takes in
the objects he has been at so much pains to collect around him. On the follow-
ing Saturday I joined a small party in an excursion to the Leasowes, which, if
agreeable, I will forward for the next number of The Naturalist.

October, 1837-

479

A CHAPTER ON THE VARIETIES OF ANIMALS.
By the Rev. Francis Orpen Morris, B.A.
" Varium et mutabile semper."
(Continued from p. 211.)
I have made notes of a few more varieties of birds and other animals, which
have been brought under my observation or to my knowledge ; and when you
have a spare page, if you consider them worth insertion, others I dare say
will think so too, as it certainly is pleasing to observe the curious changes
which present themselves to us, and interesting to note the species in which the
variations mostly occur. In a letter received from my brother, Mr. B. R. Morris,
he says, — " I have lately seen two black Sparrows, in this city" (Dublin). " Their
bills are light-coloured, and, contrasted with the dingy black, or mixture rather
of dark brown and black, which is otherwise universal, they look very curious
among the other Sparrows. The primary wing feathers are of a deeper black
than those of the rest of the body. I have seen a Sparrow with white wings,
and total albinos are tolerably common, but I think I never heard of a black one

before. — C. S , of Hawksworth, Nottinghamshire, informs me that he once

saw a straw-coloured Sparrow. It was shot, but unfortunately was too much
injured to be stuffed. I remember, five or six years ago, seeing a Blackbird in
confinement which had a mixture of black and white — the woman that owned it
(at Sherborne) told me that she had had it several years, and that it was only
within the last three or four that it had begun to change its plumage. At each
moult it became whiter and whiter, and she expected that it would turn entirely
white in a short time."

Mr. Dale, in a letter lately received, informs me of a white Woodcock, a
dusky one, and another with white wings, in the possession of Sir Richard Colt
Hoare, Baronet. The latter, with the young ones, was stuffed. A nest was
also found on Middlemarsh Common, Dorsetshire, April 1836.* The Snowy Owl
varies very much in plumage. Independent of the difference in the plumage of
the sexes, some are much darker and more mottled than others — almost every
shade occurs down to nearly a pure white. The Turnstone varies very much in
plumage, and so does the Ptarmigan ; but " omnibus hoc notum est." — Many birds
change their winter for a summer dress, ** and when the hour again comes round"
resume their former appearance, regardless of fashion, content with the admirable

* Mr. Dale informs me of his having found a red Cowslip growing wild, which is, I believe, a
very great curiosity. It is the first of which I ever heard of that colour. The next thing will b»
to find a blue Dahlia.

3b2

480 ON THE VARIETIES OF ANIMALS.

adaptation of their colour to their haunts and wants. The Moor Buzzard varies
very frequently in plumage. I have seen one with the head quite brown, uniform
in colour with the rest of the plumage, or nearly so, excepting the chin, which
was white. — Another had the head buff-coloured, mottled with the same colour,
or between that and white on the nape of the neck and the chin, with a few
white feathers on the breast, shoulders, and back, and one or two on the outside
of the wing.

The Common Buzzard is subject to great variety, some being very dark, and
almost black (one in my collection, a noble bird, is the darkest I have ever seen),
and others with an almost equal admixture of white feathers with the brown,
and they too of a lighter cast,: — also every intermediate variety. I have seen a
Hare of a blue silvery colour, its nose white, the head, cheeks, and ears light
brown, the latter bordered with white. Is the Pheasant with the white ring
round its neck, which is sometimes seen (Phasianus torquatus), a distinct species,
as is, I believe, generally supposed, or not ? I can hardly think it is, as we see
some with so very little of the white mark, compared to what others have. One
of the most singular varieties that I have ever seen was a Wild Duck of a gene-
ral ash-colour, the speculum of a very dull lead-colour, the tail a kind of buff ;
the back was mottled with light brown, the breast of the same colour, and
the neck and head were like those of the common Wild Duck, but of rather a
lighter shade.

Besides the varieties of the Blackbird mentioned in my last communication, I
have seen one with a delicate white ring encircling the neck as far as the
shoulder. In other parts it exhibits the colour from which it derives its name.
A very curious variety of a Duck, being a hybrid between the" Common Wild
Duck and the Pintail, is in Mr. Hugh Reid's collection. The speculum is some-
what similar in colour to that of the Mallard ; the neck long and thin, and
therefore more like that of the Pintail. The tail is short, and like that of the
Mallard, with the exception of two feathers, which are about half the length of
the tail of the Pintail. The head and neck are like those of the Mallard ; from
the latter the breast is divided by a semicircle of white feathers.

Another variety of the Hare that I have seen, is of a general dusky ash-colour
rather lighter on the belly and neck. But the most beautiful variety I have ever
seen • is a bird of which, from the singularity of its appearance, I am unable to
discover the species. I at first thought it was a young Nightingale, but the tail
was too cuneiform. It was shot in a wood near Done aster, and was sent to be
preserved by Mr. Reid ; and admirably has he performed his task, though only
with his usual ability, which cannot be made too widely known. A more beautiful
bird I never saw. It is entirely of a pure] white, with a faint tinge here and
there of a delicate rose colour. This " forms her description — her description,

CORRESPONDENCE. 481

true"; and, though mentioned last in these notes, it is impossible for any bird to
exceed it in beauty. It is a young bird, scarcely full-grown, but in fine plumage,
and belongs to some of our summer visitants, but to which it is " xaXsu-o* itirnt."
Doncaster, September. 1837.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Which are the Best Works on Geology ?
To the Editor of the Naturalist.

Sir, — At p. 359 I perceive your correspondent Mr. Han way makes inquiries
relative to publications on Zoology and Botany. I feel certain that a catalogue
of the kind mentioned by Mr. H. will be of much use to many of your readers,
as it once would have been to me. Therefore I may probably take an early
opportunity of transmitting you the required list, though only upon condition
that you do not receive any other communication on the same subject. Now
an Englishman must, as all the world knows, turn every thing into a bargain ;
and, with a view of keeping up this ancient and venerable usage, I take the
liberty of requesting that either you or some one of your contributors will, in
return, furnish a similar account of the principal geological works. I am ac-
quainted with the writings of De La Beche, Lyell, Buckland, &c, of which I
have been led to think very highly. I am particularly desirous of becoming
acquainted with the labours of French, German, and American authors in this
interesting branch of science.

I may observe, that I possess a tolerably extensive library of Natural History,
and therefore hope to make my intended list tolerably complete. As regards
periodicals and transactions of societies, I think it will be amply sufficient to
mention the titles of the most important of these, without alluding to any of the
numerous and often admirable papers they contain.

On Magazines of Natural History, and Transactions of Societies.

If we may be allowed to judge by the number of societies which publish trans-
actions, these publications must succeed very well. There appears, unfortunately,
to be a much smaller demand for magazines devoted to Natural History. The
Zoological Journal, Kennie's Field Naturalist, and the Zoological Magazine, all
perished early. The Naturalist would probably have ceased to exist long ere
this but for your " enterprising spirit"; the Magazine of Zoology and Botany is, I

482 CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

hear, not going on very prosperously;* and, lastly, the Magazine of Natural History
— which once enjoyed an extensive circulation — has, according to current report,
considerably fallen off of late years. The Analyst (partially devoted to Natural
History) is, I am glad to find, beginning to reap the reward which its merits
ought long since to have earned for it. There can, however, be no question but
the students of Nature are rapidly increasing in number, and it is to be hoped that
the present infantile craving for trashy compilations with coloured daubs will
shortly give way to a more rational desire for works of real merit — whether
periodical or otherwise — scientific or popular. I am not one of those who repro-
bate altogether the publication of popular compilations. On the contrary, I
think they may, if well done, be of very extended use. I am therefore a little
disposed to scold you for your somewhat severe notices of certain compilations in
your Ornithologists Text-book. But I will not further trespass on your time and
attention than by subscribing myself,

Sir, your obedient servant,
Lincoln, Nov. 2, 1837. J. B. Tatum.

£Mr. Tatum's letter reached us immediately after the retrospect of zoological
and botanical literature published in our present number went to the press ;
otherwise it would have given us much pleasure to have published his list ; and
indeed we regret that he did not sooner comply with Mr. Hanway's request. If
any correspondent competent to the undertaking will furnish the catalogue desired
by Mr. T., we shall be most happy to give it an early insertion. — We agree with
our correspondent as regards the value of properly-executed compilations ; but
should probably differ from him in our views of a good work of that kind. — Ed.]

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

NlDlFICATION OF THE GOLDENCROWNED KlNGLET.

To the Editor of the Naturalist.
Respected Friend, — In the November number of The Naturalist (p. 416) I
noticed a paper on the Goldcrest, in which Mr. Alington endeavours to prove
that the nest of this bird is never attached to the twigs or branches of trees by

* We hope, for the credit of British naturalists, that the report is not true. But of course no
estimate can fairly be taken of the circulation of a periodical printed at Edinburgh or in the
country merely by ascertaining its London sale; which, on many accounts, may chance to. be
comparatively small.— Ed.

PROCEEDINGS OP SOCIETIES. 483

means of " cordage," mentioning several instances to the contrary from his own
observation. I have not any specimens of the nest at hand to refer to ; and
perhaps I ought not to speak too positively from recollection, but, if my memory
does not greatly deceive me, I am strongly inclined to think that the bird does
employ cordage wherewith to fasten its nest. Indeed I have seen instances of
the nest hanging underneath a fir branch in which this must necessarily have
been the case. But I rather send this with a view of eliciting further remarks
on the subject than in order to communicate a matter of fact.

If this trifle is deemed worthy of a place in the pages of The Naturalist, its
insertion will oblige.

Thine respectfully,

James Dillon.

PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Mr. Richard Owen, F.R.S., in the chair. — Lucien Bonaparte, Prince of
Musignano, exhibited the drawing of a new species of Salamander, differing
both from the Triton and the Menobranchus, which he characterised as a new
genus. The same distinguished naturalist likewise characterised several new
birds from Mexico, from a collection which he had received for examination from
that country, many of which had before been considered to be confined exclu-
sively to the United States. Full descriptions of several of the new varieties
were promised by him for publication in the Transactions of the society. Co-
lonel Sykes, F.R.S., read some observations on the identity of the Wild Ass of
Thibet, which principally inhabits Kutch, on the Indus, with the Jikta, or Equus
herniones of Pallas. Although known to Aristotle, Pliny, ^Elian, and
other early writers on Natural History, this interesting animal appears to have
been scarcely known in Europe until Pallas described it in the Memoirs of the
Russian Academy. This animal has, it appears, a very wide geographical range,
being found in Mongolia, Arabia, the Himalayan Mountains, and many other
parts of the continent of India. The learned author also mentioned that the
ordinary distribution of Asses according to size was not correct, it being imagined
that the largest species were found at the tropics, and that they diminished in
size according as they approached towards the north, as the reverse was in many
instances the fact, in some parts of India even the Asses, which are used as beasts

484 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

of burden, being little larger than Newfoundland Dogs. He also impressed upon
naturalists and travellers the use of the camera lucida, for obtaining more correct
configurations of animals than could be got by the unaided vision.

Mr. Gould exhibited a collection of the Raptorial birds of Australia, consisting
of twenty-six species, amongst which were two white Hawks, which he consi-
dered were sufficiently characterised to be placed in a distinct species. Dr. Vigors
remarked on the total absence of the Vulturiclce and the typical Raptorial birds
as a distinguishing feature in Australian Ornithology, and also on an equal
deficiency of ruminants amongst mammalia, as well as several insects and plants.
He also congratulated the meeting on the presence of Prince Lucien Bonaparte,
after an absence of ten years from this country, devoted to an inquiry into the
Ornithology of the New World. — Mr. Gould described three new species of birds
from New Zealand.

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Oct. 2. — Mr. J. F. Stephens, Pres., in the chair. — Papers bearing the follow-
ing titles were read: — 1. A series of diurnal observations upon the larva of
Athalia centifolia, or black caterpillar of the Turnip, with suggestions as to the
best modes for its destruction, communicated by Mr. Sells ; 2. observations on
the Hemipterous family, Phymatites of Laporte, with a monograph on the genus
Macrocephalus, by Mr. Westwood ; 3. observations on the economy of several
species of CEstrideous insects which attack the Horse, by Mr. Sells. In this
communication the author entered fully into several points of the Natural His-
tory of the different species of Horsebots, arriving at conclusions opposed to those
of Mr. Bracy Clark. — Mr. Saunders exhibited a small but interesting collec-
tion of insects from the interior of India, and Mr. Westwood specimens of the
grub which, at the present time, is committing serious injury to the Turnips
in the midland counties. He also presented specimens of two small Beetles,
Apion radiolus and Haltica fuscipes, generally found upon the Marsh Mallow,
but which he observed to be very injurious to the Hollyhock. The same gentle-
man likewise presented highly magnified drawings of the appearance of the se-
cretion emitted by the Domestic Fly, produced by a disease which causes its
death, and which had been considered by Mr. Macleay, at the Liverpool meet-
ing, as a species of parasitic Fungus (see p. 440). — Numerous donations of books
were announced, and other routine business was transacted. — Mr. Francis
Walker, F.L.S., was elected a member, and certificates were read in favour of
other candidates.

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 485

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Oct. 17- — Dr. Henderson, V. P., in the chair. — After a variety of presents
had been announced, consisting of donations from the Academy of Sciences and
the Horticultural Society of Frankfort-on-the-Maine, Dr. Lindley read a com-
munication from Mr. Dilwyn, on the growth of stove aquatics in the open air,
stating that the writer had grown even the most tender South American va-
rieties in this manner, which flourished well without any protection. A Melon
was exhibited, grown by Mr. Williams, of Pitmaston, under frames open at
the sides, and which, although the season was so far advanced, was in full per-
fection, as was also a superb queen Pine-apple, from Mr. Harrison, weighing
4lbs 14oz., and of greater size than any previously produced of this variety. The
fruit from the gardens of the society consisted of fifteen new varieties of Pears,
and twenty of Apples. The flowers consisted of a choice variety of Dahlias
from the gardens of the society, and Messrs. Chandler and Catcleuch ; amongst
the former being seen some of the seedlings of the original Mexican flower from
which all the different forms at present known have sprung. There were also
interesting collections of plants from the gardens of Sir Edward Antrobus, Mrs.
Lawrence, and Messrs. Young : amongst the latter being a rare plant, Impa-
tiens scandiflora, from Ceylon, on which Dr. Lindley took occasion to remark
on the propriety of introducing garden plants from this country and the southern
parts of the peninsula of India. Silver Knightian medals were awarded to Mr.
Young, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Green, gardener to Sir Edward Antrobus,
after which the meeting adjourned to the 17th of November.

EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

ZOOLOGY.

1. On the Genus Pagurus, by Dr. Milne Edwards. — We intimated in a
former number (p. 375) that we might probably extract further from Dr. Ed-
wards's valuable paper on the Paguri, published in the Annates des Sciences
Naturelles. This we accordingly now proceed to do.

It is generally agreed, observes the doctor, that in the Paguri, as well as in
the Cenobites, there are only ovipositors (if appendices oviferes may be so
translated) or false feet on one side, and that this part of the body is quite
membranous above. M. Desmarest, on the contrary, says that in the female,
No. 15, Vol. II. 3 s

480 EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.

false legs, destined to carry the eggs, exist on the abdomen, and that these organs
are larger on one side than on the other. Lastly, according to Latreille, Bir-
gus has two rows of lamellar appendages under this part of the body. All these
opinions are more or less incorrect; In a great number of Paguri the abdomen
is covered above with transverse horny plates, considerably developed, and of a
sufficiently firm consistency ; and even when these plates are reduced to a rudi-
mentary state, they are almost always sufficiently distinct to mark the seven
rings of which this part of the body is composed. The two last rings are always
very firm, as are also the members of the penultimate segment, which serve to
retain the animal in its dwelling, and to carry the latter after it. The kind of
tail thus formed is always separated from the antepenultimate ring by a large
membrane ; in Birgus, as well as in the Paguri and the Cenobites, it exists,
and lacks all symmetry. The new genus which I have established under the
name Cancelle* is the only group of the tribe in which this terminal portion of
the abdomen is symmetrical. In the females we find, attached to the four
horned plates which represent the four abdominal rings comprised between the
first and sixth segments, four members which occupy the left side of the animal,
and which serve to bear the eggs ; these false legs are often large, and there
sometimes exists a similar one on the right side, but two rows are never found,
even in Birgus. In the male these organs are sometimes entirely wanting ; in
general there are three on the left side of the abdomen, and in certain Paguri it
exists on both sides. In these latter we find, immediately behind the posterior
thoracic legs, a pair of little appendages inserted near the median line, upon a
horny organ which represents the first ring of the abdomen; they are each
formed of a basilar articulation, and a terminal plate, shaped like a channel,
similar to what exists in the short-tailed decapods, and in many canceriform
Anomoures, forming my family Apterures.

The horny plate which represents the second ring of the abdomen has also a
pair of symmetrical appendages, which are considerably more elongated, and
are inserted much further outwards, but which, in the ordinary position, are
bent forwards and inwards, so as to place itself between these with the first
pair. The three following segments each bear only one segment similar to those
of the second pair ; and it is to be observed, that in the Paguri, where the whole
number of these appendages only amounts to three, it is the last which exist,

* While British naturalists in general attend little to vernacular nomenclature, continental
writers have, on the contrary, so great a regard for it as to give each genus a separate French or
German name, which they commonly employ without supplying the Latin designations. In the
case of new genera or species, this practice is certainly to be regretted ; and in France it is car-
ried so far as often greatly to embarrass the English student.— ?En.

EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 487

■while those of the second ring are only represented by a tuft of down, and those
of the first ring have entirely disappeared. — Annates des Sciences Naturelles.

BOTANY.

2. Phanerogamous Plants naturalised near Montpellier. By M.
Alphonse De Candolle. — Nothing, says M. De Candolle, is more difficult
than to prove the introduction of a phanerogamous plant into the European
floras. Our countries have long been in communication with the whole world,
so that the species which might easily have been introduced have been introduced
many centuries before accurate botanists could prove it. If new relations intro-
duce, accidentally or voluntarily, new species, the frequent changes of our ex-
extratropical climates, aud the extent of our culture (of plants), commonly pre-
vents their being naturalised in a lasting manner. How many seeds escape
from our gardens, which, nevertheless, cause no addition to the flora of our fields !
How many species have been sown without the boundaries of our cultivated
grounds, from which nothing has resulted, or the produce of which has disap-
peared after having struggled one or two years with the climate, and with indi-
genous plants, exclusive masters of the land.

Gouan of Montpellier, Grosse of Geneva, and several Parisian botanists, have,
during many years, thrown handfuls of foreign seeds into our woods, meadows,
and mountains, and, to my knowledge, no one of these is naturalised.

The following, however, is an instance of successful naturalisation in the neigh-
bourhood of Montpellier. Jussicea grandijlora, an aquatic plant of the order
Onagracece, a native of Georgia and Carolina, was thrown into the little river
Lez, six or seven years ago, by M. Delile, director of the garden of Mont-
pellier. It has propagated and naturalised itself in an extent of many leagues,
almost so as to obstruct the mill-streams. This year (1836), in September, I
have seen it erecting its beautiful yellow flowers in the midst of the Polygonum,
Mentha, &c, which have always covered the peaceful waters of the banks of the
Lez. It occurs abundantly above the Pont Juvenal ; and if we then repair to
the neighbouring inclosures destined for the cleaning of wool*, we can compare a
complete and permanent naturalisation with the ephemeral introductions which
botanists have frequently mentioned. The fact relative to the Jussicea admits of
no doubt. The cause of its success appears to me to be the nature of the station
of J. grandiflora. The plants which live more or less submerged in water are
commonly found in countries distant from each other. They are, so to speak, more
sporadic than the generality of species belonging to the same genera or families.
They accommodate themselves more easily to all climates, because the medium

* The wools of the East, dried at the Pont Juvenal introduce annually some species, but
they are not found to spread and multiply in the country.

3s 2

488 MISCELLANY.

in which they live maintains a temperature more equal than the atmosphere,
and more similar in different countries. Their stalks or their seeds, protected
from cold and heat by a mass of fluid, develop immediately the season becomes
favorable, whatever be the temperature of the atmosphere during the rest of the
year.

The mean temperature of Montpellier during the three summer months (June
July, Aug.) is 24°, C, as at Naples. It is sufficient to ripen the seeds of many
aquatic plants belonging to hot countries, and especially to those which are
analogous, as the U. S., Van Dieman's Land, or Japan. In the cold season,
during the months of Dec, Jan., and Feb., a mean external temperature of +8°,
which is perhaps +10 to 12° in the waters of the Lez, cannot be very hurtful to
these same species. The aerial or land plants, on the contrary, are exposed to
mountainous temperatures of — 7°, or — 8°, C.

In confirmation of these principles, I may observe, that Mr. Lichtenstein, of
Montpellier, sowed some rice in a salt-marsh of the province of Aude, with
remarkable success. A summer heat of 23, C, suffices on an average to ripen
rice, as may be ascertained by the geographical situation of the rice-grounds of
Piedmont. In M. L.'s experiment the obstacle to be feared was less the temper-
ature than the saline quality of the ground, but it appears that rice does not
suffer from a certain degree of salt. We may therefore perhaps one day see the
vast saline ponds which surround the middle of France, from the mouth of the
Rhone to the Pyrenees, covered with productive rice-grounds, and furnishing to
the inhabitants, now overwhelmed with fever, a means of resisting this evil by
better food, better clothes, and more healthy dwellings. — Bibliotheque Univer-
selle de Geneve, New Series.

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

ZOOLOGY.

The Ring Pigeon (Columba palumbus) breeding in confinement. — I have
this year succeeded in breeding the Ring Pigeon in confinement. I took the old
birds from the nest in the autumn of last year. This year they bred a pair of
young, which have now passed through the first moult, and are not distinguish-
able from the old birds.— Thomas Allis, York, l\th Mo. 4, 1837. [This fact
tends to confirm the opinion we ventured to advance in The Naturalist, Vol. I.,
p. 132.— Ed.]

Substitute for Cork- lining in Entomological Cabinets. — The following

MISCELLANY. 489

receipt, as a substitute for cork-lining for drawers in cabinets of insects, will be
found a very good one, and it does not require above a fifth of the expense
attending the usual method : —

White Resin, 10 oz.
Bees- Wax, 6oz.
Tallow, 2oz.
Turpentine, 1 oz.
The last item, might, I should think, be dispensed with. — F. 0. Morris, Don-
caster, Nov. 4, 1837.

Large Ray. — An enormous Ray has been taken off Feroe, which weighed 384
pounds, was 13 inches thick, 8 feet 8 inches long, and 6 feet 2 inches wide. —
Athenceum, Oct, 21, communicated by Charles Liverpool, M.D.

Hybrid between a Lion and a Tiger. — " Ibrida quo pacto sit." Horace,
Satires, 1. vii., 2. — Mr. Reid, of Doncaster, has in his museum a very fine spe-
cimen of an animal between a Lion and a Tiger. In size and shape it more
resembles the latter species, and in colour the former. It was bred in Yorkshire.
I consider it a very great curiosity. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, June, 1837.

Notice respecting the Whiteheaded Osprey (Pandion halicetus). — In a
former number of The Naturalist, I stated, that an adult male of this species,
which alighted in an exhausted state on the rigging of a small vessel passing
Flamborough-head, was brought to Scarborough, and presented to the museum
of that town by John Tindall, Esq. I may add that the bird, while in the
hands of the sailor-boy, evidently did not admire its situation — that of being
carried round for sale. It assumed a very dignified appearance ; and, although
no doubt both hungry and fatigued, its proud spirit looked with apparent disdain
upon a piece of raw meat offered to it. Since the capture of this bird another
was repeatedly seen at Scalby-beck, a rivulet celebrated for its delicious Trout.
It branches from the Derwent, and empties itself into the sea about a mile to the
north of Scarborough.

This epicurean angler afterwards took up its quarters at the Hackness fish-
ponds, a few miles from its previous abode. But it was not long suffered to
remain here, the keepers having received instructions from the generous proprietor,
Sir J. V. B. Johnstone, Bart., to secure all desirable objects of Natural History*
for the Scarborough Museum. Accordingly, in order to immortalize this gour-
mand, as much pains were taken to seize it as though it had been a cut-purse or
a swindler. The bird escaped after all. Another individual of this interesting

* Were proprietors of parks to adopt this plan, and on the other hand to forbid all unnecessary
destruction of many birdsjvulgarly termed " varmint," the system would, we are confident, prove
beneficial to all parties.— Ed.

490 MISCELLANY.

species was brought to the Scarborough Museum, having been shot near the town
on the 18th of last May. — Patrick Hawkridge, Scarborough, Aug. 7, 1837.

Lamb without a Head. — " Ut abortivus olim Sisyphus." The most extra-
ordinary lusus natures I have ever seen has just been preserved by Mr. Hugh
Reid, of Doncaster. It is a lamb without a head ! It is perfectly formed in every
other respect. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, July, 1837.

White Varieties of the Partridge. — Two Partridges have been shot this
season at Alston, near Preston, perfectly white, not a coloured feather being
found on either bird. On the same estate two others, of exactly simliar plumage,
have also been seen. — Taunton Courier. [J Wholly or partially white varieties of
the Partridge are not very uncommon, a circumstance attributable, perhaps, to
their inhabiting so near the haunts of man. It may be observed that as birds or
other animals come under our immediate jurisdiction and control, in equal ratio
does their liability to stray from the natural type, as regards plumage, size, &c,
increase. Thus, generally speaking, the Aquaticoe, (Latham) are more subject
to variety than land birds ; but amongst the former the Mallard Duck (Anas
boschas) will be found to vary much more frequently than most of the marsh and
moor birds, which again supports our observation. — Ed.^]

Starling with an elongated Upper Mandible. — In the same collection
(that of Mr. Reid) is a Starling with the upper mandible remarkably elongated,
curving downwards, and inclining a little to the left. I have seen other similar
instances. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, July, 1837.

White-headed Osprey. — A fine specimen of the Osprey was shot a few days
ago, at Sandhill Park, by Sir Thomas Lethbridge's gamekeeper. This bird
measures five feet two inches from tip to tip of the wings. It is now in the
hands of Mr. J. Turle, birdstuffer, of this town. — Taunton Courier, Oct. 11.

Cross between a Cock Pheasant and a Grey-hen. — Mr. Dale writes me
word that, in the title-page to Eyton's Rarer British Birds there is a figure given
of a hybrid between a cock Pheasant and a " Grey-hen." In the preface it is said
to have been one of a brood of five. The neck appears to be black, and the rest
of the plumage mottled. At p. 101 a similar instance is mentioned as having
occurred in Cornwall, and another near Corwen, now in the collection of Sir
Rowland Hill, Bart. — F. 0. Morris, Doncaster, August 7, 1837-

Insect Food. — A peculiarly disgusting insect is eagerly devoured by the
Chinese Hottentots ; caterpillars are cooked into a dish in some parts of Australia,
and the people of New Caledonia eat Spiders. Ants and their eggs are eaten by
several nations, and this kind of diet has been eulogised by some Europeans who
have partaken of it. In some parts of the East Indies it is said that vast quanti-
ties of Termites (white Ants) are collected, and made with flour into a variety
of pastry ; but an inordinate use of this food occasions colic, dysentery, and

MISCELLANY. 491

death. Mr. Stedman says that the Africans eat these Ants (roasted) by hand-
fuls, and several Europeans have declared that they are delicious — like sugared
cream or a paste of sweet almonds. Locusts are eaten in almost all the countries
where they appear, either dried, pounded with milk, ground with flour and
baked into cakes, or made into soup. — Asiatic Journal.

The Garden Ouzel crowing like a Cock. — The circumstance of the Garden
Ouzel (or " blackbird ") having been known to crow like a cock, has excited con-
siderable curiosity and speculation. Theoretically, we should say that the species
has an amply-developed faculty of Imitation, and that the notes are by no means
original, but are obtained from the constant crowing of Cocks near the haunts of
these birds. Our own observation unquestionably tends to confirm this view of
the question. Thus we have known Garden Ouzels imitate the various shades
of crowing or cackling of the Dunghill, Game, or Bantam Fowls. Where the
favourite quarters of these birds are in the immediate vicinity of sequestered
farms, is the best place for noticing the cackling of the " blackbirds "; and the
circumstance of our having known the latter almost immediately confine them-
selves to their natural notes when the Fowls were removed from a spot similar to
that of which we are speaking, in our opinion at once settles the point in dis-
pute.— Ed.

Crambus argyreus. — Very fine dark specimens of this insect may be had on
Parley Heath and near Lyndhurst, from July 3 to August 26. Other varieties
occur in different localities, one even within a mile, in Clover fields, and others
running more yellow elsewhere, as at Whittlesea Mere, Gambingay Heath, &c,
near Bedford, Dover, and other places. — J. C. Dale, Glanville's Wootton, Dorset-
shire, July 9, 1837.

Crambus margaritellus. — Schichallion, Loch Ranock, Craig Cailleach, Winan-
dermer'e, July 11 to Aug. 26. Near Birmingham, Mr. Weaver; Beachamwell,
Norfolk, June, 1823, Mr. Haworth. In a garden at Brightwell, Berkshire, Rev.
R. Burney ; also Thome Moor, July, 1837. — Id.

Number of Eggs of the Starling. — I have repeatedly found seven eggs in
the nest of the Starling ; and I think (though I cannot say positively, having no
memorandum by me) that I have known this number exceeded. At any rate I
consider seven the more usual number. — J. D. Salmon, Thetford, Norfolk, July
23, 1836. [In the British Song Birds we stated the number of eggs to be " four
or five "; but we believe Mr. Salmon is right. In this particular we suspect that
— contrary to our usual custom — we spoke rather from closet knowledge than
from a comparison of our private notes and observation in the fields. — Ed.]

Eggs of the Wood Lark (Alauda arborea, Linn.). — I have never been able
to meet with the eggs of the Wood Lark ; they are, consequently, desiderata in
my collection.— J. D. Salmon, Thetford, Norfolk, Jidy 28, 1836.

492 MISCELLANY.

BOTANY.

Fuchsia fulgens. — At the flower-show in the Egyptian-hall on Thursday, there
was exhibited, for the first time in this country, a specimen in full blow of that
magnificent plant Fuchsia fulgens. It was introduced from Mexico by Messrs.
Lee, of Hammersmith, and for its culture they obtained the large silver medal.
The leaves of the plant are of a bright green, tinged with a beautiful deep purple
towards the centre. The flowers are red, and the inner fold is of a deep scarlet.
They measure three inches and a half in length, and hang down in luxuriant
branches of from thirty to sixty blooms, varying according to the strength of the
shoot.— Oct. 11.

The Tea Tree. — I read in your paper lately an account of the Tea-tree being
cultivated in the gardens of Mr. Lerry, at Angers. I recollected at the time to
have seen, as I believed, a hedge of evergreen plants in the nursery gardens of
Mr. Page, near Southampton. I have since been to see them, and there are now
plants that are not less than six feet high, growing with all the hardiness of a
common Bay-tree ; the leaves healthy, and in some seasons producing ripened
seed. I am induced to believe that the shores of Devonshire, or the Isles of Wight,
Jersey, and Guernsey, would grow this plant for profitable use. — Mark Lane
Express.

Enormous Turnip. — On the 12th instant a white Turnip was taken from the
field of Mr. James Crompton, Meltham Grange, near Howden, the diameter of
which was five feet one inch ; the circumference of the bottom, 3 feet one inch ;
stood, when growing, 14 inches ; when the top and root were taken off weighed
15 lb. ; was sown on the 22nd of June last. — Oct. 11.

A Fact for Naturalists. — In the neighbourhood of Bierley there is a tree
which was, a few years ago, split with lightning. An iron chain which was
fastened round it in order to restore it to its pristine form is now covered with
bark, and the tree is in good condition. — Wolverhampton Chronicle.

Victoria regalis. — Dr. Weissenborn, of Weimar, states, in the November
number of the Magazine of Natural History, that the plant named by Mr.
Schomburgh Victoria regina, is unquestionably Furyale Amazonica, Poppig. It
is therefore probable that Mr. Schomburgh will be under the necessity of with-
drawing his name. — Ed.

GEOLOGY.

Remarkable Caverns, Geology, &c, in Brazil.— Dr. Lund, the Danish
traveller, now in Brazil, has discovered, in the mountain chains between the Rio
Francisco and the Rio das Velhas, a great number of caverns ; among which
Sappa nova de Marquine, in the Sierra de Marquine, is one of the most remark-
able. The mountain consists of clay-slate, flinty-slate, and limestone of the

MISCELLANY. 493

transition period, in which last is the cavern described ; the total length of which,
from north to south, is 1440 feet, the height being from 30 to 40 feet, and the
breadth from 50 to 60. It is separated by masses of stalactite into twelve
divisions, of which only three were known before Dr. Lund explored them. The
others, especially the innermost, were of such extraordinary beauty, that his
attendants fell on their knees, and expressed the greatest astonishment. On the
river Velhas, the banks of which the traveller afterwards traversed, the vegeta-
tion assumes a peculiar character. The inhabitants call the forests catingas
(white forests). They form a thicket of thorny trees and bushes, interwoven
with parasitical plants of the same nature. The leaves fall in August, and, from
the beginning of September till the rainy season, the catingas are as bare as
European forests in winter. On this excursion Dr. Lund had an opportunity of
examining nineteen caverns, all of which confirmed his opinion of their geological
formation. He has collected many remarkable particulars respecting the circum-
stances which must have taken place in a great inundation, as well as respecting
its effects, and convinced himself, by several indications, that its course in South
America was from north to south. In three of the nineteen caverns which he
explored, he found petrifactions of quadrupeds, which he had not discovered in the
Marquine cavern, viz., Cerous rufus, Caelogenys, Paca, Cavia aperia, six species
of Bats, four species of Mus-lepus Brasiliensis, and Strix peetata. In the first-
mentioned cavern he found two species of ruminating animals, far larger than
those now living in Brazil, and a Megatherium, of the size of an Elephant. —
Literary Gazette.

M. Tournet has presented a long memoir to the French Academy of Sciences,
containing his geological observations in the neighbourhood of Arbresle, in which
he establishes some well determined affinities between the nature of those rocks
which have pierced through the upper crust at different periods, as well as their
directions, the soil which covered them, and their degree of fusibility, as con-
nected with the period of eruption. M. Tournet thinks that the true and only
primordial sedimentary rock is composed of clay slate, and that this rock, which
contains the element of mica, being altered or modified in different manners, has
been transformed into gneiss, mica-slate, &c. He admits four modes of altera-
tion : one is calcination, a second trituration, a third the changes produced by
penetration and cementation, and the fourth is the influence of the granite which
transforms it into gneiss, by introducing its feldspath when in a state of fusion.

No. 15, Vol. II. 3 t

494

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

On the Natural History and Classification of Birds. By William Swainsok,
A.C.G., F. R. S., F. L. S., &c. Vol. II. London : Longman and Co., and
John Taylor. 1837. l2mo. pp. 398.

The present volume contains a brief but masterly explanation of the affinities
of Dentirostres, Rasores, Grallatores, and Natatores, or the Dentirostral birds,
Gallinaceous birds, Waders, and Swimmers, illustrated by numerous wood-cuts.
The work is for the most part written in our author's usual philosophic spirit,
but we greatly dislike the tone of the following extract : —

If our opponents, by any theory of their own, equally comprehensive, can explain and illus-
trate what this cannot do, we will then not only consent to abandon our propositions as unten-
able, but adopt any other more demonstrative of the unity of Nature's laws. Until this, how-
ever, is done, or until something more philosophic is urged against us than the old reiterated
assertion that "the time Ins not yet come" for these investigations, &c. &c, we may be
allowed to preserve silence: these vague and querulous complaints, in truth, have emanated
from those only who have hitherto done nothing to place their names in the prominent ranks of
science, and who may consequently be presumed inadequate judges upon matters they have not
sufficiently studied.— p. 2.

Mr. Swainson is here alluding to the leading article in the first number of the
Magazine of Zoology and Botany, by Mr. Jenyns. It is, to say the least, un-
courteous to judge thus harshly of so excellent a naturalist as Mr. J., wTho wras
merely expressing the individual opinion at which he had arrived respecting the
classification' ; and, if to either of these gentlemen, we should in this instance be
inclined to ascribe the *" querulous complaints" to Mr. Swainson.

We believe thee quinary system to be more in accordance with Nature than any
other arrangement "hitherto promulgated. In this country it appears to have
been adopted by almost every naturalist of note who has impartially investigated
the theory. On' the other hand We are not aware of its having ever been opposed
with anything like success. It has l>een sufficiently ridiculed in private, but
never openly and fairly grappled with in public. Naturalists holding contrary
views must either consider' the subject too absurd to be gravely discussed, or
there must be a lack of realobjections'to the System. Some years ago an attack
upon the doctrine was published in 'the second edition of Montagu's Ornithological
Dictionary, by a gentleman evidently little acquainted with the subject. At-
tempted demolitions of the quinary system have likewise appeared in the Maga-
zine ofNahiral History (Vol. IX., we "believe), by Teter Rylands, Esq., and
Mr. Blytm.

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS, 495

Mr. Swainson then proceeds to the description of genera, mentioning one or
more species under each group, and illustrating the chapter with figures.

The only faults we can find in this admirable volume are those of the " printer's
devil" and of the engraver. We could have wished that these had been less
numerous ; for, though perhaps minor failings, we cannot help remarking them in
a standard publication.

Catalogue of the Cellular es or Flowerless Plants of Great Britain, or those
included in the Linneean class Cryptogamea. By W. A. Leighton, B. A.,
F.B.S.E., &c. London : Longman and Co., & Davies, Shrewsbury, 1837.

The advantages of Mr. Leighton's Catalogue appear to be similar to those of
Curtis's Guide to an Arrangement of British Insects (see p. 336.). It is care-
fully compiled from Sir W. J. Hooker's English Flora, Sir J. E. Smith's
English Flora, Mackay's Flora Hibernica, Henslow's Catalogue of British
Plants, &c. : and, being printed upon a single sheet, may be transmitted to any
Part of the kingdom for a single postage.

A Catalogue of the South African Museum: now exhibiting in the Egyptian
Hall, Piccadilly. The property of a Society entitled " The Cape of Good Hope
Association for exploring Central Africa." London: Smith, Elder, and Co.
1837. pp. 39. 8vo.

This Catalogue includes a considerable number of rare African quadrupeds and
birds, with extremely interesting remarks on the former. The Cape of Good
Hope Association was established in 1833, and we are glad to find that it is in a
flourishing state. If well conducted and liberally supported, it cannot fail to be
a valuable auxiliary to science.

The Entomological Magazine. No. xxi., Oct., 1837. London : R. Clay,
Bread -street-hill.

This is an excellent number of the Entomological Magazine, nearly all the
original communications being valuable. In our last publication (p. 397) it will
be remembered that we extracted a paper by Mr. E. Doubleday, on the Natural
History of North America, from the periodical under notice. In the present
number Mr. D.'s interesting notes are continued, but we regret our inability to
make any quotation at present. Other articles, by Mr. Walton, Mr. F. Wal-
ker, and Mr. Hewitson, with the reports of British and foreign societies, com-
bine to render this magazine interesting and useful to the entomologist, while
the lighter effusions of Mr. Douglas and the " Insect-hunter" may prove attrac-
tive to the less scientific reader.

3t 2

496 CONFLICT WITH A TIGER ON THE MALABAR COAST.

Address of Earl Stanhope, President of the Med ico-r Botanical Society, for the
Anniversary Meeting, Jan. 16, 1837- London : J. Wilson, Piccadilly.

From the amiable and scientific spirit pervading this Address, no one will
venture to deny that its noble author amply deserves the respect and esteem in
which he is held by the institution over which he presides. A critical notice
would here be out of place ; but we may observe that we object to the generic
names of the plants being in small capitals. Not only is it a departure from
the usual method, but it appears to be unattended by any counterbalancing
advantage.

CONFLICT WITH A TIGER ON THE MALABAR COAST.

With regard to Mr. Tileb's book on birds, beasts, fishes, insects, &c, we shall
content ourselves with making the following extract from its pages : —

There is now living in the village of Kildwick, in Craven, Yorkshire, a Mr.
Turner, who, at an early period of his life, was in the East Indies, as a soldier
in one of the regiments stationed there. When encamped at Ganjam, on the
Malabar coast, he had a dreadful personal conflict with a huge Tiger. With the
particulars of the affray, Mr. Turner himself has obligingly furnished us for this
work. He is, probably, the only living instance of an individual encountering a
Tiger, under such circumstances, and remaining, as he certainly did so, by the
retreat of the enemy, master of the field.

On the day the regiment arrived at Ganjam, two men belonging to it, named
Bateman and Murray, had gone upon a contiguous mountain without fire-arms,
and had been put into considerable consternation by a large black Bear. The
next morning they invited Mr. Turner to accompany them to the same place ;
and took with them two muskets and bayonets, with six rounds of ammunition,
as a prudential defence against the dangers they might probably encounter.
Having ascended the summit of the mountain, Mr. Turner perceived a small,
loose rock, upon the edge of a lofty precipice, and tumbled it down, for the purpose
of disturbing, from their lurking places, the wild and savage tenantry of the place.
The result was immediately seen ; for one of the party shouted out " a Tiger ! a
Tiger ! " and fired upon it, when they all immediately recognized a large royal
Tiger, that turned his eyes upon his enemies, and paralyzed them with a dreadful
roar, as he doubled the angle of the mountain, in proceeding to his lair. This,
unfortunately, lay directly upon the path by which they had ascended the moun-
tain, and being the only safe road by which they could descend the eminence, the
Tiger's position cut off their retreat. Recovering a little from their consternation,

CONFLICT WITH A TIGER ON THE MALABAR COA3T. 407

Bateman and Murray proposed to attempt their escape in another direction :
while Turner, more courageous, was for facing the foe, and offered to fire upon
the Tiger if his companions would load their pieces. Mr. Turner had barely
secured a favourable position for the attack, as his eye met that of the Tiger, who
with an amazing bound and dreadful roar sprang up the cliff to meet him. The
assailant fired, and the Tiger fell, tumbling down the rock he had ascended with
so much agility ; but, recovering himself, the monster made a second spring, with
a roar of agonized fury, when he received Mr. Turner's second ball, which
tumbled him again backwards. Thrice again the Tiger returned to the charge,
more infuriated from the effects of each successive shot ; when Mr. Turner's
companions called out that the ammunition was expended, and advised their
escape by the back of the mountain. Against this he remonstrated, from his
own perilous position, and urged them to stand by him, but they were deaf to all
remonstrance, and disgracefully left him to the fury of the Tiger, whose near
approach was announced by a roar more terrific than any he had previously
uttered. Mr. Turner had but a moment to place himself in a posture of defence,
when the infuriated animal sprung at him, and received the bayonet into his
chest, up to the muzzle of the musket. In the attempt to disengage the bayonet
from the Tiger's chest, however, it unfortunately became separated from the
musket, which Mr. Turner instantly clubbed, and with every energy that fear
and courage could supply, he struck the Tiger with such force as slightly to
fracture his skull ; whilst the firelock was broken, by the blow, into three pieces.

Up to that moment, the hardy soldier had not received a single scratch, though
he had inflicted many severe wounds upon his adversary ; but his present position
was the extreme of peril, being unarmed and completely defenceless before an
enraged Tiger, whose wounds appeared to make him the more dreadfully infuriate.
The Tiger sprung at the head of his victim, and immediately brought him to the
ground, and, seizing Mr. Turner by the right shoulder, he lifted him from the
ground with a furious shake, tearing his body across the loins, from side to side.
In a very short period thirty-three wounds were inflicted upon the body of Mr.
Turner, whilst his garments, which were a sort of undress of light calico, were
torn to shreds and drenched in blood : indeed, all that remained of his dress upon
the mangled body, were the waistband of the pantaloons and the collar of his
shirt. Though thus dreadfully mutilated, shaken, and torn, by the savage beast,
Mr. Turner had the presence of mind to fix his grasp in a wound which one of
the muskets balls had made in the neck of the Tiger, and tore out a quantity of
ragged flesh from the interior of the wound. From the pain thus inflicted upon
the Tiger, he uttered a tremendous roar, which was distinctly heard into the
camp, a mile distant, and then took his departure.

498 LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

For some moments Mr. Turner lay upon the rock insensible ; but a voice from
two Europeans, exclaiming, " Turner's killed !" roused him, and, jumping up on
his feet, he cried out, " I'm worth twenty dead men yet ! " — Being taken into the
camp, his wounds were carefully examined and dressed, and happily pronounced
not mortal. The result justified the decision, for, by careful treatment, Mr. Tur-
ner so far recovered as to be able to re-visit the scene of the battle, in about a
month from the period when it took place. The dead body of the Tiger was
found, the morning after the affray, upon the bank of a small rivulet, whither
he had gone to quench his thirst. Mr. Turner very naturally observes, that the
recollection of this perilous conflict, though more than thirty years have now
rolled over since its occurrence, is still frequently attended with mingled emotions
of wonder and terror.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

Messrs. Longman & Co. announce that they have in the press a work entitled
Sketches of Natural History, by Charles Waterton, Esq., the well-known
author of Wanderings in South America. — Mr. T. Gisborne, M.A., has published
Considerations on Modern Theories of Geology (London : Cadell, 1837), which we
may perhaps be able to notice further on a future occasion.

END OP THE SECOND VOLUME.

INDEX.

ORIGINAL PAPERS.

Page.
On the LemurUhe, or Lemur Family 1

Description of the Muscular Apparatus of the
Wings of Birds. By W. MacGillivray.A.M.,
F.K.S.E., M.W.S 13

Notes on the Amarce. By Peter RYLANDS.Esq. 20

An Explanation of the Latin Names of British
Birds. By the Rev. F. O. Morris, B.A 21

A Catalogue of, and Remarks on, the Medicinal
Plants found principally in the neighbourhood
of York. ByE 30

The Sense of Smell in Carrion Birds. By the
Rev. F.O. Morris, B.A 34

Habits of the Fitchet Weasel ( Mil stela pulorius,
Linn.). By Mr. W. R. Scott. 35

Period of the Arrival of Birds of Passage. By
Mr. Edward Blyth 37

On the Impropriety of placing the Columbidce in
the order Rasores. By Mr. Thomas Allis. . . 57

The Naturalist abroad. By Edwin Lees, F.L.S.,
M.E.S.L 62

Papilio podalirius a British/Insect, By the Rev.
F. 0. Morris, B.A 69

An Explanation of the Latin Names of British
Birds. By the Rev. Francis Orpen Morris,
B.A., M.O.S.L., Hon. M. Ashmol. Soc., &c. . . 70

The Charms of a Natural Aviary. By Mr. Ed-
ward Blyth 77

Leicestershire Flora. By the Rev. Andrew
Bloxam 79

Some Account of Tripluena Jimbrku By the
Rev. F. 0. Morris, B.A.,&c 83

Notes on the Laridce. By Mr. Beverley R.
Morris 85

A Botanical Tour in Herefordshire, Monmouth-
shire, and South Wales. By Edwin Lees,
F.L.S., M.E.S.L 115

A New System of Nomenclature, illustrated by
a List of British Birds. By the Rev. F. O. Mor-
ris, B.A 122

Notes on the Species and Varieties of Pontia. By
Pbter Rylands, Esq 127

Ornithological Notes. By Mr. Beverley R.
Morris. 130

On the Caterpillar of the Gwt Moth. By E. . . . 131

Leicestershire Flora. By the Rev. Andrew
Bloxam 132

On the Organ of Self-preservation in Animals.
By J. Vimont, M.D 136

Page.

Addenda to the Explanation of the Names of
British Birds. By the Rev. F. Orpkn Mor-
ris, B.A 140

Habits of the Common Avocet (Avocelta alrica-
pilla). By Robert Mudie 112

Catalogue of the Mammalia, Birds, Reptiles, and
Amphibians found in Dorsetshire. By J. C.
Dale, Esq., A.M., F.L-S ....... 171

On the Decrease of the Oak in Great Britain.
By Mr J.E.Davis 183

On the Lemurida?, or Family of Lemurs 189

A Botanical Tour in Herefordshire, Monmouth-
shire, and South Wales. By Edwin Lues,
F.L.S., M.E.S.L., &c 204

A Chapter on the Varieties of Animals. By the
Rev. F. O. Morris, B. A., M.O.S.L 208

Remarks on the Natural History of the Central
Portion of the Transition Range of the South
of Scotland, in which arise the Sources of
the Tweed. By W. MacGillivray, A.M.,
F.R.S.E., M.W.S 227

Notes on the Amarce. By Pbter Rylands, Esq. 240

A List of Plants collected near Liverpool, in the
Summer of 1836. By Mr. T. B. Hall 210

Some Observations on the Smaller British Birds.
By Neville Wood, Esq 251

A Botanical Tour in Herefordshire, Monmouth-
shire, and South Wales. By Edwik Lkks,
F.L.S., M.E.S.L 254

Rough Memoranda concerning sundry Reptiles,
Fishes, and Molusca, natives of the County of
York. By Peter Murray, M.D 285

A Commentary on Nos. vii. and viii. of "The
Naturalist" (The Lemurs' Mode of taking
Food. — Specific Distinctions..— Fitchet and Er-
mine Weasels. — Occurrence of Papilio podali-
rius in Britain. — On removing Columbidce from
Rasores, and general Observations on Classi-
fication.— The Skua mentioned at p. 86, pro-
bably L. Rieliardsonii, and not L. parasiticus
— Distribution of the Com Bunting in Britain.
—Does the Locustell run or hop f— The Dif-
ference between Budytesflava and B. neglecta.
— Song of the Crossbill.— Occurrence of the
Yellow-rimmed Albatross near Gainsborough.
—Hawking with the Golden Eagle, Erne, &c.
— Missel Thrush singing on the wing. — Black-
cart Fauvet darting into the Air after Insects.

500

INDEX.

Page.
—Origin of the Name "Stock Pigeon.") By
Mr. Edward Blyth 288

A Botanical Tour in Herefordshire, Monmouth-
shire, and South Wales. By Edwin Lees,
F.L.S., M.E.S.L 295

On Scientific Nomenclature and Classification,
illustrated by an Arrangement of the British
Falconidce. By R. H. Sweeting, Surgeon.. 302

Some Account of Glanville'sWootton, the Resi-
dence of J. C. Dale, Esq., A.M., F.L.S. By
the Rev. F. 0. Morris, B.A 306

On the Flight of GuUs. By Mr. W. H. Ben-
shed 30/

Notes on the Cirl Bunting. By Mr. Edward
Blyth 341

A few Observations on the genus Orgyia. By
Mr. G. C. Gascoyne ' 343

On Vegetable Nutrition. By E 345

On the Philoprogenitiveness of the Cat By
W. R. Scott, C.M.E.P.S 346

Catalogue of Birds found in Lancashire. By
Peter Rylands, Esq 349

Some Account of the Sibilous Locustell, or
" Grasshopper Warbler." By Neville
■Wood, Esq 357

Notes on the Natural History of North America.
By Edward Doubleday, C.M.E.S 397

On the Vital Motions of the Fluids of Plants.
By Edwin Lankester, M.R.C.S 401

The Valley of Knill. By Mr. J. E. Davis 405

Catalogue of Coleopterous Insects of Dorset-
shire. By James Charles Dale, Esq.,
A.M., F.L.S 408

Nidification of the Goldcrested Kinglet. By the
Rev. R. P. Alinoton 416

Remarks relative to the Economy of Cossus lig-
niperda. By Mr. R. H. Cowlinshaw 417

On the Mealy Liunet (Linaria cancsccns). By
Mr. Edward Blyth 453

Some Account of the Principal Works on Zoo-
logy and Botany. By Neville Wood, Esq.,
and Edwin Lankester, M.R.C.S 462

On the Organ of Marriage in Man and other
Animals. By Joseph Vimont, M.D 472

Account of a Visit to Knowsley, the seat of the
Earl of Derby. By a Member of the Bri-
tish Association 476

A Chapter on the Varieties of Animals. By the
Rev. F. O. Morris, B.A 479

CORRESPONDENCE.

Papilio podaliriut a British Insect, Thomas Allis,
38; Notice of the Discovery of a New Insect,
Acosmetia Morrisii, Rev. F. O. Morris, 88;

New Methodof capturing Moths, &c, P.J.Selby*
Esq., F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.W.S., 147 ; Difference
between Amber and Copal, J. L. Levison, 211 ;
Legend of the Bloody Stones, Id., 212 ; Back-
wardness of the Season, Edwin Lees, F.L.S. ,
M.E.S. 213 ; On the Management of this Maga-
zine, Id., 214 ; Remarks on the " British Song
Birds," Peter Rylands, Esq., 259; Backward-
ness of the Spring of 1837, Id., 260 ; Cause of
Blight in Trees, G , 261; Difference be-
tween the Wood of Trees which have died, and
that of those which have been felled, Edwin
Lankester, M.R.C.S., 309; Distinctions between
Querctts pcdunculata and Q. scssilijlora, Id., 309 '
On the Turnip Fly, B. R. Morris, 310; Dis-
tribution of the Corn Bunting in England, Rev.
F. O. Morris, B. R. Morris, and J. D. Salmon,
311-12; Some Account of a Wasp's Nest taken near
Campsall Hall, E. Lankester, M.R.CS., 312'
Which are the Best Works in the Several Depart-
ments of Natural , History ? Charles Hanway,
Esq., 359; Derivation and Accentuation of Ve-
ronica, Edwin Lees, F.L.S., M.E.S., 418 ; Anec
dote of a Dog, Id., 420 ; Scarcity of the Feathered
Tribes at Aberystwith, Id., 421 ; Which are the
Best Works on Geology ?, J. B. Tatdm, 481; On
Magazines of Natural History and Transactions
of Societies, Id., 481.

CHAPTER OF CRITICISM.

Hints on the conducting of Periodicals, H. E. H.,
88 ; Distribution of the Corn Bunting in England,
Chablks Liverpool, M.D., 90; Malachius ru-
ficollis, Panz., and M. bipunctatus, Bab., J. C.
Dale, Esq., A.M., F.L.S., 148 ; Sense of Smell in
Carrion Birds, B. R. Morris, 149; One or Two
Criticisms, Rev. F. O. Morris, 149; Some ob-
servations on Ananchitet and Spatangus, E.
ChaRLESWorth, F.G.S., 215; Discovery of Cin
clidium stygium in Britain, R. Leyland, 216;
Music of Snails, Rev. F. 0. Morris, 262 ; Re-
marks on Mr. Joseph Clarke's Notes on the
Crossbill, Id., 262 ; Sir J. E. Smith, and not Dr.
Latham, the Founder of the Lin na»an Society, J.
C. Dale, Esq., A.M., F.L.S., 264 ; Mi stake in a
Review of Hewitson's " British Oology," J. D.
Salmon, 313 ; Classification of the Falcon family
by the length of the Wing Primaries, Rev. F. O.
Morris, 314 ; Origin of the name Fringitta eoz-
lebs, Id., 314 ; the Name " Ivy Wren," as applied
to Anorthura troglodytes, Id., 314; On Faunas
and Floras, in general and particular, Peter
Rylands, Esq., 361 ; Scarcity of the Garden Ou-
zel near Warrington, Id., 361; Doncaster Ly-

INDEX.

501

ceum, Edward Sheardown, 362; Observations
on " The Naturalist," pattim, EDWIN Lebs,F.L.S.,
M.E.S., 363 ; Backwardness of the Spring of 1837,
/d.,364; Doncaster Lyceum, &c, Id., 366; Con-
cerning two Errors in a Review of Hewitson's
" British Oology,'' W. C. Hewitson, 386; " For
Many Years Past," Rev. F. 0. Morris, 367; Ha-
bits of the Wagtails, J. D. Salmon, 422; Struc.
ture of the Kingfisher's Nest, Id., 423 ; Does the
Hooded Crowbreed in Lincolnshire ? Id., 423;
Nullification of the Golden-crowned Kinglet, James
Dillon, 482.

PROCEEDINGS OF NATURAL HIS-
TORY SOCIETIES.

St. James's Ornithological Society, 39; Royal
Asiatic Society, 39; Horticultural Society, 40;
Linmean Society, 40; Zoological Society, 41;
Entomological Society, 42; Botanical Society,
42; Id., 90; Zoological Society, 91; Horti-
cultural Society, 92; Entomological Society,
92; Geological Society, 92; St. James's Or-
nithological Society, 94; Geological Society,
151; Natural History Society of Athens, 152;
Horticultural Society, 153; Linnean Society,
154; Royal Geographical Society, 154; Zoolo-
gical Society, 154 ; Ornithological Society of Lon-
don, 155; Zoological Society, 217; Botanical So-
ciety, 219; Medico-Botanical Society, 219; Geo-
logical Society, 264 ; Zoological Society, 265 ; Ash-
molean Society of Oxford, 266 ; Shropshire and
North Wales Natural History and Antiquarian
Society, 267 ; Doncaster Lyceum, 268 ; Zoological
Society, 315; Botanical Society, 316; Horticul-
tural Society, 316; Entomological Society, 316;
Zoological Society, 369; Royal Society, 369;
Horticultural Society, 373 ; Geological Society,
445 ; Botanical Society, 447 ; Horticultural So-
ciety, 448 ; Zoological Society, 483 ; Entomolo-
gical Society, 484 ; Horticultural Society, 485.

EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREIGN
PERIODICALS.

Zoology — On the genera Dipu* and Gerbillut, 43 ;
Observations on a species of Fox inhabiting the
Desert of Sahara, 43 ; On Parasitic Larvae, 44 ;
Notes on Viviparous Serpents, 44 ; True Cause of
the Sound produced by Insects in flying, 45 ; the
Chigger Flea, 96 ; Organs of Sensation of Pentai-
toma tomioidet, 97; Antediluvian Blatla, 98;
Leeches'and Reptiles of Chili, 98; Spirula Pe-
rmit, 99 ; Parmacella, 99 ; Observations on the
Kangaroos, 155 ; Monograph of the Arvicules of
Liege, 156 ; New Instance of a Shower of Toads,
156; Remarkable Instance of Intelligence in s

Dog, 157; Structure of Teeth, 157; Nature of
Dartoid Tissue, 158; Specific Characters of the
large Cetacea or Whales, 158; On the Migrations
of North American Birds, 270; do., concluded, 317;
Reptiles of Barbary, 318; On the Lammer Geyer,
319; Propagation of Spiders, 320; On the genus
Pagurut, &c, 374 ; Observations on Helmintho-
logy, 375 ; On a Peculiar Human Race of the
Atlas, 376; Formation of Spiders* Webs, 376;
Mode of Attack and Defence employed by Spi-
ders, 377 ; On the genus Pagurus, 485.

Botany. — Synopsis of the Jungermannice of Ger-
many and the neighbouring Countries, 46 ; Repro.
duction of Algae, 99 ; " Mantissa Muscorum ad
Floram Pedemontanam," 159 ; Rhizobotrya, a New
Genus of Plants in the German Flora, 160 ; On
Lythrum alternifolium, 272 ; Organography of the
Cittacea, 321 ; Botanical Geography of Switzer-
land, 377; Phanerogamous Plants naturalised
near Montpellier, 487.

Geology. — Fossil Flora of Silesia, 46 ; Interesting
Phenomena relative to Ananchitet and Spatangus,
100; On the Basilosaurus, a New Genus of Sau-
lian Fossil, discovered in America, 160; Fossil
Bones found near the Jamna, in India, 321.

CHAPTER OF MISCELLANIES.

Zoology. — The Brake Nightingale breeding in Con-
finement, 52 ; Departure of the Chimney Swallow
in 1836,52; Peewit Lapwing, 52; Anecdote of a
Shetland Pony, 52; Robin Redbreast with the
Mandibles of the Bill crossed, 53 ; the Birds of
Scotland in the Winter of 1836—7, 53; Capture of
the Jer Falcon near York, 53 ; Singular Locality
for the Common Conger, 53 ; Distribution of the
Corn Bunting in Britain, 54 ; Early Singing Birds,
64; Distribution of the Golden-crowned Kinglet
in England, 54; Partial Migration of the Sky Lark,
54 ; Notes on the Duck family, 55 ; Backwardness
of the Spring of 1837, 101 ; Plumage of the Warb-
lers, 101 ; Wanton Destruction of Swallows, 102;
Early Nidification of the Robin Redbreast, 102 ;
Hipparchiablandina, five specimens taken in 1836,
102 ; Instance of the Attachment of the Sky Lark
to its Oflspring, 102 ; the Italian Glow-worm, 103 ;
Burrowing of the Mole, 103 ; Spring Oatear in Nor-
folk, 103; Common Crossbill, 103; the Yellow-
nosed Albatross a British Bird, 104 ; Song of tha
Sky Lark, 104; Chace of the Wild Boar, 104; Dis-
position of the Robin Redbreast, 105 ; Period of
Arrival ef the Garden Fauvet, 105; Song of
the Missel Thrush, 105 ; Preservation of Zoological
Specimens, 105 : Missel Thrush singing on the
Wing, 106 ; Hawking with the Golden Eagle, 106 ;

502

INDEX.

Entomological Bibliography, 106 ; Dark-legged War-
bler, 106; Habits of the Sand Pigeon, 107 ; Organ-
ization of the Common Cuckoo, 107 ; Antipathy of
Cats to Water, 162 ; Capture of the Jer Falcon in
Yorkshire, 163; Cunning of the Sparrow Hawk,
163; Shower of Worms, 163; Mortality among
Birds, 163; Notes of the Common Cuckoo, 163;
Nest of the Sibilous Locustell, 164 ; the CM
Bunting in Yorkshire, 164; the Fuscous Gull
near Doncaster, 164 ; Pieces of Paper found in
the Stomach of a Trout, 164; On Pinioning
Anatidce in Confinement, 164; Vanessa urticee
seen in Stormy Weather, 165 ; the Sibilous Locus,
tell in the North of England, 165; Migratory Birds,
165; Expedition to" Algeria, 166; Arrivals of Birds,
166; Scarcity of the House Sparrow nearDoncaster,
166; Feathered Miners, 166; Common Squirrel,
166; Camberwell Beauty, 166; Method of arrang-
ing an Oological Cabinet, 167 ; Little Plover, 167;
the Spring of 1837, 167; a Dog suckling Lambs,
168 ; Distinctions between the Sandpipers and the
Tringas, 168; Note of the Corn Crake, 169 ; Occur-
rence of the Cirl Bunting in Yorkshire, 221 ; Sup-
posed Backwardness of the Present Season, 221 ;
Papilio podalirius a British Insect, 222 ; Anecdote
of Parental Affection in the House Sparrow, 222;
Arrival of the Yellow Wagtail and Common Swift
in the North, 222 ; Comparative Karity of the Stone
Chat in Norfolk in 1837, 222; Capture of a Shark
on the British Coast, 222; Piebald Rook, 223;
Live Rat embedded in Stone, 223 ; Singular Pro.
pensity in a Cow,223 ; New Silkworm, 223; A Cat
suckling a Rat, 223; Hybernation of Bees, 224;
Value of Faunas, 224; Temerity of the House
Swallow, 273; Nest of the Common Kingfisher,274 ;
the Name "Garden Thrush,'' as applied to Turdus
musieus, 274 ; Nest of the Yellow Bunting Seven
Feet from the Ground, 274 ; Nest of a Blue Tit in-
closed in the Trunk of an Oak, 274 ; Wood Snipe
carrying its Young in its Bill, 275 ; the Egyptian
Goose, the Blue-throated Fantail, and the Wood
Snipe's Nest, found in Dorsetshire, 275 ; Utility of
the Hedge Urchin, 275 ; Instinct of Birds, 275 ; Re-
lationship of the Dipper to the Ouzels, 276 ; Dis-
tribution of the Cirl Bunting in England, 276;
Cranes and Crabs on the Coast of Chili, 277 ; Hive
of Bees swarming three times in eleven Days, 277;
Remarkably large Trout, 277 ; On separating the
Pigeon family from Jiasorcs, and the Plover family
from Qrallatoret, 277 ; Ornithological Notes, 322 ;
Egg of the Ortolan Bunting, 323 ; New Fox from
Algiers, 323 ; The Cratcrince indigenous to Britain,
323; the Cinereous Sea-eagle a Straggler in York-
shire, 324 ; Collection of Shells purchased, by the
British Museum, of W. J. Brodkrip, Esq., 321;

Comparative Insensibility of Fishes and Insi.rts.
324 ; Yellow-breasted Warbler, 325 ; Singular
Growth of the Teeth of a Rabbit, 325 ; the Field-
fare Thrush breeding in Scotland, 326 ; Mortality
among Birds, 327 ; Robin Redbreast with White
Wings, 327 ; the Siskin breeding in Scotland, 328 ;
Grey Linnet with a white Ring round the Neck ,
328; Sensibility of Canary-birds to Noxious Air,
328 ; Does the Rook Crow imitate the Notes of the
Daw Crow ?, 328 ; Situation of the Swallow's Nest,
829; Osprey taken near Flamborough , 329 ; In-
stances of the Capture of the Red-footed Falcon in
the British Islands, 329 ; Swarm of Flies at Red-
ruth, 329; Number of Eggs of the Longtailed Tit,
330 ; Sir J. E. Smith on the Importance of Facts in
Natural History, 330; Interesting Habit noticed
in the Whin Chat, 330 ; Aporus bicolor, 330 ; Is
the "Soldier-insect" commonly Carnivorous ?, 331 ;
the Peregrine Falcon near Scarborough, 331 ; Grey
Flycatcher's Mode of taking its Food, 331 ; Uses
of the Sheep, 332 ; Mistake respecting the Generic
Name Ceplms, 333 ; Notice respecting Libcllula
Sparshalli, 333 ; the Garden Fauvet near Scarbo-
rough , 333 ; Irish Hare, 333 ; Notes on the Thrushes,
334; the Sibilous Locustell in the Vicinity of Scar-
borough; 335 ; Hedge-hog's Method of Feeding,
379 ; the European Dipper near Scarborough, 379 ;
Museum of Boulogne, 379 ; Penthophera nigricans
380 ; the Redpoll Linnet scratching in the Manner
of the Rasores, 380; Some Account of the Ortolan
Bunting, 380; Swallows issuing out of Grasmere
Lake, 381; Distinctions between the Coal and
Marsh Tits, 38] ; Comparative Distribution of the
Buntings, 382 ; Propriety or otherwise of the
Name Budi/tes, 382; the last Swallow in Surrey in
1836, 382; Missel Thrush in a Shower of Rain,
382; Black Rat at Yarm, 382; Robin Redbreast
on the Sea-coast, 382; Ferret Weasel suckling a
Kitten, 382; Capture of Whales^in 'Orkney, 383;
Black Variety of the Rabbit, 383 ; Singular Habit
noticed in the Whin Chat, 383; Hawking with the
Rock Gossak, 384 ; Instinct of Animals, 384; the
Hobby Falcon near Scarborough, 384; Turkey-
Pheasant, 385 ; Wryneck's Mode of Feeding, 385 ;
Egyptian Goose, 385 ; Relative Abundance of the
Warblers in Norfolk, 385 ; Siskin Goldwing, 385 ;
Observations on the House Sparrow, 386; Sphinx
Daphne, 386 ; Common Kingfisher, 386 ; Proposed
Work on American Skulls, 387 ; Occurrence of the
Grey Shrike near Scarborough, 388 ; Relative
Abundance of the Warblers in Surrey, 388 ; Wan-
derings and Ponderings of an Insect-hunter, 388 ;
Organization of the Oran Outan, 389 ; the Red
Squirrel a Carnivorous Animal, 449 ; Nest of Veipa
Britavnica, 430; Engraving of the Cirl Bunting,

INDEX.

603

150 ; a Live Toad embedded fan Stone, 450; Extra-
ordinary Fowl's Egg, 450 ; Portland Veneer, 451 .
Black Variety of the Hare, 451 ; Engraving of the
Common Kingfisher, 451 ; the King Pigeon, 488 ;
Substitute for Cork-lining in Entomological Cabi-
nets, 488; Large Ray, 489; Hybrid between a
Lion and a Tiger, 489; Notice respecting the
Whiteheaded Osprey, 489 ; Lamb without a Head,
489 ; Starling with an elongated Upper Mandible,
489; Cross between a Cock Pheasant and a Grey
Hen, 489; White Varieties of the Partridge, 490 ;
White-headed Osprey, 490; Insect Food, 490; the
Garden Ouzel crowing like a Cock, 491 ■ Cram/tut
argyreus, 491 ; Crambns margaritellus, 491 ; Num-
ber of Eggs of the Starling, 491 ; Eggs of the Wood
Lark, 491.

Botany.— Rare Flowering Plants found near Don-
caster, 55; (Enothera speciosa, 108; Agaricus co-
chteatus, 108; Additions to Cooper's "Flora
Metropolitana," 108; Addendum to the Paper
on the Medicinal Plants of Yorkshire (p. 30),
108; Query respecting the British Species of
Nuts, 169; Veronica, its Derivation, and how pro-
nounced ?. 169 ; the Fluid absorbed by the Spon-
gioles of Plants, how conveyed to the Leaves ?, 225 ;
Dates of the Appearance'of a few common Flowers
in the Springs of 1836—7, 225; the Wood of Trees
which have died, and that of those which have
been felled, is there any Difference between ?, 225 ,
Backwardness of the lnte Spring, 278 ; Derivation
and Accentuation of Veronica, 278 ; Venerable
Elm, 278 ; Foliage of the Oak, 278 ; Remarkably
large Poplar, 278; Rise of Sap in Plants, 335;
Mushrooms, 390; Extraordinary Fungus, 390-
Large Fungus, 390; Manure for Grapes and As-
paragus, 390 ; Fuchsia fulgens, 492 ; the Tea Tree,
492; Enormous Turnip, 492; a Fact for Natu-
ralists, 492 ; Victoria rcgaiis, 492,

Geology and Mineralogy — Analysis of a Mineral
Substance from a Calcareous Rock near Ghasni, in
India, 50 ; Singular Fact regarding the Road from
Shoreditch to Newington, 169; Geological Con-
struction of Asia Minor, 169; Silex, 170; Test for
distinguishing Amber and Copal, 278 ; Insects in
Copal, 279; Edible Earth, 390; Remarkable Ca-
verns, Geology, &c, in Brazil, 492.

REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

A Synopsis of the Birds of Australia and the adja-
cent Islands, by John Gould, F.L.S., Part I„
47 ; Contribution to a Natural and Economical
History of the Coco-nut Tree, by Henry Mar-
shall, 47; A History of British Quadrupeds, by

Thomas Bull, F.R.S., F.L.S., Part vii., 19 ; The
Ornithological Guide, by C. T. Wood, jun., (Esq.,
50; The Naturalist's Library, Vol. VI., Ordinary
Cetacea or Whales, 51 ; Magazine of Zoology and
Botany, conducted by Sir W. Jardine, Bart., P.
J. Selby, Esq., and Dr. Johnston, No. v., 51 ;
The Analyst, edited by William, Holl, F.G.S.,
and Neville Wood, Esq., No. xix., 51 ; The
Naturalist's Library, Vol. VII., Birds of Western
Africa, by W. Swainson, Esq., A.C.G., F.R.S.,
M.W.S., 109; British Oology, by W. C. Hewit-
son, Nos. xxx. and xxxi., 112 ; A Nomenclature of
British Birds, by Henry Doubleday, 160; Sa-
cred Philosophy of the Seasons, Vol. II., Spring,
Vol. III.. Summer, by the Rev. Henry Dun-
can, D.D., 225; The Botanist, conducted by B.
Maund, F.L.S., assisted by Prof. Henslow, Nos.
far. and v., 226; An Analysis of the British Ferns
and their Allies, by G. W. Francis, 226 ; A His.
tory of British Birds, by W. MacGillivray,
A.M., F.R.S.E., M.W.S., Vol. I., 279; A History
of British Birds, by William Yarrell, F.L.S.,
Sec. Z. S., Part i., 281 ; Supplement to the Flora
Metropolitana, by Daniel Cooper, A.L.S., 282;
Journal of a Horticultural Tour through Ger-
many, Belgium, and Part of France, in the Au-
tumn of 1835, by James Forbes, A.L.S., 282; A
Guide to an Arrangement of British Insects, by
John Curtis, F.L.S., 336 ; British Oology, by
W. C. Hewitson, Nos. xxxii. and xxxiii., 337;
The Language of Birds, by Mrs. G. Spratt, 339 ;
A History of British Bird-", by W. Yarrell,
F.L.S., Secretary Z.S., part ii., 397; A His-
tory of British Quadrupeds, by Thomas Bell,
F.R.S., F.L.S., Part xi., 392; The Entomo-
logical Magazine, Nos. xix. and xx.,393; Bib-
liotheque Universelle de Geneve, No. xvii., 394 .
Annales des Sciences Naturelles, 394 ; On the Na-
tural History and Classification of Birds, by W.
Swainson, A.C.G., F.R.S., F.L.S., Vol. II., 494 ;
Catalogue of the Cellulares or Flowerless Plants
of Great Britain, by W. A . Leighton, B.A. ,
F.B.S.E., 495; A Catalogue of the South African
Museum, 495 ; The Entomological Magazine, Nc.
xxi., 495 ; Address of Earl Stanhope, President
of the Medico-Botanical Society, for the Anniver-
sary Meeting, Jan. 16, 1837, 496.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

MacGillivray's History of British Birds, Vol. I.,
226; Forbes* Horticultural Tour through Ger-
many, &c., 226 ; Annual Report of the Shropshire
and North Wales Natural History and Antiqua-
rian Society, 226 ; Gould's Birds of Europe, Part
xxii., 340; Swainson 's Birds of Western Africa,
Vol.TI., tSS; Entomological Magazine, No. xxi.,452;

504

INDEX.

Tilrr's History of Birds, Beasts, Fishes, Insects,
&c, 462 ; Address of Earl Stanhope to the Medico-
Botanical Society, 452; Waterton's Essays on
Natural History, 498; Gisborne's Considera-
tions on Modern Theories of Geology, 498.

MISCELLANEOUS.

S ome Account of Professor Blumknbach, 395.
Conflict with a Tiger on the Malabar Coast, 496.

OBITUARY.

John Latham, M.D., F.R.S., F.A.S., F.L.S.,56,
283; Wm. Elford Leach, M.D., 114, 284 ;
Mons. A. L. De Jussieu, 114; Mr. Edward
Turner Bennett, 114; Dr. Thornton, 114 ;
Joseph Sabine, Esq., F.R.S., L.S., H.S., Z.S.,
114; Professor Afzelius, 170,284; Mons. Per-
soon,170; Mr. Edward Donovan, F.L.S., 282,
340; Professor Schrader, 283 ; Mr. Joseph
Standish, 396; Joseph Sparshall, Esq.,
F.L.S., 451 ; James Woodforde, M.D., 452.

LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.

Hand and Foot of Lemur, 5 ; Heads of Lemurs, 6 ; Wings of Pigeons, W. MacGilliyray del., Greenwood,
sc, 14; the Avocet, Greenwood sc, 143; Head and Foot of Avocet, 144; Forehand of Perodicticm Geoffroyi,
196; Head of GcUago, to show the Ears, 197; Hind Foot of Tarsius spectrum, 199 ; Diagram showing the Flight
of Gulls, 308 ; Skull of Rabbit, to show a singular growth of the Teeth, Rev. R. P. Alington del., Boocock. sc,
326; Common Kingfisher, 387; Common Kingfisher, N. Wood, Esq., del., Branston sc, on India paper, opposite
p. 397 ; Cirl Bunting, E. Blyth del., Branston sc, on India paper, opposite p. 397 ; Diagrams shewing the
Course of the Fibres in the stems of Palms, 433 ; Diagrams illustrating certain experiments on the wood of Elm
trees, 433; Mealy Linnet and Redpoll Linnet, E. Blyth del., Branston sc, on India paper, opposite p. 453 ;
Diagram showing the Organ of Marriage in Man, 474.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.

Alington, the Rev. R. P., Swinhope House, Lincolnshire, 166, 274, 322, 325, 327, 416.
Allis, Thomas, York, 38, 58, 57, 163, 274, 488.
Benshed, W. H., Maidstone, 307.

Bloxam, the Rev. Andrew, Atherston, Leicestershire, 79, 132.

Blyth, Edward, North Brixton, Surrey, 37, 77, 101, 102, 105, 164, 221, 288, 341, 382, 385, 388, 453.
Brer, the Rev. W. T., Allesley Rectory, Warwickshire, 102.
Charlesworth, Edward, F.G.S., London, 215.
Cowlishaw, R. H., Nottingham, 417.

Dale, James Charles, Esq., A.M:,F.L.S., Glanville's Wootton, Dorsetshire, 87, 148, 171, 222,261,275,823,
330, 333, 380, 385, 386, 408, 451, 491.
Davis, James Edward, Presteign, Radnorshire, 183, 405.
Dillon, James, 482.
E., York, 30, 108, 131, 278, 327, 329, 345.

G .East Drayton, Nottinghamshire, 261.

Gascoyne, G. C, Doncaster, 343.

Hall, T. B., Woodside, Liverpool, 169, S46.

Hanway, Charles, Esq., Alton Hall, Gloucestershire, 359.

Hawkridge, Patrick, Scarborough, 324, 329, 331, 333, 336, 379, 382, 384, 388, 489.

H. E. H., 88.

Hewitson, William C, Derby, 54, 101, 328, 366.

INDEX. 505

Lankestm, Edwin, M.R.C.S., Campsall, near Doncaster, 273, 309,312, 401, 470.

Less, Edwin, F.L.S., M.E.S.L., Dryadville Cottage, near Worcester, 62, 115, 103,204,213,251,205, 3C, 382.
418.

Leyison, J. L., Doncaster, 211,279.

Leyland, R., Halifax, 216.

Liverpool, Charles, M.D., Bristol, 90,10-1.

Member of the British Association, 476.

MacGillivray, William, A.M., F.R.S.E., M.W.S., Edinburgh, 13, 53, 227.

Menteath, Jambs Stuart, Esq., Closeburn Hall, Dumfriesshire, 52.

Mkynell, Thomas, jun., Esq., Yarm, 379, 383.

Mineralogist, London, 279.

Morris, Beverley R., Dublin, 85, 130, 149, 165, 168, 221, 225, 310,311.

Morris, the Rev. Francis Orpen, B.A., M.O.S.L., Doncaster, 24, 34, 53, 69, 70, 83, 88, 122, 140, 147, 149,
164, 165, 166, 167, 169, 208, 222, 224, 225, 262, 276, 305, 311, 314, 330, 331, 367, 382, 489.

Mudie, Robert, 142.

Murray, Peter, M.D., Scarborough, 285.

R., Doncaster, 384.

Rylands, Peter, Esq., Bew3ey House, near Warrington, 20, 127, 240, 259, 349, 361, 449.

Salmon, J. D., Thetford, Norfolk, 52, 55, 103, 105, 107, 163, 164, 167, 222, 274, 277, 312, 313, 323, 329, 330, 379»
380, 381 , 385, 386, 422, 491.

Scott, W. R., Doncaster, 35, 55, 328, 336, 346.

Selby, Prideaux John, Esq., F R.S.E,. F.L.S., Twizell House, Northumberland, 54, 103, 147.

Sheardown, Edward, Doncaster, 362.

Sweeting, R. H., Surgeon, Charmouth, Dorsetshire, 302.

Tatcm, J. B., Lincoln, 451, 481.

T. C. H., Doncaster, 225.

Wood, Neville, Esq., Campsall Hall, Yorkshire, 52, 54, 102, 103, 105, 107, 163, 164, 165, 167, iJ3, 251, 276
324, 331, 334, 357, 381, 382, 383, 385, 386, 450, 462, 491, 492.

ERRATA.

P. 2, 1. 12 from b., for " Semnopitheus ' read '• Semnopithecus."—P. 11, 1. 5 from b., for " Galeopihecus," " Ga-
leopithecus."—P. 18, ). 13 fromb., for " matacarpal," " metacarpal."— P. 22, 1. 20, after " Elyt. striated," add
" the strice punctulate .- /em. glossy black : tib. and tar. dull ferruginous: '—P. 23, 1. 23, for " rib," " tib."—P. 24,
1. 8, for " strice," "fovea:'— P. 24, 1. 8, for " rarely,'' " rather."— P. 24, 1. 19, after " striated" insert " legs, 4 basal
joints of the ant., and base of the pal., ferruginous.,'— P. 26, 1.19, dele "fromthesize of the bird."— P. 26,1. 21, for
" Kofov*?, " Kofwvij." — P- 27j j. 1> insert a period after " Common."— P. 29, L 9 from b., for " ovtac,

<lovgx". — P. 29, 1. 5, f. b., for " cenanthe," "amanthc'—P. 29, b. I, for" ," " rubicola."—P- 42,

1. 2 f. b., for " clilatatum," " dilatatum," and for " libatum" " lobatum."—P. 47, 1. 12 f. b., after' ' obtain" insert

" in."— P. 61, 1. 11 f. b., for " Crucidce," - Cracidce."—P. 71, 1. 7 J. b., for " «TiS,"_" urat. p. 72, 1. 6,

after " Charadrius" insert "Xafaof ;oj.'' — P- 72, 1. 21, for <• afjux" " ai(ju»." — P- 72> •■ 22' for " US°"
" lego."— P. 76, dele L 17.— P. 79, line 12, for " charmcedrys," " chamcedrys."— P. 81, 1. 16 f. b., loT"slyvcstris,''
" sylvestris.'—P. 82, 1. 20, for " tetralis," " tetralix."—P. 82, 1. 22, for '« myrtyllus," " myrtillus."—P. 84, 1. 16,
for '« usual," " unusual,"— P. 84, 1. 8 f. b., after «• mistaken" add "for them."— P. 88, 1. 7, dele " part of the."—
P. 88, 1. 10, for " the icings underneath," " Vie under wings."— P. 88, 1. 19, for " be," " lie."— P. 89, 1. 11, f. b.,
for " combaited," " combated."— P. 108, 1. 10 f. b., for " asynthium," " absynOiium."—P. 118, for " aore,"
'« acre.'— P. 125, 1. 11, for " Prygita," " Pyrgita."—P. 126, 1. 19, for " Aedonis," "Agdon."—P. 132, L 6 f. b.
for " Helleberis," " HeUcborut.'—P. 133, 1. 24, for for "pracox," " prcecox."— P. 134, 1. 13, for" Crepus,""
Crepis." —P. 134, 1. 14, for " Cichoriun," •' Cichorium."—P. 135, 1. 1, for " Lannichettia," " Zannichellia."—
P. 136, 1. 26, for "alia," •' alba."- P. 140, 1. 8, for " n«f xvof ," " n*f xws." — P. 141, 1. 7 f. b., after

No. 15, Vol. II. 3 X

ii**^

5(X5 \>^%^ ERRATA.

' ftovs" add " afoot.' —P. 147, 1. 18, for " cibarium" " cibaria."—P. 149, 1. 6, dele " of— P. 152, 1. 8, f. b.,
for " Siphnas, ' Siphnos."—P 155, 1. 14. after "II. Chester, Esq.," dele •' M.P.-'—P. 160, 1.10 f. b., for
"prove," "proves."— P. 164, 1. 7, for "Slow," " Sloe."— P. 166, 1. 12 f. b., for "bird," " birds.''— P. 170,
and p. 284, for " Azelius" and " Afzaleus," " Afzelius." — P. 177, between 11. 6 and 7, insert "xxxvii. Picus.
Woodpecker."— P. 177, 1. 4 f. b., for " Swalloic," " Swallme family."— P. 183, 1. 7 f. b., for "Tencore,*
" Vicorce."—P. 183, 1. 5 f. b., for " tout," " sont."—P. 192, 1. 14, for " Desmerest," •' Desmarest.'"—P. 194,
1. 15, for "continued" " continual." — P. 205, 1. 4 f. b., and note*, for " Donavan," " Donovan." — P. 212 1. 5,
f. b., for " become," "became."—?. 222,1.2, for"w," " wants."— P. 224, 1. 2, for "faculties," "faculty."—
P. 248, 1. 20, dele " R. mansimus, A. Stewart, Esq."— P. 249, 1. 10, for "five,' "fine."—?. 249, 1. 10 f. b.,
for " Cymbalaria," "A. cymbalaria," and this to come after "A. linaria."—P. 250, 1.12. for " A. hypo-
glottis," " Ornithoptis perpusillus." — P. 250, 1. 13, for " T. ornithopodioides," " Lotus comiculatus." — P. 251,
1. 19, for " limasum," " limosum."—V. 263, 1. 5 f. b., for " are," " is."—V. 280, 1. 21, for "as," " has."— P. 291,
1. 10, for "daplidkB," " daplidicc."—P. 306, 1. 9 f. b., foi " was," " are."— P. 331, 1. 12, for " a," " the."— P. 341,
1. 5 f. b., for " moult," " month.''— P. 404. 1. 3 f. b., for "faitcs," "faite."—P. 408, bottom 1., for " glabriatus,"

" glabratns."—P. 409, 1. 13 f. b., for " thoralhicus," " ihoracicus.'" — P. 409, 1. 6 f. b., for " laxatus,"i," luxatus."
— P. 411, 1.20, for " A-bunctatus," " 4-punctatus." — P. 413, 1. 17, f. b., for " solslitiaUs," " sotstitialis.''—P.
414, fin- '■globulus," " globus." — P. 420, note, 1. 3, for " is so small," " arc so small."— P. 440, 1. 8/or " super-
ciliosu," " snperciliosa."

iv**

•« j» s» i»

3&A1

15 DEC 1884

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